organized – My Other Shoelace

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The Emergency Binder: Stay Organized and Prepared in Crisis

mandylouhead - Emergencies - November 24, 2024

Emergency binder

I lived in OKC while in college and during my first 2 years of teaching. During this time, we had MANY tornado watches and warnings (I still don’t really know the difference).

I was standing on my porch during one storm, and watched as the hail pounded my brand new car. The hail left dents and dings all over, and also broke out my back window leaving shards of glass all over my back seat.

This post may contain affiliate links. This means, I may receive a small commission, AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOU, if you make a purchase through my link. Read full disclosure HERE.

I am writing at the end of 2024. This week alone, I have seen reports of home leveling tornadoes in Oklahoma, and evacuation worthy flooding in Missouri. Earlier this year in the US, we had devastating hurricanes and wildfires.

The one thing these events all have in common is that- if the unthinkable happens- we may only have minutes to grab what we need and get to safety.

For this reason, I would like to introduce you to the idea of the Emergency Binder.

What is an Emergency Binder?

An emergency binder is, as you might guess by the name, a binder that you prepare ahead of time to assist you in case of an emergency.

Now, an emergency binder is different from an End of Life Binder (look for a post on this in the future), even though you could technically combine the two into one binder.

Why You Need An Emergency Binder

There are many reasons you might need an emergency binder. Here is a short list …

In case of fire
In case of flood
In case of tornado
In case you lose your phone
In case you lose your wallet or purse

What Should An Emergency Binder Include?

Important addresses and phone numbers
List of all bills that are paid monthly (and when)- and phone # to contact utilities in case of emergencies
List of important passwords (unless you have them saved in a web browser)
Copies of front and back of Driver’s licenses, birth certificates, marriage license, divorce papers, credit cards, insurance cards, etc… (in case your wallet is stolen)
List of family members and their info- allergies, heights, weights, medications, etc…
Important information – Drs info, insurance info, bank info, etc…
Emergency contacts
Babysitter forms

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” -Benjamin Franklin

Where to Keep Emergency Binder?

If you follow my steps and include everything recommended- it would be recommended to keep it in a safe place.

I recommend keeping your Emergency and End of Life Binders in a fire and waterproof safe.

Conclusion

You never know when the unthinkable will happen. While it is impossible to prepare for everything, it is possible to be prepared for this. That’s why I recommend getting your emergency binder ready today.

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Mom Must Haves: Essential Finds For the Busy Mama

mandylouhead - Children - November 24, 2024

As a mom, it is hard to know which items you can trust for your children. You want to give them the best, but don’t always know what that is. Here at My Other Shoelace, we desire to help you get the best quality products. All the products here are items that I have personally used and love.

This post may contain affiliate links. This means, I may receive a small commission, AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOU, if you make a purchase through my link. Read full disclosure HERE.

Ryan & Rose Cutie Dose - Baby Medicine Dispenser Syringe

4.2 *

1k reviews

Don’t you hate how the syringes are too short to reach the bottom of the medicine bottles!? Well, Ryan & Rose makes a syringe that is extra long so it can reach the bottom of the bottles. I found these after having to pour medicine into a medicine cup and then suck it into the syringe. This a game changer when you have a sick kiddo.

No Touch Thermometer

4.5 *

102k reviews

We had tried soooo many different thermometers and were constantly frustrated because you never knew if you should add a degree or not. This no touch thermometer takes the guess work out of it. It lights up green for no fever, yellow for low grade, and red for a full blown fever.

NOTE: This thermometer does have to be calibrated with each use, so be sure to read the directions on the package (it’s very easy to do).

Huggies Simply Clean Fragrance-Free Baby Wipes

4.7 *

61.7k reviews

I am a HUGE fan of Huggies Simply Clean Wipes. When my babies were little, they were allergic to everything. They were allergic to every scent… even the clean scents. Well, these are scent free, and alcohol free. Alcohol free means that they can be used on diaper rash without burning the baby’s skin, and even used on the baby’s face. Trust me… you’ll love these!

Take N Toss Toddler Sippy Cups

4.5 *

14.7k reviews

When my oldest daughter was a toddler, they had a massive recall on a TON of sippy cups. They were all unable to be properly cleaned and therefore growing mold. I checked ours and threw out everything that was moldy. Take n Toss was the only thing that was left standing… so it became all that we used. BONUS… they are super cheap, so if you leave one behind you can replace it for $1 or less.

Zacurate Pro Series 500DL Fingertip Pulse Oximeter

4.7 *

230.5k reviews

I have an asthmatic child who gets croup every time she gets sick. When she was small, it was super scary. Having a pulse-ox machine at home was a game changer. Suddenly, we could tell if she could make it to the doctor or ER, or if we had to call 911.

DISCLAIMER: My model came from Walgreens as we got in the middle of the night when she was sick. The linked one is higher rated and silicone covered. I especially if you have little ones, I recommend ordering one that you know is rated high and can be shipped to you before you actually need it.

There you have it… essential finds for busy mamas! I may be adding to this list as time goes on, so be sure to check back. If there’s anything you think I should have on this list, shoot me a message at [email protected]. I only promote products that I personally use and love, so it may take me a while to try it out (assuming my kiddos aren’t too old now). Happy mommying!