The Buddy System. It’s defined by Merriam-Webster as “an arrangement in which two individuals are paired (as for mutual safety in a hazardous situation).” Wikipedia describes it as “a procedure in which two people, the ‘buddies’, operate together as a single unit so that they are able to monitor and help each other.”

Everyone needs a Buddy.

I have an advertisement for an emergency response program hanging on my fridge as a lighthearted reminder to be careful around the house. I’m very clumsy, and every time I see the “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!” commercial all I can think is yep, that’s going to be me.

Home maintenance, household tasks, lawn care, snow removal… All of these things are opportunities for me to do something stupid and hurt myself. I’m not even kidding. Just ask Team Tami about the scorched spoon I have framed and hanging in my kitchen. I really should not be left to my own devices. I need frequent reminders not to do everything on my own. I can (and should!) ask for help.

We’ve had some crazy weather the last couple of weeks! Here in Michigan, that’s meant bitterly cold temperatures and a lot of snow. During my married life, I wouldn’t have viewed dangerous Winter weather as an issue. Now? It’s a chance for me to slip on the ice, plummet down the driveway and face-plant into a snowbank. Ta-da!

Even during ideal conditions, we need to look out for one another and keep tabs on our Buddies.

Here are a few suggestions for keeping the emergency assistance programs at bay:

• Have your Buddy at the ready. Or multiple Buddies, as is my case. I talk (or text) with my mom and sister at least once a day. Sometimes many times a day. I also have a couple of Besties in daily contact. If they don’t hear from me often, SWAT is probably on the way.
• Contact your Buddies before and after difficult tasks. Define difficult. For me, that could be cooking dinner or walking down the stairs. All kidding aside, I make sure my Buddies know when I’m working on things around the house. During the winter, I send out a text that I’m going out to shovel. Then text back when I’m finished and inside enjoying a hot toddy. I send out before & after lawn care texts. Changing a light bulb texts. I’m actually hesitant to do most things without texting someone first. Anytime there’s a risk you might need help, make sure you’re checking in with a Buddy.
• Make friends with your neighbors. Friendly neighbors can be a huge help, since they are nearby. I live in a super neighborhood with helpful and encouraging neighbors. If something looks off, they let me know (I’m talking to you, Creepy Lawn Care Guy) and act as my eyes and ears when I’m not at home. It’s so much easier than setting up webcams and boobytraps around my property.
• Use all the resources! You do not have to do everything by yourself. Rally the troops! Also, it’s often worth the money to hire someone to help. For instance… I hate snow. I hate cold. I have no problem paying a service to plow my driveway. I also have a deck that gets full of snow. Since I really enjoy using my deck in the Summer, and would prefer it not fall off, I have the Besties come over and help me shovel. In return, I feed them and thank them profusely.
• Update your emergency contacts. Keep this information current for all your doctors and for your employer. Your ex-husband won’t respond if he gets a phone call – trust me.

Mom was right. (Isn’t she always?) There is safety in numbers.

So make sure you have a Buddy System ready to go.

And stay safe out there.