What Every Family's Emergency Planning Should Include

Each September, National Preparedness Month encourages us to be prepared for disasters and emergencies. From flooding to earthquakes to fires, when we hear of tragic events around the world — or feel small tremors under our feet, it reminds us that it’s the perfect time to take steps NOW so you are prepared WHEN….

Two of my clients recently asked me to help them put together their family emergency kits. I thought this would be a great opportunity to share some useful tips to inspire your own steps toward emergency readiness.

Start by assembling that all-purpose emergency kit. It can be a great way to involve the whole family.

For ideas of what to include, here’s a handy list and self-assessment quiz from the American Red Cross. Or, if you prefer to purchase a ready-made kit as a starting place and add to it, view this video in which an L.A. Times columnist unboxes, tests and compares four earthquake kits.

So much of surviving and thriving beyond a disaster often requires knowing what you’ll need in the hours, days and weeks that follow. In addition to preparing your kit, take these simple steps to help you and your family ‘weather the storm’ during and after a crisis:

#1 Review Your Homeowners/Renters Policy
#2 Inventory Items in Your Home
#3 Update Your Contacts List
#4 Create & Review the Plan
#5 Pre-install Emergency Alert Apps & Notifications
#6 Safeguard Your Communications

For resources and up-to-the-minute apps to help you accomplish these tasks, visit my blog on Emergency Readiness: 6 Essentials to Review.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, finding time to prepare for “what if” can seem like a stretch. Yet, the peace of mind and practical skills that you and your family will gain are priceless.

Just a little planning can go a long way to help everyone better manage during an emergency, and in the days and weeks that follow. Wishing you and your family success in preparing your survival tools.

To help make planning for “what if” that much easier, also check out my blogs on:

Have a clever organizing solution or emergency planning resource? If so, I’d love to hear about it! Drop me a line on Instagram or Facebook.