Disasters and emergencies can strike suddenly and without warning—from weather events to accidents to infrastructure failure. While we can’t predict specific scenarios or control exactly when crises may come (and they will come eventually), we can control our level of preparedness for handling them calmly and effectively when they do arrive.
Preparing your household to deal with disasters builds grit and resilience, two invaluable traits fostered through facing fears and pushing past comfort zones. Research shows families who discuss emergency response plans openly cope better emotionally when navigating frightening situations together later on.
When it comes to crisis readiness, progress beats perfection. Simply focusing on small positive actions routinely leads to significant gains over time—without becoming overwhelmed. There is a reason why the Boy Scouts moto is “Be Prepared”.
Here are 12 foundational first steps to start actively preparing your family today:
- Stock Emergency Supply Kits
Gather essential non-perishable supplies for each member. Consider water, packaged food, flashlights, radio, batteries, first aid essentials, cash, and copies of ID documents. Rotate items every 6 months.
- Acquire Paper Maps
GPS and mobile networks may fail during disasters. Have local maps on hand for situational navigation and marking exit routes. Pro tip, if you know where there are sources of water, mark it on your local map.
- Store Backup Medical Necessities
Include frequently used prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, spare eyeglasses, etc. Bandages, antiseptic, Tylenol, all good to have on hand. Watch expiration dates and keep out of the hands of kids.
- Discuss Evacuation Plans
Pick safe meeting places near home and farther away. Ensure all family members know locations and communication protocols.
- Locate Home Utility Shutoffs
Learn procedures for safely turning off gas, electricity, and water lines in case structural utility damage occurs.
- Fortify Entry Points
Check that doors and windows have secure locks and proper outdoor lighting. Reinforce as protection and deterrent. Consider safe room possibilities.
- Backup Essential Documents
Save digital copies on a password-protected cloud drive and print hard copies (ID, insurance, health records).
- Learn Emergency Skills
Take first aid, CPR and fire safety courses. Gain techniques for foraging, navigation, and survival through local adult education providers.
- Practice Power Outage Simulations
Occasionally turn off power and avoid device use for 24 hours. Provides opportunities to try other steps like cooking alternative meals.
- Review Insurance Policies Carefully
Document possessions visually and ensure adequate coverage types/limits based on possible disaster risks in your region and home.
- Build Community Connections
Meet neighbors for exchanged contact info and on-call emergency assistance. Identify those possibly needing extra help like elderly residents.
- Set Specific Preparedness Goals
On a calendar, schedule practical preparedness milestones to complete. Consistently build skills and supplies each season/year.
The fact is disasters bring harm and difficulties even for the most prepared families. However, embracing a proactive mindset focused on incremental progress empowers us emotionally despite external chaos. Establishing basic response capabilities and remaining levelheaded through tense scenarios allows for quicker pivots to safety and recovery.
Preparing for potential future emergencies also cultivates grit and resilience that benefit us daily—in small challenges and significant crises alike. Disaster preparation builds hardier, more capable versions of ourselves. And robust families can withstand turbulent times that otherwise destroy those unprepared.
With consistent attention to emergency readiness fundamentals, we craft household fortitude shielding us from the destructive impacts of whatever may come next – be it power outages, cyber-attacks, extreme weather, techpocalypse (like my book) or any other crisis. Peace of mind emerges knowing that through resourcefulness and resilience, we can navigate hardship…together.
Start now by taking just one step this week to safeguard your family against the unexpected. Then continue making progress until emergency preparedness becomes an embedded household practice. For more information, click this link to go to FEMA’s website to learn more.
References and Resources
- American Red Cross recommendations on emergency supply kits and disaster planning:
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/survival-kit-supplies.html - Ready.gov’s guidelines on evacuation planning and household communication strategies:
https://www.ready.gov/plan - FEMA
https://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/pfd.pdf