1. Natural Disasters
While some regions are more prone to natural disasters—including tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes—you should keep an emergency preparedness kit on hand, no matter where you live. Stock it with flashlights, batteries, water, non-perishable foods, and kid-friendly activities (like color books and crayons). And remember that cell service may be unavailable in an emergency, so be sure you have a battery-operated (or crank operated) weather radio on hand—with an extra set of fresh batteries.
2. Fire
A fire is one of the most devastating family emergencies you can face. No matter how young (or old) your kids are, take the time to practice what you would do in the event of a fire. Role play actually going through the steps of feeling the door (because you don’t want to open it if it’s hot), covering your face with cloth, and crawling to safety. If your bedrooms are on a second floor, practice opening windows and using the fire escape (or installing an instant escape ladder—which is well worth the investment. Just be sure to keep it handy!) Run these drills twice a year and make sure everyone knows a central meeting place, such as your neighbor’s yard or your mailbox.
3. Blackout
While extended blackouts are rare, they represent another family emergency you can plan ahead for. Make sure that everyone knows where flashlights and batteries are kept, as well as what to do if the power goes out.
4. Illnesses
Stomach viruses and the flu can certainly feel like family emergencies when you’re in the midst of them! And when you’re the sole adult on hand, it can be hard to keep up. Plan ahead for these types of emergencies by keeping a locked medicine cabinet stocked with the fever-reducing medications and cold and cough remedies your pediatrician recommends. And when you’re the one who’s ill, don’t hesitate to call on reinforcements until you feel better. That’s what friends, relatives, and neighbors are for!
5. Injuries
Is your first-aid kit up to date? From band-aids to antibiotic cream and instant ice packs, it’s important to be ready for anything at a moment’s notice.
6. Car Trouble
Auto repair bills can take a big chunk out of your monthly budget. Plan ahead by keeping your car well maintained with regular oil changes and tire rotations, and be sure to follow your manufacturer’s recommended guidelines for routine repairs. If possible, try to put a little bit of money aside each month to build up an emergency fund so that when repairs are needed, you can take care of them right away without racking up credit card debt.
7. Emergency Repairs
Emergency household repairs are also to be expected from time to time, from plumbing issues to broken water heaters, leaky air conditioners, and more. As best you can, try to keep your appliances in good worker order and call for a service technician (or a handy friend or neighbor) as soon as possible when you detect a problem. Making the call just in time can save you thousands of dollars in repairs! And when repairs are inevitable, fall back on your emergency savings to take care of them right away.
8. Snow Days
For working single parents, snow days are the equivalent of a family emergency. Make sure you’re prepared by keeping a list of back-up child care providers on hand.
9. Pet Illnesses
If you have pets, then you already know that they’re part of the family. And when they’re sick, you do everything you can to help them get better. To plan ahead for this type of emergency, ask your veterinarian for referrals to reputable pet insurance companies. And if you can’t afford pet insurance, or your pet is ineligible, then you have yet another reason to build up that emergency fund—because it will help you cover vet bills in the event of an emergency.
10. Extended Family Emergencies
Finally, another type of family emergency is when members of your extended family suffer any of the previously mentioned mishaps. When this happens, you may need to rearrange your schedule to visit a pick parent in the hospital or provide child care coverage for your nieces and nephews. And while you may not be able to pitch in with financial assistance, your physical presence and concern can make a tremendous difference to those you love.