Know Whom to Call: How to Build Your Resources before You Need Them
If you’ve ever babysat, the parents probably went over a list of emergency phone numbers before they left for the evening. They didn’t expect you to thumb through the phone book or get online to find whom to contact if something went wrong. That’s because it just takes too long and besides, you might end up losing time and money.
Unfortunately, the unexpected is something you can, well, expect. From natural disasters to traffic accidents to leaking roofs, it’s hard to scramble and find a suitable resource if you have to start from the ground up.
That’s why it’s a good idea to have a list of resources available before you need them. Here are some tips on how to do that.
1. Take an Assessment – Your Home
Yes, this will take a little time, but the point is to save time in the end. If you are a homeowner, make a list of potential needs, such as: a contractor, chimney sweep, heating and cooling repair, roofer, tree removal, septic system cleaning, plumber, etc. Some of these are common to most homes; others are more specialized. It all depends on what your home has and where it is.
If you rent, you’ll still need to assess what you may need in an emergency besides just your landlord’s number. He or she may not be available when you need them.
2. Take an Assessment – Personal Needs
Do you have pets? Elderly parents? Children? Are you single, married, divorced? Every situation is different, so you need to assess your personal situation to determine what you need. If you have pets, have the name and number of someone who can take on their care in the event of an emergency. For elderly parents who need care, you’ll need to find someone who can act as “back up” if you can’t care for them (the same is true for children, especially if you are single).
3. Review Your Insurance
Whether you rent or own, it’s important to know what your insurance covers and what it does not. You can save yourself a lot of time and frustration by knowing ahead of time how your insurance policy works. And if you like, you can make any necessary changes before something happens.
Keep the number of your insurance company, along with your policy number, handy (store it in your mobile phone if you can).
4. Know Your Utility Companies
Often, utility companies will be the ones you need to call to repair a particular item. Your electric power company’s contact information, for instance, should be stored on your mobile phone so you can call them when the power is out. Phone, internet, heating and cooling, etc. – you should have the contact information and your account numbers for each stored in an accessible place. You don’t want to be rummaging for the latest bill in an emergency.
5. Ask Others
Don’t forget your most available resource: other people. They are the ones who can give you a good or bad review on the local contractor or repairman, and they can connect you with other friends and family who can help.
As you create your resource list, make sure you store all the information in one place. Now you’re ready!