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Be Prepared to Take Action

How do you handle problems when they come up? Answer these to find out what you would do in these work situations.

Think about the possible hurdles you might face, and then use the information below to practice creating your own plan.

Transportation

You need a reliable way to get to work, school, child care, and to stores. Maybe you have a car. That's good, but sometimes a car breaks down. If it does, how will you meet your obligations?

Think about other possibilities. Could you:

  • take a bus?
  • get a ride with a friend?
  • walk?
  • ride a bike?
  • take a cab?

Decide in advance what your best options are. Write your friend's phone number in a convenient place. Keep bus fare or cab fare in a safe place.

Child Care

Dependable child care is usually set up in advance, but sometimes things go wrong. Your child might get sick, or your provider might need a day off.

Have you arranged for back-up child care?

Think about other possibilities. Could:

  • a friend, neighbor, or family member come to your house?
  • you take your child to a friend, neighbor, or family member?
  • you take your child to a drop-in day care center?
  • an organization (religious organization, community center) you belong to help you out?

Decide in advance what your best options are. Talk to your friends, neighbors, and family members. Ask other people with children about their plans. Set up a baby-sitting exchange. Do research about community resources.

Housing

You should have a safe place to live. Sometimes people need a place to get away for a night or two. Sometimes disasters occur, and people need longer-term housing.

Have you thought about where you would go if something happened in your home?

Think about other possibilities. Could you:

  • move in with a friend or relative?
  • go to a motel or hotel?
  • go to a shelter?
  • contact an organization (Red Cross, religious organization)?

Decide in advance what your best options are. Talk to your friends and relatives. Do research about community resources. Have money set aside for emergencies.

Lack of Education

Lack of education may be holding you back. There are many hurdles to overcome when you think about school. For example, you may worry about time to study and attend classes. Think about money for school, how long it will take to finish, and what courses to take.

Schools often have advisors who can help you decide what you need and what your options are. There are some pages on this website that can give you information about some of these issues.