Posts Tagged ‘emergency’
Free, Valuable Consumer Tool
February 9th, 2010 at 12:09 pm by Amy HannoldFrugal Living, takes more than making the smarter, healthier choices. It means that we must be smarter than the average slogan or sales promise.
We must have the tools, (and use them), so that we are effective, efficient consumers. Instead of impulse buying and buying in “blind faith”, it is important to have a working knowledge of our options and rights. Taking the time to seek out the best product, and then find it at the best price is one way to use our resources wisely.
Consumers have tools at the ready, available to help them in nearly every situation – it just takes knowing where to look. Being aware of these tools before you need them (that is, before disaster strikes), is arming yourself (and those close to you), with priceless information.
Connect yourself to what I consider to be the “Go-To Yellow Pages” of buying, selling and being a wiser consumer. The Consumer Action Handbook (http://www.consumeraction.gov/) is available on-line or you can order a print version. If you have a consumer question, a need in your life for signing contracts, filing a complaint or recovering from identity theft (and more subjects), you must have a copy of this FREE and valuable resource.
It is enlightening reading. I find that in listening to others, I am the one who is able to point them in the right direction – and often time save them a lot of time and money, because I know of the Consumer Action Handbook.
What sort of information is found in the Consumer Action Handbook?
*A step-by-step process for filing a consumer complaint
*Identity theft prevention and recovery
*Contact information to major corporations, including retail and manufacturer
*Buying a car, home or looking to invest? – You can find tips and references here
*Your local consumer protection agency and Better Business Bureau
*Military Specific Better Business Bureaus (for military-related consumer news) and Military Support Agencies
*Teaching outlines for Teachers and other Consumer Mentors
*Subject information for Internet, Travel, Television, Health Care, Insurance and More
*Tips for shopping from home, junk mail and telemarketers – be aware of your rights.
How Can Consumeraction.gov be of help to me?
*It acts as a guide when you meet a consumer crisis. It begins with “be calm”, and continues as it provides a sample letter for you to use as you resolve your circumstances.
*If you want to learn the signifigance of your credit score and how to improve it, or you want to know how to correct negative information on your credit report. (Links to all major credit-related organization and governing agencies.)
*When you have issue to report a fraud, product defect or safety hazard, or want to be informed of current product recalls and safety guidelines.
Tools You Can Use in These Financial Times:
*“How to Make Ends Meet”, tools and links to forms which can help you calculate your circumstances and forms to apply for assistance: http://www.aarp.org/money/personal/real_relief_aarp/
*Ten Things You Must Keep in a Fireproof Safe:
*Ten Ways to Protect Yourself against Scams and Fraud:
http://www.consumerfed.org/pdfs/ten_ways_to_protect.pdf
Once you have become familiar with these tools, pass it on.
Frugal Quote for Thought:
“Seek the wisdom of the ages, but look at the world through the eyes of a child.”
-Author Unknown
Put Your Emergency Plan in Writing
February 7th, 2010 at 11:02 pm by Amy HannoldEmergencies can occur at any moment. Our best chance for survival and protection of further damage is to be prepared – in writing. You can not only protect your family by being prepared, but you are able to make a difference in the lives of others when you’re not in chaos over your own circumstances.
Ready.gov:
http://www.ready.gov/america/index.html
Ready.gov is the best and most user-friendly emergency preparedness resource. This website will lead you through the process of putting your plan in writing. Ready.gov advocates that we “Get a Kit, Make a Plan, Be Informed”. Here are some of the resources you can download, complete and refer to. You can complete them online or print them and fill them out by hand.
Family Emergency Plan: Communicate now how your family will reach each other and where you will go in the event of an emergency. Make copies once you’ve completed them (for your emergency kit, automobile, work, and vital contact people):
http://www.ready.gov/america/_downloads/familyemergencyplan.pdf
Family Communication Plan: This form identifies and establishes communication plans should an emergency occur while the family is separated:
http://www.ready.gov/america/_downloads/family_communications_plan.pdf
Adult Folding Wallet Card: An emergency plan, to carry with you in your wallet.
http://www.ready.gov/america/_downloads/fep_download/FamEmePlan_Adult.pdf
“QuickShare” Your Emergency Contact Information, The Email Text Option: Complete this form online. Your information will be transferred into a text format which you then email to those who need this information. Ready.gov suggests that families complete the Family Emergency Plan to be best prepared; the Email Text option is not as comprehensive.
http://ready.adcouncil.org/beprepared/quickshare.html
“Readiness U”: Communicating With and Including Children in the Emergency Preparedness Process: Children, with their caregivers, can find emergency preparedness information at this website. Features are written in an easy to understand language, with the help of Sesame Street Characters and other kid-friendly activities.
http://www.ready.gov/kids/home.html
Sesame Workshop has an entire “Let’s Get Ready” website devoted to explaining emergency preparedness to young children. Printable activities, video segments, and more can be found here:
http://www.sesamestreet.org/ready
In our next segment, we will list resources which will help families prepare an emergency kit.
