1 – discuss with jake to come up with an EMERGENCY PLAN. in case we are not together or we get separated we should have a meeting spot or safehouse or something so we can wait for the other.

2 – collect all EMERGENCY INFORMATION.  we should both have both sides of our familys’ contact info.  if possible, store that information on our phones, our emails, an online document, a bank, or somplace safe, etc.  that way if something happened to the phone, you can always go online and find it, if you cant connect to the internet, there will be a place to physically find the info.  it’s always good to be safe than sorry.

3 – have an EMERGENCY BAG near the front door/special spot.  in case there is a fire or some type of emergency where you have seconds to get out, you need to have an emergency bag to grab and run.  this bag should contain: a first aid kit, contact info of all family members, hospitals, important copies of documents (medications, medical records, bank accounts, insurance policies, a will, etc) the bible, recent pictures of the household in case someone is missing, and of course water, snacks, blankets, flashlights, matches, umbrella, tissue, extra copy of keys, and much, much more.  you should also have some extra items in your car: thicker blankets, sleeping bags, inflatable raft (sounds funny but if there is a flood this will save lives), flares, canned food, jugs of water, backpacks, shoes, a jacket, and a second backup of everything that should be in the emergency bag left by the door.  **dont forget about your pets!! make sure you have pet food, toys, and a few blankets for them as well.  if you dont already, get them an identification tag on their collar with your contact info.

4 – prepare an “EMERGENCY/DEATH JOURNAL.”  this journal contains full names, DOB, birthplace, family members, wedding date/place, insurance policies, medical records, medications, contact info, maybe some form of an informal will or requests if such events happen.  you should notify at least two trustworthy family members/friends about where this journal is and if they need to know a password for anything.  always update any changes.

5 -INFORM, EDUCATE, AND URGE YOUR LOVED ONES to do the same.  you want to make sure your loved ones are prepared as well and will have some type of plan in case anything shall go wrong.

if there is anything i missed or forgot to add, please leave a comment.  your little suggestion or advice might save lives or make a difference in getting out of harms way.  may all of you stay safe always.