Planning is Preparedness
Have you ever faced an emergency? It can be a frightening experience that challenges you physically and mentally. After the immediate threat has passed, you might return to some sense of normal, but the recovery can be life-changing. September marks National Preparedness Month, a time to empower individuals with the necessary knowledge and resources to respond and recover from an emergency.
Emergency preparedness is not something to avoid. Natural disasters, pandemics, power outages, civil or mental health events are just a few that have piqued the headlines in recent months. Emergencies can happen, and it’s essential to assess your risk and make a plan.
I remember the first wildfire that came within 5 miles of our home. I had small children, and it was scary. It was a clear example of why we must be prepared. Protecting those things you can not replace is the goal. If you haven’t even given this a consideration, don’t panic. It’s the kind of plan that will always be a work in progress.
A good plan would include:
A supply list
A list of everything you will need for 3 (nationally recommended) to 5 days broken down into groups
Getting started can feel daunting, so I suggest you create your list and gather items.
Consider creating a digital list that can be easily updated or shared.
Using waterproof containers can be helpful when storing your gathered supplies.
Check off what’s been gathered and perhaps when you packed it away (it makes it easier to rotate items based on date).
A contact list
A list of resources in your community with contact information (especially an address) for everyone in the family. Knowing your emergency service providers is super helpful when you are in crisis.
A game plan
A document for your household includes where to meet and what to do. Plans must be specific to your family or household; details may matter depending on your children's age. Details such as a home address, a meeting location for the community, region, or evacuation destination will need to be accessible to the household. Some questions to answer when building your plan:
Risk levels: What types of events can happen in your area? What does historical data tell you about what happens after an event?
Household needs and supplies: Do you have any health needs that should be prioritized? Do you need to plan for pet evacuation? Where will your emergency supplies be stored?
Dangers: Do you know how to shut off water or gas? Will you be susceptible to down powerlines? Are there supplies you’ll need to use to protect your home from danger?
Family plan and evacuation: How will you regroup with your household members or loved ones? Where will you go? Is everyone informed of what should happen in an emergency?
Alerts and status: How will you be informed of what’s happening? How can you access emergency services? Is there an alert system in your community?
Creating your game plan is simply asking yourself all the “what if” questions and shaping your answers into a plan. Every community and family is different, so it’s important to consider what you need.
Don’t forget I have shared some of my favorite resources for emergency planning.
