Create an emergency preparedness plan.
We tell ourselves that emergencies won’t happen to us. But every day, people around the world face a reality they never saw coming—floods, fires, power outages, earthquakes, and more. I used to think, “That won’t happen here.” But I’ve learned that being prepared isn’t about fear. It’s about peace of mind.
Creating an emergency preparedness plan gives me the confidence to face whatever comes, knowing I’ve already done the hard thinking ahead of time. Here’s how I’m getting ready—and how you can too.
1. Know My Risks
To truly be prepared, I first had to understand the threats most likely to affect me where I live. Maybe for you, it’s hurricanes or tornadoes; for me, it’s more about wildfires, floods, and the occasional power outage. Knowing what’s possible helps me focus on what matters and avoid being caught off guard.
2. Make a Real Plan
This is more than a checklist—it’s a living plan that I will review and update regularly. Here’s what mine includes:
- Two evacuation routes from my home and neighborhood
- A local meeting point (like a park or neighbor’s house)
- A second meeting point outside the area in case local travel isn’t possible
- An out-of-town contact to help coordinate if local communication fails
- A list of emergency contacts saved in my phone and written down in my pocket diary.
I also made sure to figure out transportation ahead of time since I may not be able to rely on my car during every situation.
3. Build My Emergency Kit
My emergency kit—what some call a “go-bag”—is packed and ready. It’s designed to help me survive for at least 72 hours without outside help. Here’s what I’ve included:
- Water: One gallon per person per day
- Non-perishable food (3-day supply)
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Prescription medications
- Multi-tool and duct tape
- A hand-crank or battery-powered radio
- Copies of key documents (ID, insurance, medical info, certificates and bank documents)
- Cash in small bills
- Face masks, sanitizer, and hygiene supplies
- Extra phone charger and power bank
- Clothing, a blanket, and sturdy shoes
I also packed pet supplies, and made sure to account for any special medical needs.
4. Stay Informed
During a crisis, reliable information is critical. That’s why I keep a battery-powered radio in my kit so I can hear official updates even if the power or internet is down. I’ve also saved the numbers and websites of local emergency management agencies and bookmarked my area’s evacuation maps.
5. Practice and Keep It Updated
A plan is only helpful if I know how to use it. That’s why I will:
- Practice evacuation routes twice a year
- Review my plan every 6 months
- Check expiration dates on food, water, and medication
- Test my flashlight and radio
- Update contact info and documents annually
It’s now second nature, and I feel more confident every time I run through it.
6. Think About Everyone’s Needs
Preparedness isn’t one-size-fits-all. I’ve tailored my plan to include the specific needs of my household—whether it’s small children, older adults, or people with disabilities. If you’re a caregiver, don’t forget to build that into your plan as well.
The Bottom Line
This isn’t about living in fear—it’s about being smart. Emergencies happen with or without warning, but they don’t have to catch us off guard. Taking a few hours to create a plan, build a kit, and practice my response has made a world of difference in how I feel about the “what-ifs.”
Because when the unexpected happens, I don’t want to panic.
I want to be ready.
Your 'Holistic Health Nucleus’ 