After our rough week last August—when we experienced both an earthquake and a hurricane within days of each other—we received a lot of requests for a practical post on emergency preparedness. We’re not professionals, but two knowledgeable readers stepped forward with detailed, sensible advice. They boiled their recommendations down to three clear priorities: make a kit, make a plan, and stay informed. Below is a concise, actionable guide based on their expertise.
Our contributors are Amanda F., who holds a master’s in emergency management and previously coordinated emergency response for a hospital in Los Angeles, and Michelle O., the Deputy Coordinator of Emergency Management for our county. They have hands-on experience with earthquakes, hurricanes, and local emergency response, so their guidance is practical and grounded.
#1. Make a Kit – A basic emergency kit doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated. Even supplies to cover 48–72 hours can make a big difference. Consider three types of kits:
- Stay-at-Home Kit: Prepare for at least three days without power. Include non-perishable food, water (about 1 gallon per person per day), a flashlight and spare batteries, a battery-powered radio (and extra batteries), a manual can opener, necessary medications and a copy of prescriptions, spare glasses or contact supplies, cash (ATMs may not work), and copies of important personal and financial documents stored in a waterproof bag.
- Kid and Pet Kit: If you have children or pets, assemble a kit with age-specific and pet-specific items: formula, child-safe food, diapers, wipes, favorite comfort items or toys, pet food, pet leash or carrier, and any medications.
- Go Kit (Grab-and-Go): In case you must evacuate, have a backpack ready for each person with water, high-energy snacks, extra clothes and sturdy shoes, copies of key documents, a small first-aid kit, and a flashlight.
We previously reviewed our own emergency kit and found room for improvement. It’s worth doing a quick self-check at your house now, especially after a move or major life change.
Include copies of essential documents in your kit, and store a second set offsite or on a durable digital medium. Suggested documents to copy and protect include:
- Driver’s license and passport
- Social Security card
- Birth certificates
- Health insurance card and medical information
- Insurance policies and contact numbers
- Mortgage and loan documents
- Property deeds and car titles
- Marriage license and will
- Last year’s tax return
- Bank and brokerage account numbers
- An inventory or photos of your home for insurance claims
Common barriers—time, money, and storage—can be worked around:
- Use what you already have: Canned goods, bottled water, and basic supplies count.
- Shop smart: Dollar stores and discount retailers can provide basic tools like flashlights and batteries at low cost.
- Build over time: Add one or two items each month until your kit is complete.
- Involve your family: Let children help choose or pack items; this builds familiarity and reduces fear.
- Be realistic about space: Kits can be compact; keep them in an accessible, central location, not an outbuilding that may be unreachable.
- Consider pre-made kits: If time is the main issue, a ready-made kit can be a good starting point.
Remember to review and refresh your kit annually—check expiration dates, replace expired medications, and update clothing sizes so items remain useful.
#2. Make a Plan – A household emergency plan doesn’t have to be complicated. Write down essential information, share it with everyone in your home, and review it periodically. A simple plan should include:
- Contact numbers for all family members (cell, home, and work numbers)
- An out-of-town contact that everyone agrees to call if local lines are down
- Instructions on whether to shelter in place or evacuate, including any local evacuation routes
- A pre-arranged meeting place outside your immediate neighborhood—somewhere familiar and easy to find
Texting can be more reliable than calling during an emergency, so plan to use text messages as a primary check-in method if needed. For printable plan templates and step-by-step guidance, national preparedness websites offer useful forms and checklists.
#3. Stay Informed – Know where to get timely, local information during an emergency. Identify trustworthy sources for weather updates, evacuation notices, and shelter locations. A battery-powered radio or a NOAA weather radio is invaluable when power and cellular service are interrupted. Learn which local radio stations or emergency alert systems your community uses and sign up for emergency notifications if your area offers them.
Finally, keeping your kit, plan, and information up to date makes all the difference. Annual reviews, simple practice drills, and replacing expired supplies keep your household ready for the unexpected.
Thanks again to Amanda and Michelle for sharing practical guidance. Their straightforward approach—prepare basic supplies, agree on a plan, and stay informed—makes emergency preparedness manageable for every household.
P.S. Our neighbors affected by the storm-related tree damage have since moved back into their renovated home after extensive repairs. They turned a difficult situation into a meaningful update to their space.