AUGUST’S BEST DEALS BACK TO SCHOOL = BIG SAVINGS
As hurricane season hits its peak, remember that the most vulnerable among us are usually the most unprepared. The elderly and disabled usually aren’t ready for the storm to hit. How do you know if they’ll be taken care of? The first thing to do is observe their adaptability. Would your loved one be able to take care of themselves at home without electricity for a few days? Do they require oxygen or nebulizer treatments? If so, they should be registered with the power company, who can prioritize who gets power first. (But remember: This is no guarantee of power.) Would they be comfortable sleeping in a cot, surrounded by a number of strangers? Even if they are, storm shelters aren’t ideal for the elderly and disabled and should be considered a last resort. Shelters usually have a very limited capacity anyway. If your loved one is in a care center, there should be an evacuation or emergency plan in place. Do you know the details? Asking those questions will help you rest assured that your loved one’s unique needs are met even in emergency circumstances. Many of the elderly and disabled have pets, service or otherwise. If you think human shelters are fully booked in extreme storms, pet shelters are even worse. Do you have a care plan for the pets? Consider stocking up supplies for them, or making arrangements for their care with a trusted friend who has the resources to keep them protected. August is back-to-school season, and that means you’ll find plenty of items on sale — everything students and families need to start the new school year right. Retailers, both online and off, are vying for your dollar this month, and they know just how much families love to save. Here’s a sample of the items you’ll find on sale in August. Finding the perfect laptop for yourself or your kids might take a little research, but it’s research that will pay off in the form of big savings. You’ll find discounts at most retailers that offer laptops, including the manufacturers themselves. Apple, HP, Dell, and others typically offer incentives on top of discounts (such as gift cards), so it’s in your best interest to look around to find the deal that works for you. With millions of college students getting ready to head off to school, many retailers are taking advantage of the fact that these kids need a place to store all of their stuff. You, too, can take advantage of these sales to stock up on storage bins and boxes for just about any purpose, from food to clothing storage. In addition LAPTOPS STORAGE CONTAINERS
to storage containers, you’ll find many home organization products on sale.
VEHICLES
According to USAA, August is a great time to start shopping for a new vehicle. New-year model cars and trucks are trickling onto lots around the country, and dealerships are slightly more motivated to get rid of last year’s stock. Use this time to do research and browse dealer selection. For even more potential savings, USAA suggests visiting the dealership on a Monday or Tuesday and later in the day.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
It goes without saying, but August is the best time to stock up on all kinds of school supplies, from pens to notebooks. But as Lifehacker.com notes, it’s not just school supplies that are on sale. It’s also a great time to stock up on general office and stationery supplies for work or the home. And as CBS MoneyWatch reports, you’ll save big on dorm and office furniture.
IS YOUR LOVED ONE STORM-READY?
There are probably more questions for you to ask, since every patient has unique needs. But this should get you thinking about your loved one’s vulnerability, which is crucial. Just remember this: Schools and businesses may close, but our loved ones’ medical needs don’t break for the storm.
For more information about emergency preparedness visit: http://www. vaemergency.gov/prepare-recover/make-emergency-plan/
2 | GilletteLawGroup.com
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