Preparedness

We are witnessing a troubling rise in violence across the world. At the same time, the cost of living continues to increase — impacting essentials such as food, utilities, cleaning supplies, housing, insurance, and more. 

Natural disasters are becoming both more frequent and more destructive. Many cities are increasingly unsafe, and hostility toward religion is on the rise. Despite these realities, many individuals and families remain unprepared to care for themselves during times of disruption. 

Today, while watching news coverage following the snow and ice storm, I saw a man being interviewed who had traveled several miles on dangerous, icy roads in search of breakfast. Power outages were widespread, and no restaurants were open. Officials had urged residents to stay home, yet he felt he had no choice. He explained that he had no way to cook without electricity and no food that did not require cooking.

With this in mind, over the coming months I will be focusing on supporting those who are newly embracing preparedness, as well as those who are thoughtfully reassessing and strengthening the steps they have already taken. I will be writing and sharing practical, instruction-based resources designed to be easily printed, organized, and stored in a preparedness binder.

Had the man searching for a meal possessed a comprehensive preparedness binder, he may have been able to safely improvise a way to cook using items already available in his home.

To begin, it is time to take an honest look at where you are today. This week, purchase a two- or three-inch binder along with plastic page protectors. Then, carefully review the following list, checking off the items you have already completed and highlighting a few priority areas to address next.

Medical Preparedness & First Aid

• Do you have a first aid kit?
  
• Do you have a first aid manual?
  
• Does a family member have CPR training?
  
• Does a family member know the Heimlich maneuver?
  
• Do you know how to splint a finger, arm, leg?
  
• Do you know the signs and treatment of frostbite?
  
• Do you know the signs and treatment of hypothermia?
  
• Do you know the signs and treatment of heat-related illnesses?
  
• Do you know the signs and treatment of dehydration?
  
• Do you know the signs and treatment of seizures?
  
• Do you know the signs and treatment of snow blindness?
  
• Do you know the signs and treatment of poisoning?
  
• Do you have the number for poison control posted?
  
• Do all family members know how to call 911?
  

Emergency Kits & Supplies

• Do you have a Five-Day Kit for all family members?
  
• Do you have an auto kit in all vehicles?
  
• Do you have a pet emergency kit?
  
• Do children leaving for college have Five-Day Kits and food storage in their dorm room?
  
• Do you have everything on the non-food checklist?
  
• Do you have extra batteries?
  
• Have you completed the All About Batteries Form?
  

Food Storage & Cooking

• Do you have a three-month supply of the foods you eat?
  
• Are foods stored safely? (see Storing Food Safely)
  
• Do you keep your freezer full in case of a power outage?
  
• Do you have equipment and fuel to cook off the grid?
  

Water Storage, Sanitation & Utilities

• Do you have water stored?
  
• Do you have a way to purify water?
  
• Do you know how to save water during a drought?
  
• Have you completed the All About Water Form?
  
• Do you have a port-a-potty?
  
• Do you have chemicals and biohazard bags for the port-a-potty?
  

Financial & Important Documents

• Do you have cash on hand in small bills?
  
• Do you have important documents copied?
  
• Have you mailed documents and other information to an out-of-area contact?
  
• Do you have a preparedness binder?
  
• Have you done a home inventory?
  
• Have you recently reevaluated your insurance policies?
  

Family Emergency Plans & Practice

• Does your family have a meeting place?
  
• Does your family have a fire escape plan?
  
• Have you rehearsed your escape plan?
  
• Does your family have an evacuation plan?
  
• Have you made evacuation assignments to each family member?
  
• Have you practiced your plan?
  
• Have you discussed possible disasters in your area with your family?
  
• Have you discussed possible disasters in their new area with children leaving for college?
  
• Do you have evacuation responsibilities posted?
  

Communication & Information

• Have you created a phone tree with family and friends?
  
• Do you have an out-of-area contact?
  
• Do you have an emergency communication plan?
  
• Have you subscribed to emergency notification systems?
  
• Do you know your community warning system?
  
• Do you know which radio and TV stations are the emergency broadcast providers in your area?
  
• Do you have emergency phone numbers posted by each phone?
  

Fire Safety & Detection

• Do you have fire extinguishers in your home?
  
• Do you have a fire extinguisher in your car?
  
• Does everyone in the family know how to use a fire extinguisher?
  
• Do you have a fire escape ladder for the second story of your home?
  
• Do you have smoke detectors?
  
• Do you have carbon monoxide detectors?
  

Home Safety & Hazard Prevention

• Are poisons and cleaning supplies secured?
  
• Are flammable liquids stored outside the house?
  
• Are propane tanks stored outside the house?
  
• Are papers and oily rags stored outside of the house?
  
• Are furnace vents cleaned?
  
• Are doors and windows clear of obstructions for easy exit?
  
• Have you cleaned your gutters?
  
• Have you pruned tree limbs that are dead or close to the house?
  

Power, Utilities & Home Systems

• Does your family know how to turn off the water to the house?
  
• Does your family know how to turn off the gas into the house?
  
• Does your family know how to turn off the electricity to the house?
  
• Does your family know how to open the garage door in a power outage?
  
• Have you completed the All About Electricity Form?
  

Shelter, Warmth & Cooling

• Do you have a safe room in case of a disaster or home invasion?
  
• Do you have a plan for staying warm during a winter power outage?
  
• Do you have a plan for staying cool during a summer power outage?
  

Nighttime & Immediate-Escape Readiness

• Do you have a flashlight or other non-electric light source next to all beds?
  
• Do you have a whistle next to all beds?
  
• Do you have car keys next to your bed?
• Do you have a pair of sturdy shoes under your bed?

One final thought — take a moment to look around you. Are there individuals at church or in your neighborhood who are new to the idea of preparedness? Consider who you might invite to take this journey with you, and who you can help understand both the importance of preparing and the steps needed to succeed.

Many have suffered simply because they were unprepared. While we cannot prevent every challenge we may face, we can take intentional steps to be ready to care for ourselves and those entrusted to us when difficulties arise.