Getting Organized for Emergency Preparedness
As a professional organizer, it probably doesn’t surprise you that I like to be prepared! I like knowing what to expect and planning ahead. But what about the unexpected? How can you prepare for the unknown? That’s what emergency preparedness is all about.
September is National Preparedness Month, and while we all know it’s a good idea to prepare for potential disaster, it’s a pretty overwhelming concept.
It may feel daunting, but like so much else, getting started is often the hardest part. So, let’s begin!
Understand Your Risks
Before you can make a plan or create an emergency kit, it’s important to identify the threats in your region so you can prepare accordingly. Natural disasters that come readily to mind are hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and wildfires, but there are other potential risks to consider. Awareness is the first step!
Make A Plan
After you’ve assessed what kind of emergencies you should prepare for, it’s time to make an emergency plan. Your plan should include:
Meeting Places: Designate two meeting places where your family can regroup if separated. First, choose a location outside your home for a sudden emergency, such as a fire. Then, identify a place outside your neighborhood, like a school or church, in case you cannot return home or need to evacuate.
Emergency Contacts: Make a list of phone numbers for family members, friends, and emergency services. Save each number on cell phones, but don’t forget to make paper copies of the list and place them in children’s backpacks, family members’ purses or briefcases, your car, etc.
Evacuation Plan: Identify where you would go if asked to evacuate. A hotel? A relative or family friend’s home? Nearby shelters and safe zones? It depends on the emergency, so having a few options is a good idea.
Quick Tip: Talk About Your Plan
Creating a plan is great, but discussing it with your family is often overlooked. Remember to sit down and get everyone on the same page. If you have young children, adjust your discussion accordingly, but share details as your kids get older. If you’re concerned it may worry your children, remember that they’ve probably thought about emergencies, and knowing you have a plan can ease their minds.
Create an Emergency Kit
A huge part of emergency preparedness is having the right supplies gathered for your emergency kit. It’s important to distinguish between supplies you may need for sheltering in place at home versus a smaller kit (aka “Go Bag”) to grab if you need to evacuate.
Essentials for a Basic Kit at Home
Water (one gallon per person per day for several days)
Non-perishable food for several days
Extra cell phone battery or charger
Battery-powered or hand crank radio that can receive NOAA Weather Radio tone alerts and extra batteries
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit
Whistle to signal for help
Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter in place
Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation
At least two weeks of prescription medicines for each family member, including medicine name, dose, pharmacy name and number, and doctor’s name and number.
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
Can opener (if kit contains canned food)
Local maps
Additional Items to Consider
Eyeglasses or extra contact lenses
Infant formula and diapers
Pet food, water, and supplies for your pet
Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a portable waterproof container
Cash and change
Emergency reference material such as a first aid book
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
Complete change of clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes.
Fire Extinguisher
Matches in a waterproof container
Feminine supplies, personal hygiene items, and hand sanitizer
Non-prescription medication like pain relievers, antacids, laxatives, etc.
Mess kits, Paper cups, plates and disposable utensils, paper towels
Books, games, puzzles, or other activities for children
Paper and pencil
Creating a Go Bag
If you have to leave your home quickly, it’s important to have a smaller version of your emergency kit to grab and go.
You’ll include most things on the essentials list, just on a smaller scale. You won’t have room for fifteen gallons of water, but having a few bottles or water purification tablets is a must. Comb through the lists and decide what to keep in your Go Bag.
Once you make a disaster plan and create your emergency kit, it’s important to check it every 6-12 months. You may need to rotate food, update contact information, or replace spare clothing for growing children. That’s why every September is a perfect time to revisit your emergency plan. After you’ve created the plan, simple maintenance will help you stay prepared.
Hopefully, you’ll never have to put all this planning and organizing into action, but if you do — won’t it feel great to be prepared? Being organized for emergencies involves more than just packing a kit; it’s about understanding risks, having a plan, and ensuring you’re ready to handle the unexpected.
By understanding your risks, creating a family emergency plan, and preparing a disaster kit, you’ll be in a much better place to ensure that you and your loved ones are always ready.
Happy (and safe) Sprucing!
