2 Simple Steps that Get You & Your Family Prepared for Emergencies

Contributed by Organized A to Z Partner Heidi DeCoux

This is the 6th year that National Preparedness Month (NPM) is a nationwide effort sponsored by the Ready Campaign, with the support of Coalition Members across the US.

Are you prepared?  Here are two simple steps a couple of helpful tips that will make you more prepared in the case of two different types of emergencies.  These 2 simple steps don’t take long to do and can save you a ton of time, money and frustration!  These steps are especially important to take if you travel.

Emergency #1 – Stolen Wallet
Take a few minutes and make a photocopy of everything in your wallet including the front and back of your credit cards and membership cards. Place the copied pages in a manila envelope and mark the envelope “Contents of Wallet” and date it. Place the envelope in your safe deposit box. Mark your calendar for 3 to 6  months’ from now to update your “Contents of Wallet” envelope. Now, if your wallet is lost or stolen you will now know exactly what you lost and whom you need to contact.

Emergency #2 – Flood, Fire or Break In
The best way to prepare for one of these emergencies is to have a safe that is both water and fireproof. You could opt to keep your items in a safe deposit box at the bank, it’s just a bit less accessible than one that is in your home.  Last year there were some flood victims in SE MN who had to work hard to prove they own the property that was destroyed. They lost their mortgage, titles and deeds in the flood. Having your important difficult to replace documents in a safe along with an up to date household inventory (and appraisals or receipts of valuables) can save you quite a bit of time, money and headache if you have a flood, fire or break in.

Take a Household Inventory
Spend a few hours walking around your house with a digital camera and take a photo of all of your belongings. Burn the photos onto a CD or DVD. Make at least three copies. One copy goes in your safe deposit box, one should go to your insurance agent and one to the executor of your Will. If you have appraisals or receipts for any of your valuables, put those in your safe along with your CD or DVD of photos.

Protect Your Family Photos
In the case of a fire or flood you should be focused on getting your family out of the house not your photo albums, however, loosing years and years of precious photos could be devastating.  A simple solution is to have your photo’s scanned and put on DVD’s. Keep one set of DVD’s in your safe, give a set to the executor of your Will and you could give some copies to family members, such as your parents, grown children and siblings.

Another Hot Tip:
Put your cell phone on ICE!  Add a contact to your cell phone and name it: In Case of Emergency.  Then list whom you would want to be contacted in the case you ended up in the hospital.  Hospitals are now checking cell phones for emergency contacts.

By implementing these simple home organization and emergency planning tips you could end up saving yourself a lot of time, energy, money and frustration.  For more helpful tips visit the Ready Campaigns government website at www.ready.gov/america/index.html.

Heidi DeCoux is the publisher of the Life Made Simple E-zine and is a speaker, author, and professional organizer in Minneapolis specializing in home organization.  Heidi energizes her readers’ lives by simplifying their homes and schedules.  For more info, free tips, and to receive her FREE report, The Fast & Easy Way to Get Organized and Stay Organized Forever, visit http://www.HeidiDeCoux.com and discover how to find what you want fast, end the frustration of endless searching for things, so you can spend more time having fun!

Jakoter Health Organizers

Jakoter Health Tag

When it comes to organizing your ever-lasting accumulation of medical documents do you wonder what should I keep, what can I throw or do I need to shred it? Medical information organizing is essential for being prepared for emergencies, as well as for doctor appointments and keeping track of medications and such.

Jakoter Health Organizers, www.jakoterhealthorganizers.com is the solution to getting all your medical information in one central location. These organizers will keep medical information organized, so when needed the information will be ready and available for all doctor appointments, surgeries, tests and those unexpected emergencies. And when you think about it…having your medical information organized and available for the emergency personnel could save yours or your loved ones life!

Jakoter Health Organizer

As well, they help caregivers and parents alike; keep track of medications, how the medications worked and/or if there was a reaction, appointments of all doctors (when, where, who, why, findings and follow up), bills & receipts, blood work, calendar charts, directions, doctor letters, immunizations, major events, and test results. They also include sections for notes, questions/answers, resources, baby milestones and two blank sections to use for whatever you need.

Jakoter Health Organizers offer Medical Information Organizing in many venues to fit your needs. We offer:

*Personal organizing to help you with your own personal medical information with the help of a Jakoter Health Consultant (JHC).

*Classes offered in small groups with hands-on organizing during a follow-up workshop.

*Webinars for those who prefer to learn virtually on how to organize their information. Also, available are webinars for those who would like to learn how to become a Jakoter Health Consultant or would like to teach others how to become a Jakoter Health Consultant.

Jakoter Medic Tag

*Speaking presentations are given to large groups on several different subjects, such as “The Ease and Power of the Health Tag”. Please contact us for more subjects offered.

*Companies who sell products for retail or online, we have great products for you to add to your line of retail and an opportunity for you to make a great profit.

Employers add a great benefit to your health insurance package by adding health organizing products for your employees. Give them the option to purchase at a discounted price or add the products in as a free benefit. Please contact us for details.

If you interested these products or as a small business owner are looking for something new to offer your clients and you would like more information about Jakoter Health Organizers, please contact me at Delight@jakoter.com or 952-297-2827.  I am confident you will be as thrilled about these products as I was the first time I heard about them.

Be Prepared: Focus on Estate Planning

Crucial project…

Focus on the estate…estate planning

Regardless of the unexpected, unpleasant episode that sets ones life in a tail spin, the effect upon the family is always the same. It is devastation and chaos.  Therefore it is necessary to always be PREPARED for the unexpected.   ESTATE PLANNING is not for just the wealthy, nor is it to be addressed after death.

Rather it is a life changing subject to be discussed with all family members while you are alive and well.

After having lost my father 4 years ago, my family and I have been involved in a web of endless, inconclusive legal matters concerning our father’s estate. After nine months of attempting to uncover the truths about the will, and speaking with five different lawyers we have unanimously agreed to retain a lawyer to represent my mom.

Essentially this event has paralleled a divorce, without the most important member present to represent himself.
What we have come to understand is that estate law is, as most law in our country, not only a foreign language to most  but also not emphasized enough to families  as a part of planning matters.

There are many featured articles in newspapers and magazines concerning the lawsuits that prevail from misunderstood wills and endless, costly disputes over generations of wealth. With a multitude of complex tax ramifications and forthcoming revisions it is crucial to protect whatever assets the family has worked hard to achieve. It is a pity to have monies be swept into the government channels.

Therefore, do not believe that estate planning is only for those with wealth. Act now , preparation for your protection is about the here and now, NOT the thereafter.

Contributed by Lisa Jacobs:

Lisa Jacobs is passionate about home organizing, fashion, and interior design make overs. IMAGINE IT DONE is the result of that passion. Lisa brings her deep aesthetic sensibilities and good taste to every consulting challenge. Her vast creative and management experience in the US and Europe allows IMAGINE IT DONE to deliver a full spectrum of services. She began her career in New York City working for the chief creative director, Nick Lamicella, of the ad agency Norman Craig&Kummel Inc. Her strengths and reputation eventually brought her to Paris, where she served as assistant to the creative director of Havas World Communications, again overseeing print production and managing talent for Garnier, Chanel and Bourjois. A master of organization and time management, Lisa has redecorated homes from Manhattan to the Hamptons. Lisa is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers. Visit her site at www.imagineitdone.net.

September: National Preparedness Month

With numerous hurricanes, tornadoes, and fires threatening our homes and businesses throughout the country, it is appropriate that NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers) has signed on as a national coalition member of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s National Preparedness Month.  One never knows when a disaster may strike, so it is important to be prepared.

According to Homeland Security’s Ready Campaign website, the following systems should be in place to help protect you in an emergency:
•    Emergency Evacuation Plan
•    Emergency Supply Kit

See Homeland Security’s Ready Campaign website for additional information for making your plan and creating/getting a supply kit.  In addition, a home inventory and a portable fire-safe box containing vital documents is essential.

Home Inventory
Conduct a home inventory to have a record of the items you own for insurance purposes.  Document throughout your home items of value:
•    make a list
•    take pictures and/or video
•    record serial numbers, manufacturer’s names, and model numbers

Portable Fire-Safe Box
Collect vital documents and make copies

• Vital documents may include, but are not limited to:
  • Birth certificates
  • Passports
  • Driver’s license
  • Wills
  • Medical history
  • Deed of trust
  • Automobile titles, other titles showing ownership
  • Home inventory
  • Bank accounts credit card numbers
  • Marriage license
  • Social Security card
  • Home and Auto insurance information
• Store the originals in a safety deposit box at your bank
• Store the copies in a portable fireproof box
• Store the box in an area that is easily accessible in case of emergency

If disaster strikes, at least you will be prepared with important and necessary information at your fingertips so you may focus your attention on keeping your family safe.  A professional organizer can help you create your home inventory and gather vital documents for safe storage.

Kelly Butcher, a professional organizer and owner of Simplification Services since 2007, has a passion for helping others organize their homes and offices. Her goal is to simplify her client’s lives by creating customized, manageable systems to fit their particular needs.  She teaches them the skill of organizing throughout the process and loves to hear about the projects they complete on their own.  Kelly is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers, the Austin Chapter of the National Association of Professional Organizers, and is currently serving her second term as Secretary for NAPO-Austin.  Visit her site at www.SimplificationServices.com.

September as National Preparedness Month, Are you prepared?

Contributed by Kathryn McMillan of  Clutter Conversions, LLC, www.clutterconversions.com

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has designated September as National Preparedness Month, are you prepared?  You may think, “It can never happen to me” but if it does happen are there enough supplies to last me and my family through the ordeal?  Are you sure??  If you get prepared, you will be sure!!  How do you get prepared for the unknown?  Here are some simple steps and products to get you started but you do have to take into consideration which part of the country you live in and what has happened in the past.

Step1: Get A Kit of emergency supplies.  Basic Kit:

• Water (one gallon per person per day)
• Non-perishable Food (at least a 3 day supply)
• Battery powered or hand cranked radio or NOAA weather radio w/tone alert and extra batteries
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Whistle to signal for help
• Filter Mask or cotton t-shirt to help filter air
• Moist Towlettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for sanitation
• Wrench or Pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual Can Opener
• Plastic sheeting and Duct Tape
• Important Family Documents
• Items for unique family needs (medicines, baby formula, diapers, etc,)

Think about 2 kits: A big one for your home and smaller version for your vehicle

Step 2: Make a Plan:
Develop a family emergency plan and practice it.  Who is going to do what and where when disaster strikes.  If you have family or friends that live far away from you, consider using them as the contact person everyone needs to contact because it can be easier to contact them than within your own area.

Step 3: Be Informed about what might happen:
Make yourself aware of what can happen in the event of a natural or man made emergency.

Businesses need to be prepared also.  If you own a business, you need to have an emergency plan for your employees.  Prepare a written plan, give them each a copy and personally go over it with them explaining to them that in the event of an emergency, who is in charge (chain of command), how do they communicate with you and what is their expectations in helping to get the business up and running again.  People often want to get back to work because getting back into the routine of work provides them some distraction from outside stressors and gives them the comfort of a paycheck to fix any problems they may have.

You can find tons of useful articles, tips and products at  www.ready.gov,  www.thereadystore.com and www.redcrossstore.org.

Recommended products:

1. Family Life Organizer and Planner 2009
2. Organize for Disaster: Prepare Your Family and Your Home for Any Natural or Unnatural Disaster
3. Jakoter Medic Tag: Programable Flash Drive/Key Chain
4. Locket Personal Management Info System – a system that gives you control of your most private documents that is storable, compact and portable, all on a 1GB thumb drive.

Clutter Conversions, LLC © 2009

What’s In Your Memory Box?

Creating an Organized Home For Your Prized Possessions

“Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.” ~ Antoine de Saint-Exupery

When conducting an organizing presentation or teleclass, I often mention the idea of creating a Memory Box for each family member.  Many participants share that the Memory Box tip is their favorite, and one they cannot wait to act on.

A Memory Box is a container in which each family member can store his or her most treasured possessions. The size should be big enough to fit the prized possessions, but small enough to grab and carry out of the house, in case of an emergency. The actual container can be a no-nonsense functional type, like a plastic bin, or it can be a lovely decorated stylish box, bin, or basket. My personal Memory Box is an old trunk that has handles on the side to carry it in the event of an emergency evacuation.

The location for storing the Memory Box is also a personal decision. Often, because of the confidential or personal nature of the items in the box, it makes the most sense to store each person’s Memory Box in his or her room, at the top or bottom of a closet, under the bed, etc. But some choose to store all of the Memory Boxes for the family in a basement or attic, so that they do not take up precious space in the living areas of the home, and can be grabbed easily in one fell swoop if need be.

I would not recommend storing vital documents such as your will, birth certificate, etc. in the Memory Box. Those items should either be stored in a safe deposit box at the bank, or at home in a fire resistant box (remember, there is no such thing as a fireproof box for the home!). Some people store their vital documents in a regular file folder in their filing cabinet, and keep copies (or the originals) in a separate location. In the event that an emergency causes a very quick evacuation, the people and pets go out first, followed by the vital documents, and then the Memory Boxes.

What goes in a Memory Box? Well, that is up to you, of course. But here are some ideas.

• Start a Memory Box for your children’s prized artwork, sentimental childhood possessions, schoolwork, etc.  They can decide, with you, what goes in it.  You can have a master Memory Box, and one for the current school year.  At the end of the school year, your child, with your help, can revisit the year, purging any items that are not vital enough to go in the master Memory Box.
• If you have a few sentimental favorite articles of clothing that you just can’t part with, but don’t wear, store them in your Memory Box.
• Want to revisit your love life? Store old love letters, poems, your corsage or boutineer from your high school prom, a playbill from the first date with your spouse, etc.
• If you plan to store documents or photographs in your Memory Box, consider getting an archival quality document or photo box to insert the paper and photos in, and then store the document or photo box inside the larger Memory Box. This will ensure paper and photos do not get destroyed over time.
• If an item is much too large to fit into the Memory Box, and you can bear to part with it, take a photo of the item, and store the photo with a description of the item in the box. This works well for items that you are merely keeping out of obligation. For example, that hideous painting your aunt made for you that you will never hang up! Take a photo, write a note saying, “Aunt Gertrude meant well” and donate the painting to someone who will appreciate its unrecognized beauty.

People are often surprised to hear that I have a Memory Box. You, a professional organizer? Yes! Organizing is about decluttering your life of the stuff that does not serve your goals, and letting the cream rise to the top. It is about giving your favorite possessions a place of value in your home and life. My personal Memory Box includes select sentimental items, including my handwritten journals, my baton (yes, I was a baton twirler – don’t laugh!), my middle school graduation dress (loved it!), love letters from my husband from before we were married, letters and cards from friends and family members that are precious to me, and poems that I wrote growing up.

One workshop participant shared that her new Memory Box will contain her kid’s baby books, drawings from elementary school, some treasured photos, and other memories from her kids’ childhood. She says that her kids love looking through the stuff, and it would be great to have it all in one place. Before she attended my workshop, the items were scattered around the house, and now they will be stored conveniently together, in a place of distinction.

So, what’s in your Memory Box?

Copyright 2009. Lisa Montanaro, “The Solutions Expert,” is Principal of LM Organizing Solutions, LLC, a professional services firm created in 2002 that offers professional organizing, business and life coaching, and motivational speaking to individuals and organizations. Lisa publishes the monthly “DECIDE™ to be Organized” e-zine for the general public, and “Next Level Business Success” e-zine for professional organizers and entrepreneurs. Subscribe today at www.LMOrganizingSolutions.com.  Lisa also publishes the DECIDE™ to be Organized blog at www.DecideToBeOrganized.com. Through LMOS, Lisa helps people deal with the issues that block personal and professional change and growth. To explore how LMOS can improve your home or work environment, or help take your business to the next level, contact Lisa at (845) 988-0183 or by e-mail at Lisa@LMOrganizingSolutions.com.

Today’s Birthday Special – Auto Document Organizer

Today’s featured product is our Auto Document Organizer. We all know we need to keep insurance and registration records in our vehicle, and too often we stash them in the glove compartment or a console, and then can’t find them when we need them! I love this organizer because it keeps everything together in one secure place, and you can easily find what you need when you need it!

Organized A to Z is celebrating our birthday in July, but we’re giving you the presents! Each day, we are offering our favorite products at 25% off. The discount is good today only, so get it now!

Today’s Birthday Special – Pet.doc

The  Pet.doc is Organized A to Z’s featured birthday special for today! I recommend it because it’s a great way to organize all of your pet’s information so you always have it handy. From vaccination records to feeding scedules and special diets, this valuable record-keeper makes it much easier to entrust your special friend to others when you have to be away from home.

Organized A to Z is celebrating our birthday in July, but we’re giving you the presents! Each day, we are offering our favorite products at 25% off. The discount is good today only, so get it now!

Today’s Birthday Special – Collision.kit

Today’s Birthday Special is the Collision.kit. I especially recommend this for teen drivers, just in case they ever get in a fender bender. It will help them know what information they need to get from the others involved, making it easier for them to document the incident.

Organized A to Z is celebrating our birthday in July, but we’re giving you the presents! Each day, we are offering our favorite products at 25% off. The discount is good today only, so get it now!

A Disaster Plan For Your Pet

Pets are important parts of our family, so when you create your own family disaster plan, don’t forget to include them, too. You can organize your pet’s information and supplies beforehand so you are prepared to take care of them if something unexpected happens.

Your pet should always where a collar with identification information and rabies tag. If you would ever get separated during a disaster, this is the best way to ensure that you will find your way back to each other. Consider microchipping or enrolling your pet in a pet recovery database.

You can prepare a pet emergency supply kit similar to the one you have for your family. Here’s what to include, according to a pamphlet from www.ready.gov.:

• A 3-day supply of food
• A 3-day supply of water
• An extra supply of medications, stored in a waterproof container
• Medical records
• A harness or leash
• A crate or pet carrier
• A first aid kit for animals, including cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape and scissors, antibiotic ointment, flea and tick prevention, latex gloves, isopropyl alcohol, saline solution, and a pet first aid reference book.
• Sanitation supplies, such as a litter box and litter. Also include paper towels, plastic trash bags, and chlorine bleach.
• A picture of you and your pet together, as well as a detailed description of your pet (species, breed, age, sex, color, etc.)
• Familiar items, such as treats, toys, or blankets.

Keep these things together in a waterproof tote or container and have them easy accessible.

As you plan ahead for your own safety, make sure you include provisions for your pet. If you have to evacuate and can’t take your pet with you, know who can provide care for you. Stay informed of the situation around you to protect your pets’ safety as well as your own.

Kathy Jenkins is a Professional Organizer based in Richmond, VA. Through her business, Come To Order, she offers residential professional organizing services tailored to meet the specific needs of her clients, and operates a retail site for organizing products, OrganizedAtoZ.com. She is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization (NSGCD), Faithful Organizers, and Women Entrepreneurs of Virginia, and serves as marketing director of NAPO Richmond. You may contact her through her website at www.cometoorderva.com.