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Simple tips to prepare for life's sudden disruptions

"Go to the ant ... observe her ways and be wise. She prepares ..."

- Proverbs 6-9 (AMP)

With so many thoughts about the pandemic running through my mind, and my granddaughter being quarantined in her apartment with a fever and sore throat, I wondered how prepared she was.

I texted to ask if she needed anything; she replied that she had everything she needed.

That left me pondering how prepared I really was, and how I might step it up a few notches. I thought I'd share some of my ideas with you, so you can make sure you're prepared, too.

While watching toilet paper and food flying off the shelves, I wonder if anyone really thinks of the other incidentals that are important to have on hand.

Health, safety and financial counselors all advise being prepared for life's interruptions. You might even make a list so you can stay stocked up on them in the future.

They really are simple household items we all use, but don't always have available. No need to run out and hoard them for your pantry. You can build a supply a little at a time.

As I write this, we're dealing with storm warnings. I remember the time I was stuck home alone in a snowstorm and power outage. I didn't have a phone charger for my car. That limited my phone usage and made me anxious my it would go dead. So that's a necessity.

Heed my warning, so you don't have to tough it out like I did. It was a long 48 hours. Having extra blankets or comforters available for such an occasion helps as well.

Candles are important to have on hand. I have wax and battery candles around the house. The wax ones last a long time. I also keep a lighter on hand for my candles and to light the stove in an emergency.

It's good to have a thermometer, Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen handy, but keep up on the expiration dates. Think of the over-the-counter medications you like to take when you're feeling under the weather and make sure you have them on hand. There's nothing worse than being sick and having to run out for medicine.

When I was growing up, we used rags around the house. I've recently been using some in place of paper towels. You can make yourself a bag of rags by cutting up old sheets or pillowcases. Old T-shirts make great soft cloths for scrubbing a counter top and delicate floor. Most of us have a dresser drawer full of those.

Which brings me to the next items. Dish soap, laundry detergent and personal body cleaners are necessities. There's nothing like staying refreshed when sick or quarantined. Even a cheap bar of soap works wonders.

Think about what type of batteries you need for remotes and any other devices.

A jar of chicken bouillon can make a tasty broth and can easily be stored and used in a pinch. There's something medicinal about a cup of hot chicken soup when you're down and out.

Those are just a few essentials that come to mind. Take a look around your house and make a list of items you deem necessary. Hopefully, you won't have an emergency. But, as my dad used to say, "Better safe than sorry."

God is a practical and wants our everyday needs to be met. That, intertwined with spiritual principles of love and prayer, keeps us fully prepared for life's interruptions.

• Annettee Budzban is an author speaker, life coach and nurse. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.

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