How to Prepare for Common Emergencies in Just A Few Easy Steps

We've all been there. How many times have you encountered one or more of the following?

• Run out of gas
• Your car breaks down in the middle of traffic
• You are out of town and you forgot to pack your precription medication
• You are checking into a hotel and your debit card doesn't work
• Your home has a plumbing emergency

And there are many, many more unexpected, yet usual mishaps that occur on a regular basis. Not only are these situations upsetting, but they seem to catch us off guard each time they happen!

How can YOU prepare for the unexpected? Try these steps and you will find that your emergency will be handled quickly and efficiently, all within a touch of a few buttons.

Steps to Prepare for the Unexpected

1. First and foremost, BUY A CELLPHONE. It doesn't have to be fancy or expensive. A plain jane phone will do that offers local and free long distance calling.

2. Begin saving up so that you have at least $100 to put aside.

3. Ask the bank to convert your $100 into a $100 bill. You are less likely to spend it when it is in a high denomination. - Put this money in your wallet/purse/ or some other place where you will have access to it at all times.

4. Once you have $100, start saving so that you have at least $1000 in a savings account.

5. Link your savings account to your checking account so that if you have a overdraft, it is automatically covered.

6. Begin asking neighbors and friends for home repair referrals and program them in your phone.

7. Exchange all your phone numbers (home/work/cell etc.) with your next door neighbor in case of emergency.

8. Exchange all phone numbers with a couple of trusted friends.

9. Program the following numbers in your cell phone:

10. The direct line and general number to your bank or credit union

11. A cab service

12. A car repair shop

13. Your Doctor(s)

14. ICE numbers (In Case of Emergency numbers such as a relative, roommate or spouse)

15. A Towing Service

16. Your Vet

17. Your Pharmacist or Drug Store

And any other number that might be necessary in an emergency

Once you have completed these tasks, you are now ready to combat common emergencies!

For example, if you are checking into a hotel and your debit card isn't working. You will be able to pay for your night's stay with the $100 cash you have set aside for emergencies. This will give you time to go to your room and call your bank or credit union to iron out the problem. Replenish your $100 as soon as possible!

Your Car Breaks down in traffic - No problem! Call a tow truck that is programmed in your phone and notify the car repair shop that your car is about to be transported for repair.

Stranded? - Call the cab service in your phone and if they don't take credit cards, use the $100 to pay for the fare.

Forgot your Prescriptions and You're Out of Town? Call your pharmacist and ask them to locate a pharmacy near you in your new town where they can call in some medication to tide you over.

You are involved in a car wreck and aren't able to answer questions from emergency personnel: The first thing police officers or ambulatory personnel will do is to check your cell phone for ICE phone numbers and they will call it.

This person will be able to tell them important and pertinent information about you such as:

• Your name, address, hospital choice, doctors and where they can find other information regarding medications taken, allergies to medication and so on.
• This is a very important number to program, so be sure to program it so that when it displays on your phone, it appears like this: ICE Joe Smith.

It could save your life. Easy steps such as these will help make your life's challenges a snap and take the stress out of the situation.

Try it, it works!