As your Secretary I would like to use my voice to provide my fellow sisters with helpful hints for a rapidly changing world.
Do you have a go-bag?
Most of my friends laughed at me for having a go-bag at home. They would say: You live in the US now, why do you need that? Well – on 9/11, I left my office near the Pentagon, to go home, collect the go-bag and drive to Baltimore. I spent the next few weeks there, out of harm’s way, with a working airport and more. But – a go-bag is useful when there is an extended electric cut, when bad weather hits, when there is police action stopping you from accessing your home or office. It takes little time to put together, and – if there is a need – you are so much better off than many others.
The FEMA recommendations for a go-bag are a good starting point, and you can search for additional recommendations on-line. In addition, consider the virtual go-bag noted below – that can be on the cloud,
on an external drive, or any means you consider secure and protected.
Virtual Go-Bags
Providing you have sufficient security for your data; I think it is prudent to back your valuable and important information up with digital copies and/or images. Examples:

• ü  Copies of your identification (license, passport, school, work, military, other id cards). If you lose the actual ones, the copies will make recovery easier.

• ü  Copies of your latest medical tests and reports, as well as of your latest scrips. I encourage people to make a narrative account of any medical issues, doctors seen, actions taken, medicines used, reactions if useful.

• ü  Copies of your home lease/purchase documents, insurance, mortgage documents, warranties, etc.

• Copies of your last will, health proxy, birth/death certificates, Marriage/Divorce papers, etc.

• ü  Photos of your valuables (for insurance estimation), of your mementos (which are irreplaceable), and of your important photographs.

• ü  Anything else that could be important for you to re- establish a sense of normalcy in your life.

Remember – if your house burns down, and you have a mortgage, your will still need to make your payments. Have all the needed documentation so the insurance company can step in for you as rapidly as possible.
My email – secretary@nfbpwc.org is always open! Thank you!
 
Good to Know: Essential Items for a FEMA Go Bag:

• Water and Food:A 3-day supply of water (at least one gallon per person per day) and non-perishable, high-energy food items like granola bars, nuts, and dried fruit.

• First Aid:A well-stocked first-aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal medications.

• Light and Communication:A flashlight with extra batteries, a hand-crank or battery-powered AM/FM radio, and a portable cell phone charger.
  

• Shelter and Warmth:An emergency blanket, a change of clothes, sturdy shoes, and rain gear.
  

• Sanitation:Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation. Menstrual care items.
  

• Important Documents:Copies of important documents like identification, insurance cards, and medical records in a waterproof container.
  

Tools and Miscellaneous:

• A manual can opener, a whistle, a dust mask, local maps, and a multi-tool or knife.

• Cash:A small amount of cash in small bills, as electronic payment systems may be down.
  

Additional Tips:

• Customize: Tailor the contents of your Go Bag to your specific needs and the potential hazards in your area.

• Update Regularly: Check expiration dates on food and water and replace items as needed.

• Practice: Familiarize yourself with the contents of your Go Bag and practice using the items in a safe environment. Prepare each family-member.

Nermin K. Ahmad NFBPWC
Secretary
2024-2026