FINANCIAL AND EMOTIONAL PREPAREDNESS

How to plan financially for a disaster

Whether an emergency is man-made, natural or health-related, here are five tips from the Church’s website for being financially prepared:

1. Pay tithing and fast offerings first. The Lord has promised to open the windows of heaven and pour out great blessings upon those who pay tithes and offerings faithfully (see Isaiah 58:6–12; Malachi 3:10).
2. Make a budget. A budget is simply a plan for how to use one’s money. Begin with income, and then build a plan for where that money goes, like savings, food, housing, transportation and so on.
3. Adhere to the budget. It is OK if things don’t go perfectly. Learn from those moments to improve.
4. Spend less money than income. This is key to financial stability. It may mean that individuals and families need to look at their expenses and decide where they should spend less. It could also mean that they need to look at ways to increase their income.
5. Save and budget for unexpected expenses. Plan to have a few months of money set aside in case of an emergency or job loss. Planning for the unexpected can help people feel less panicked when tough financial situations arise.
   

 

How to communicate with family if phones are down

Preparing as a family for how to communicate is one of the best tools in the event of an emergency.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Preparing with one’s family for how to communicate is one of the best tools for them in the event of an emergency. Immediately knowing where to go and whom to call can help individuals think clearly in a chaotic time and reunite with loved ones.

Following are six ways listed in a Caring.ChurchofJesusChrist Instagram post to make effective plans to account for loved ones:

1. Make a list of emergency contacts. Include names, phone numbers and addresses for essential family members, medical offices, schools, day care centers, etc. Make contact cards and keep them in easily accessible locations like a purse, wallet or child’s backpack.
2. Decide on a family meeting place. Choose a location both in the neighborhood and out of town in case the family cannot get in touch or are unable to go home. Find locations that everyone is familiar with and will remember. Include these locations on the contact cards.
3. Teach children how to call 911 (or the emergency number in one’s own country). Help younger children understand how and when to call 911. They should only call 911 when there is a life-threatening emergency.
4. “In case of emergency” contacts. Store at least one emergency contact in all mobile devices as “ICE” or “In Case of Emergency.” This will help someone identify who to call when needed. Inform the emergency contact of any medical conditions or other vital health information.
5. Utilize text messages. Teach all family members how to send a text message. Texts can often get around network disruptions when phone calls cannot.
6. Review the emergency plan. Practice and revise the family communication plan at least once a year or whenever any information changes.

Ways to cope with stress after an emergency

A mother in Romania hugs her daughter while out for a walk. The Church’s Life Help resources are designed to help individuals and families with life’s challenges, including mental and emotional health.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Evaluating mental health is a vital part of checking in after emergency situations have settled. Consider these steps, and find more information in the emotional resilience section of ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

1. Limit news consumption. Because news is available to us at the touch of a button, it is easy to increase stress and anxiety by replaying stories from the disaster. Reduce the amount of news that is being read or listened to and focus on relaxing activities instead.
2. Talk with someone. Help from friends, family, or a licensed professional can give support during this time. They can be a listening ear and encourage the use of coping strategies.
3. Get enough sleep. After a disaster or emergency, it is common to wake up during the night or have trouble sleeping. If someone’s mind is racing, they can try writing down their thoughts in a journal before going back to bed. Avoid caffeine, cellphones and laptops before going to sleep.
4. Establish a daily routine. Eat meals at regular times and create a consistent sleep schedule to be sure to get enough rest. Schedule exercise or other daily activities to reduce stress levels.
5. Take a break when needed. If someone is feeling stressed or anxious after a disaster, they should give themselves the time and space needed to recover. This includes taking regular breaks when needed.
6. Understand that things may change. Disasters and emergencies can destroy homes, businesses, schools or places of worship. Sometimes loved ones are lost or sustain major injuries. It is important for each person to give themselves time and space to grieve these changes.
7. Pray. Prayer can help people better understand and cope with the uncertainties that come after a disaster. Ask for help from God to bring peace during difficult moments and bless others.
8. Recognize when more help is needed. If someone is struggling and in need of help, reach out to a licensed professional for assistance.