When preparing for an emergency, there are multiple factors that you should look at to know how to better prepare yourself and your family. Certain things to consider when making an emergency preparedness plan is what types of disasters, either natural or man-made, would you likely come across in the area where you live. Next on the list you should gather critical information. Go through and outline assignments and procedures. Identify your emergency communication methods. Finally, encourage your family members and friends to also participate in emergency preparedness.

How to Prepare for an Emergency

We encourage everyone to make an emergency preparedness plan and update it frequently. Start now to create your plan or update the plan you currently have because the instability of the world today makes it imperative to prepare for the future. With all the natural disasters that have been occurring around the world, it’s becoming more of a necessity than an option.

As you make an emergency plan, consider a few things. First and foremost, avoid going into debt. Start working to stockpile what you and your family would need to get buy in a supply chain crisis in a way that works within your existing budget. Purchase non-perishable food items like the grab-n-go bucket that has 84 servings of complete balanced meals. Also look into other survival items such as water carriers and filtered water bottles so you can stay hydrated. Make sure to rotate your stockpile. For example, if you buy canned green beans in bulk, use some, then buy more, make sure to rotate the old ones to the front of the line and the new ones to the back.

Gaining an adequate knowledge to know what to do when disaster strikes. Work on constantly adding to your knowledge. Be aware of the types of things you will possibly have to do like starting a fire or growing food, and gain the knowledge needed to do so. This can mean studying reference material or simply going out and learning by doing. Ideally this will result in optimal readiness.

Know where a supply of necessary items can be located in case of emergency. This includes but is not limited to food, clothes, bedding, drinking water, financial reserve, important documentation, medications/first aid, and ways to communicate with loved ones following the disaster.

Also consider obtaining first-aid or other similar trainings to ensure you have the skills to keep yourself and your family safe. Your stockpile is wonderful in the short term, but you have to be able to survive if you run out or have to leave it behind too.

When thinking about what types of disasters you might face consider where you live, the weather in your area, and what is around you. For example, if you don’t live where there are any volcanoes you probably don’t need to be prepared for a volcanic eruption. If you get a lot of snow, you might need to think of ways to stay warm if you lose power. When living in a hot dry area, consider the potential for wildfires to hit your area. How do you prepare for these situations? What might you and your family need in these situations?

“Getting a plan and any relevant gear together will take a little time, but the piece of mind it will bring you and your family is 100% worth the effort.“
– Brian Kennedy, WSG