International Save Your Photos Day

September 27 is International Save Your Photos Day, sponsored by Save Your Photos Alliance. They offer a lot of resources and on September 27 they’re hosting a free Save Your Photos class. Sign up on their Web site.

In the spirit of National Preparedness Month, consider whether your photos could survive a fire or flood. When you see survivors of natural disasters, they say that they grabbed their treasured photos before escaping or they’re holding mud-covered photos that they found in the wreckage.

What’s your backup plan for maintaining your photos?

Organized by Marcie TM: Save time and money by letting go of what you don't need and finding room for what you value
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International Save Your Photos Day

September 27 is International Save Your Photos Day, sponsored by Save Your Photos Alliance. They offer a lot of resources and on September 27 they’re hosting a free Save Your Photos class. Sign up on their Web site.

In the spirit of National Preparedness Month, consider whether your photos could survive a fire or flood. When you see survivors of natural disasters, they say that they grabbed their treasured photos before escaping or they’re holding mud-covered photos that they found in the wreckage.

What’s your backup plan for maintaining your photos?

Organized by Marcie TM: Save time and money by letting go of what you don't need and finding room for what you value
Follow me on twitter , facebook and pinterest

And if you like what you've read, share it using the links below!

National Preparedness Month 2013

September is Preparedness Month. This is the 10^th year that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has turned its attention to preparedness for ordinary citizens and businesses.

You can find more information and locate events in your area:
FEMA
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Red Cross
National Weather Service

Get a kit. Make a plan. Be informed.

Organized by Marcie TM: Save time and money by letting go of what you don't need and finding room for what you value
Follow me on twitter, facebookand pinterest

And if you like what you've read, share it using the links below!

National Preparedness Month 2013

September is Preparedness Month. This is the 10^th year that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has turned its attention to preparedness for ordinary citizens and businesses.

You can find more information and locate events in your area:
FEMA
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Red Cross
National Weather Service

Get a kit. Make a plan. Be informed.

Organized by Marcie TM: Save time and money by letting go of what you don't need and finding room for what you value
Follow me on twitter, facebook and pinterest

And if you like what you've read, share it using the links below!

Emergency Preparedness – Not Just Flashlights

Hurricanes, tornadoes, heavy rain or wind all have the potential to create tragic situations. Your ability to withstand a severe weather emergency is partly determined by your advance preparation.

In addition to having an emergency kit, which I’ve written about before, make sure you can grab quickly all the important documents you would need if you had to leave your home. Misty, of Your Own Home Store, ran a series of posts about preparing for emergencies, including this one about gathering your paperwork.

Do a little bit each week toward creating your emergency supplies and you will have the means to survive the loss of power, water or worse. Being organized is about being prepared. It’s not always fun, but it is important.

Organized by Marcie TM: Save time and money by letting go of what you don't need and finding room for what you value
Follow me on twitterand facebook

And if you like what you've read, share it using the links below!

Emergency Preparedness – Not Just Flashlights

Hurricanes, tornadoes, heavy rain or wind all have the potential to create tragic situations. Your ability to withstand a severe weather emergency is partly determined by your advance preparation.

In addition to having an emergency kit, which I’ve written about before, make sure you can grab quickly all the important documents you would need if you had to leave your home. Misty, of Your Own Home Store, ran a series of posts about preparing for emergencies, including this one about gathering your paperwork.

Do a little bit each week toward creating your emergency supplies and you will have the means to survive the loss of power, water or worse. Being organized is about being prepared. It’s not always fun, but it is important.

Organized by Marcie TM: Save time and money by letting go of what you don't need and finding room for what you value
Follow me on twitter and facebook

And if you like what you've read, share it using the links below!

Quote: Resilience

“I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.” – Louisa May Alcott

Prepare for situations that test your strength.  You can achieve great things when you set aside your fears and take responsibility for your actions.

Organized by MarcieTM: Save time and money by letting go of what you don't need and finding room for what you value

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And if you like what you've read, share it using the links below!

Quote: Resilience

“I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.” – Louisa May Alcott

Prepare for situations that test your strength.  You can achieve great things when you set aside your fears and take responsibility for your actions.

Organized by MarcieTM: Save time and money by letting go of what you don't need and finding room for what you value

Follow me on twitter  and facebook  

And if you like what you've read, share it using the links below!

Organizing for End of Life

Although it’s not a topic most people want to discuss, preparing for the inevitable end of life is one of the most important things you can do.

About a year ago, my mother asked me to print a copy of a state-specific Advance Directive form she had seen. I kept forgetting about it and finally printed it and went over it with her last month.

Ten days ago, my mother experienced cardiac arrest and I had to make the decision whether to continue life support. I felt comfortable that I would do the right thing, since I knew exactly what she wanted. Fortunately, I didn’t have to make the decision, because she improved significantly and was able to breathe on her own. If she and I hadn’t had the conversation, however, I couldn’t be sure I was making the right choice for her.

Please take the time this week to complete your own Advance Directive form and discuss your desires with someone. You will also benefit from having a current will and making your last wishes known. One more thing that your loved ones will appreciate is a list of items that have special meaning to you and why you feel they are important to keep.

No, these aren’t things that are fun, but they are important. Your family will thank you.

Organized by MarcieTM: Save time and money by letting go of what you don't need and finding room for what you value

Follow me on twitter  and facebook  
And if you like what you've read, share it using the links below!

Organizing for End of Life

Although it’s not a topic most people want to discuss, preparing for the inevitable end of life is one of the most important things you can do.

About a year ago, my mother asked me to print a copy of a state-specific Advance Directive form she had seen. I kept forgetting about it and finally printed it and went over it with her last month.

Ten days ago, my mother experienced cardiac arrest and I had to make the decision whether to continue life support. I felt comfortable that I would do the right thing, since I knew exactly what she wanted. Fortunately, I didn’t have to make the decision, because she improved significantly and was able to breathe on her own. If she and I hadn’t had the conversation, however, I couldn’t be sure I was making the right choice for her.

Please take the time this week to complete your own Advance Directive form and discuss your desires with someone. You will also benefit from having a current will and making your last wishes known. One more thing that your loved ones will appreciate is a list of items that have special meaning to you and why you feel they are important to keep.

No, these aren’t things that are fun, but they are important. Your family will thank you.

Organized by MarcieTM: Save time and money by letting go of what you don't need and finding room for what you value

Follow me on twitter  and facebook  
And if you like what you've read, share it using the links below!

Emergency Preparedness - Hitting Home

I have written about emergency preparedness before, always as a dispassionate observer. Although I have an emergency kit and the ability to shelter in place, I didn't seriously plan for evacuation. Although I can't compare my situation with those in Colorado who have lost their homes to wildfires, I have gained some insight into the reality of dealing with having to leave your home.

The electricity went out in my neighborhood last week, after a powerful storm. For the first 24 hours, I thought it would be a short-term outage, ignoring the news reports of destruction. Then I got the news that we could be without power for at least a week.

My sister, who lives a few miles away and hadn't been impacted, offered her home as a temporary refuge. Her family was going on vacation and the house would otherwise have been empty, so it benefitted both of us. I packed the contents of my (very full) refrigerator and freezer and toted it all to her house.

Initially, I left the cat at my house, but multiple trips to feed her were becoming impractical. Since my brother-in-law is allergic, the cat has been exiled to the basement. Don't feel too bad for her; the basement is a finished playroom and she has plenty of space to run around.

Here’s what I’ve learned so far:

• Food in a full refrigerator will stay cold for up to 4 hours if you don’t open the door.  After that, it’s best to throw out perishables.  Food in a full freezer will stay frozen for up to 48 hours if you don’t open the door.  If your refrigerator or freezer isn’t full, the food will spoil more quickly.

• If you have pets, you need to consider where they will live if you have to leave your home. In addition, create an emergency kit for your pets so you can take it with you if you have to leave quickly.

• Even if you diligently back up your computer, there is a very good reason to use the “cloud.” Not being able to access my business files was a tremendous challenge. This week, I’m signing up for Dropbox.

• Eating junk food and watching too much HGTV is not going to make the power come back on, but it sure feels good as a stress reducer.

Do you have an emergency plan? Are you prepared to evacuate? What will you do with your pets?  Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

Organized by MarcieTM: Save time and money by letting go of what you don't need and finding room for what you value

Follow me on twitterand facebook

And if you like what you've read, share it using the links below!

Emergency Preparedness - Hitting Home

I have written about emergency preparedness before, always as a dispassionate observer. Although I have an emergency kit and the ability to shelter in place, I didn't seriously plan for evacuation. Although I can't compare my situation with those in Colorado who have lost their homes to wildfires, I have gained some insight into the reality of dealing with having to leave your home.

The electricity went out in my neighborhood last week, after a powerful storm. For the first 24 hours, I thought it would be a short-term outage, ignoring the news reports of destruction. Then I got the news that we could be without power for at least a week.

My sister, who lives a few miles away and hadn't been impacted, offered her home as a temporary refuge. Her family was going on vacation and the house would otherwise have been empty, so it benefitted both of us. I packed the contents of my (very full) refrigerator and freezer and toted it all to her house.

Initially, I left the cat at my house, but multiple trips to feed her were becoming impractical. Since my brother-in-law is allergic, the cat has been exiled to the basement. Don't feel too bad for her; the basement is a finished playroom and she has plenty of space to run around.

Here’s what I’ve learned so far:

• Food in a full refrigerator will stay cold for up to 4 hours if you don’t open the door.  After that, it’s best to throw out perishables.  Food in a full freezer will stay frozen for up to 48 hours if you don’t open the door.  If your refrigerator or freezer isn’t full, the food will spoil more quickly.

• If you have pets, you need to consider where they will live if you have to leave your home. In addition, create an emergency kit for your pets so you can take it with you if you have to leave quickly.

• Even if you diligently back up your computer, there is a very good reason to use the “cloud.” Not being able to access my business files was a tremendous challenge. This week, I’m signing up for Dropbox.

• Eating junk food and watching too much HGTV is not going to make the power come back on, but it sure feels good as a stress reducer.

Do you have an emergency plan? Are you prepared to evacuate? What will you do with your pets?  Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

Organized by MarcieTM: Save time and money by letting go of what you don't need and finding room for what you value

Follow me on twitter and facebook

And if you like what you've read, share it using the links below!

Get Ready Day

As National Preparedness Month winds down, The American Public Health Association wants to remind you about Get Ready Day, the third Tuesday of September.  The aim of the campaign is to help you prepare for emergencies, including infectious disease, natural disasters and other catastrophic events.

They have free emergency preparedness fact sheets, in English and Spanish, which you can download here and keep with your emergency kit.

If you don’t have an emergency kit yet, now is a good time to create one.  You don’t have to spend a lot of money getting ready.  Check the fact sheet for preparing on a budget.  preparing on a budget.

Once you have a kit, you need to review it regularly.  To help you remember, their slogan is “Set your clocks, check your stocks.”  Put a reminder on your calendar to change your smoke detector batteries and update or replenish your provisions when daylight saving time ends in November.

You can learn more about the APHA and Get Ready Day here.

Organized by MarcieTM: Saving you time and money by helping you let go of what you don't need and find room for what you value.

Follow me on twitter and facebook

And if you like what you've read, share it using the links below!

Get Ready Day

As National Preparedness Month winds down, The American Public Health Association wants to remind you about Get Ready Day, the third Tuesday of September.  The aim of the campaign is to help you prepare for emergencies, including infectious disease, natural disasters and other catastrophic events.

They have free emergency preparedness fact sheets, in English and Spanish, which you can download here and keep with your emergency kit.

If you don’t have an emergency kit yet, now is a good time to create one.  You don’t have to spend a lot of money getting ready.  Check the fact sheet for preparing on a budget.  preparing on a budget.

Once you have a kit, you need to review it regularly.  To help you remember, their slogan is “Set your clocks, check your stocks.”  Put a reminder on your calendar to change your smoke detector batteries and update or replenish your provisions when daylight saving time ends in November.

You can learn more about the APHA and Get Ready Day here.

Organized by MarcieTM: Saving you time and money by helping you let go of what you don't need and find room for what you value.

Follow me on twitter and facebook

And if you like what you've read, share it using the links below!

Can Organization Keep You Healthy?

Even though it’s almost spring, the flu is still going around and people are justifiably concerned about staying healthy. Several members of my family have been sick in the past few weeks and I have escaped the virus, so far. Repeated hand washing and wiping surfaces clean have served me well. In addition, being prepared has helped lower my stress level, which can increase immune response.

I always have decongestant, pain reliever, tissues, liquid soap and hand sanitizer in my house. You don’t need to buy out the pharmacy; however, it is a good idea to keep the basics so you don’t run out at inconvenient times. Remember that all medications, including over-the-counter drugs have expiration dates, so check what you currently have on hand. If you are going to store cold and flu supplies, keep them in a basket or box and label the container so you can get it quickly when you need it.

Soup, yogurt, eggs, applesauce and gelatin might appeal to someone with no appetite. They are fast and easy to make, serve and eat. Consider stocking staples that can stay in your pantry for a while and are available in single-serve containers, in case no one is able to prepare meals or clean up afterward.

What tips do you have that could help keep you from getting sick? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

Organized by Marcie TM: Getting you organized so you have time to do what you love to do!
Follow me on twitter  and facebook
And if you like this info, share it using the links below!

Can Organization Keep You Healthy?

Even though it’s almost spring, the flu is still going around and people are justifiably concerned about staying healthy. Several members of my family have been sick in the past few weeks and I have escaped the virus, so far. Repeated hand washing and wiping surfaces clean have served me well. In addition, being prepared has helped lower my stress level, which can increase immune response.

I always have decongestant, pain reliever, tissues, liquid soap and hand sanitizer in my house. You don’t need to buy out the pharmacy; however, it is a good idea to keep the basics so you don’t run out at inconvenient times. Remember that all medications, including over-the-counter drugs have expiration dates, so check what you currently have on hand. If you are going to store cold and flu supplies, keep them in a basket or box and label the container so you can get it quickly when you need it.

Soup, yogurt, eggs, applesauce and gelatin might appeal to someone with no appetite. They are fast and easy to make, serve and eat. Consider stocking staples that can stay in your pantry for a while and are available in single-serve containers, in case no one is able to prepare meals or clean up afterward.

What tips do you have that could help keep you from getting sick? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

Organized by Marcie TM: Getting you organized so you have time to do what you love to do!
Follow me on twitter  and facebook
And if you like this info, share it using the links below!

Ready for Anything

Whether or not you live in an area that experiences severe weather, you need to be prepared for emergency outages.

A water main burst last Thursday and the water was turned off to all the houses on my street. As soon as I saw the geyser rushing in the middle of the street, I started filling pots with water, just in case. We were lucky that we only lost access to water for a few hours, a minor inconvenience.

Harsh weather has already hit parts of the country, creating hazardous conditions. If you haven’t already created an emergency kit for your home and your car, now is the time to do it. You should set aside three days’ worth of food and water for each person in your home.

In your car, it is a good idea to keep a blanket, comfortable walking shoes, a flashlight, water and non-perishable snacks in case your car is stranded. In addition, don’t let your gas tank fall below half-full. You could get stuck in traffic for an extended amount of time or you might have to run the heater to stay warm.

What would you do if you had no fresh water? Would you be ready to deal with a power outage? What if you were stuck in your car for an extended period of time? What is one thing you can do so you will be ready for an unexpected event this winter? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

Organized by Marcie: Getting you organized so you have time to do what you love to do!
Follow me on Twitter http://twitter.com/organizedmarcie
And if you like this info, share it using the links below!

Ready for Anything

Whether or not you live in an area that experiences severe weather, you need to be prepared for emergency outages.

A water main burst last Thursday and the water was turned off to all the houses on my street. As soon as I saw the geyser rushing in the middle of the street, I started filling pots with water, just in case. We were lucky that we only lost access to water for a few hours, a minor inconvenience.

Harsh weather has already hit parts of the country, creating hazardous conditions. If you haven’t already created an emergency kit for your home and your car, now is the time to do it. You should set aside three days’ worth of food and water for each person in your home.

In your car, it is a good idea to keep a blanket, comfortable walking shoes, a flashlight, water and non-perishable snacks in case your car is stranded. In addition, don’t let your gas tank fall below half-full. You could get stuck in traffic for an extended amount of time or you might have to run the heater to stay warm.

What would you do if you had no fresh water? Would you be ready to deal with a power outage? What if you were stuck in your car for an extended period of time? What is one thing you can do so you will be ready for an unexpected event this winter? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

Organized by Marcie: Getting you organized so you have time to do what you love to do!
Follow me on Twitter http://twitter.com/organizedmarcie
And if you like this info, share it using the links below!

Are you Ready?

September is National Preparedness Month, an annual event sponsored by the Ready Campaign, in partnership with Citizen Corps and the Ad Council. The purpose is to encourage you to prepare for emergencies at home, at work and in your community.

If you haven’t created an emergency plan for yourself and your family yet, consider doing it this week. You can find free resources online, from the federal government and your local municipality. The official Website for the event is http://www.ready.gov/ and it contains lists to help you come up with an emergency plan and create an emergency kit.

If you are concerned about storing three days’ worth of food, you can purchase individual packages of food, drinks, condiments and personal care products, along with complete kits at www.minimus.biz/default.aspx.

Do you have an emergency plan in place? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

Organized by Marcie: Getting you organized so you have time to do what you love to do!

Follow me on Twitter http://twitter.com/organizedmarcie

And if you like this info, share it using the links below!

Are you Ready?

September is National Preparedness Month, an annual event sponsored by the Ready Campaign, in partnership with Citizen Corps and the Ad Council. The purpose is to encourage you to prepare for emergencies at home, at work and in your community.

If you haven’t created an emergency plan for yourself and your family yet, consider doing it this week. You can find free resources online, from the federal government and your local municipality. The official Website for the event is http://www.ready.gov/ and it contains lists to help you come up with an emergency plan and create an emergency kit.

If you are concerned about storing three days’ worth of food, you can purchase individual packages of food, drinks, condiments and personal care products, along with complete kits at www.minimus.biz/default.aspx.

Do you have an emergency plan in place? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

Organized by Marcie: Getting you organized so you have time to do what you love to do!

Follow me on Twitter http://twitter.com/organizedmarcie

And if you like this info, share it using the links below!