I’m behind on my blog postings, again! Not because I didn’t want to put fingers to keyboard. Oh, no. Yesterday, the power in my neighborhood went out. Four times! My exercise consisted of walking around to reset my clocks – four times! And, I had to recreate work that I’d been typing into my computer – four times!

Four-tunately (sorry for the pun), I’m a native Midwesterner whose habit of being prepared for the unexpected weather- or other-events was borne of experience with tornadoes and other things that could truly upend power and other utilities we depend on. So, yesterday, although most of my day was one of fits and starts and stops, I did have ample batteries to power my portable radio and flashlights, a telephone that worked, and the foresight to plan for meals that didn’t require a working stove or oven.

For most people, power outages are inconveniences and nothing more. But for we who live with chronic pain and illness, they can be more than just an “oops” during the day or night. Which is what has led me to write this blog – a gentle reminder, of course – to ask, “Are you prepared?”

If you take medications, do you have extra, in case there is a natural disaster and you cannot get to a pharmacy for refills for awhile?

If your meds require refrigeration, or you need medical equipment that relies on electricity, do you have a back-up in case the power goes out for a long time?

If you live in a building with an elevator and/or electrically-operated door to the parking garage, do you have an “out” if these aren’t working (or someone who can help you)?

Do you have the “usual” emergency supplies – batteries, food, water, thick-soled shoes, etc. – and are these reachable in case you need them?

Do you have a way to communicate if power lines are down? Do your neighbors (or apartment building manager) know that you might need their assistance if an earthquake or flood occurs?

Are you in the best shape you possibly can be, in case there is no one who can assist you if a weather emergency occurs?

Have you thought through the scenarios that might pertain to severe weather or other conditions where you live, and have you reached a strong, resilient spiritual place as far as your ability to meet these challenges if they occur?

These are just some of the questions you might ask now, when the weather is cooperative and there is no emergency. I know, it’s easy to push off planning when life is just humming along. But it’s exactly at times like these when we need to prepare for times like those.

Now, I’m going to “file” this before the power goes off…or not…again. Yup. This time, I’m prepared!

Blessings for the day,

Maureen