By Sharon Williams

Contributing writer

Recently I was talking to several young city moms. These are the moms who feel that there is no reason to worry about being prepared for emergencies because they live in a city with hundreds of grocery stores.

They have gas stations on every corner and hundreds of emergency personnel in their community.

I asked one of these moms with young children what her plan was for the wintry days when her husband had to be out of town for work and there was ice on the road. Did she really want to bundle up the babies and go out for basic medicine or extra diapers when it is freezing outside? What if the electricity goes out in the middle of the winter and she is on her own for a day or two? What then?

It didn’t take five minutes for this mom to realize that she needs to make some common sense prep plans even though she lives in the city!

Many people don’t really see the need to do some basic common sense prep work. I talk to friends on a regular basis who think we’re kind of nuts to even consider putting back some basic supplies. But if there is another ice storm — which we have experienced twice — a hurricane, tornado or even just normal run-of-the-mill thunderstorms and the power goes out, do we really want to have to wait on someone to come rescue us?

Why should I make someone else come and bring me water or heat options when I can do a few things now to be prepared?

Here are a few things to think about before the wintry months hit.

• What do you need: 

Of course you need to have some food stored for emergencies, but what are some other common sense items that city moms should have on hand for emergencies? Here’s a list of items to think about packing away:  diapers; toilet paper; fever reducing medicines; teething ointment; basic first aid kit; formula or baby food; and a heat source. 

Adults can pile on the covers, but babies will need another way to stay warm.  Do you have an option to keep your children warm?

Other items needed include: water — if you are using powdered formula, store back some extra water to make their drinks; light options — candles are convenient but may not be safe for young children, so have flashlights or a lantern in a specified place so you can find them, and don’t forget to store some batteries. Also don’t forget pads and other feminine hygiene products

• Make a plan: Moms with young children should have a definite plan that is clearly communicated to the other members of the family. If Mom is home alone with the kids and the electricity goes out or the phones are not accessible, make a plan so everyone will know where to find you or how to reconnect.

• Be prepared but practical:  Storing water bottles is one great way to keep an extra supply of water, but another option is to use a LifeStraw.  Since the LifeStraw filters up to 1,000 liters (264 gallons), then you could keep one LifeStraw instead of trying to stock up on that much water.

Young moms are typically very passionate about supporting companies that are giving back to the world around them. One of the things I personally love about the LifeStraw company is that for each LifeStraw purchased, one school child in a developing community receives safe drinking water for an entire school year. Now that’s a win-win for sure!

Have you thought much about being prepared for weather emergencies? What are you doing now to prepare for the unexpected emergencies? Got a plan? I’d love to hear!

For more ideas for hobbies and life, check out Hobbies on a Budget (www.hobbiesonabudget.com).