*this blog post is our take on a blog post originally done by Goal Zero.
Living in California, we are no strangers to disaster drills and emergency plans. When The Big One strikes… we’ll be ready and we’re ready to share our plan with you now. No matter where you live, it’s probably a good idea to be prepared for a modern day emergency. Whether it just be a power outage or a total natural disaster, it’s best to be safe than sorry.
Start with a Plan
It’s always best to start with a plan, but that’s especially true when it comes to disasters. Preparing for a disaster before it strikes is crucial for you and your family’s well-being. Below are some things to remember when putting together you’re plan:
- Understand the dangers of specific disasters and keep your plan specific
- Create a map of your home as well as a meeting place outside of your home
- Create an escape plan in the case you and your family need to exit your home unconventionally
- Understand who is responsible for helping the very young or elder members of your family
- Be sure everyone knows each other’s phone numbers, ideally memorized
- Be sure everyone knows the local emergency phone numbers and has them programmed into their phones
- Recommended by FEMA, designate an “out-of-town” contact who everyone can contact with their location and status when emergency strikes.
Go over your plan as a family every few months and remember to be sure everyone is on the same page. Your plan should be accessible to everyone in your household.
Pack an Emergency Kit & What to Include
Now that you have a plan in place, it’s time to start preparing your emergency kit. With today’s modern technologies, especially a lot of the gear Goal Zero offers, your kit can luckily be downsized from your grandparent’s and probably even your parent’s emergency kits. With things such as solar generators and OMEALS, your emergency kit can be downsized while still containing everything necessary for safety and survival… and maybe even homestyle comfort. Here’s what we recommend you include in your kit:
- Water for both drinking and sanitation – that’s about one gallon per person for at least three days.
- A three day supply of non-perishable food for everyone in your family, even pets. We personally love OMEALS because you don’t need a heat source to warm them and they’re tasty, too.
- A first aid kit. We recommend this one by Elite Tactical because it was created by a pararescumeman and includes everything you’ll need.
- Any prescribed medication you or your family members take.
- Spiral bound, durable maps of your local surroundings.
- A portable power station that can be used to keep your phones and other important electronics charged.
- A flashlight or rechargeable lantern.
- A cell phone and power bank.
- A whistle, flare, or another form of signaling for help
- A pair of spare clothes for everyone in your household in case of unexpected cold or wet conditions. May we suggest the Trail Industries Tee?
Now that you have a plan and your emergency kit packed and ready, stay on top of your plan. Go through it with your family every few months and double check your kit is still stocked and ready in an accessible place. Understand your surroundings, the weather patterns, where your local law enforcement and emergency services are located, and where local shelters are located. Keep yourself in the loop with emergency alerts, severe weather warnings, and newscasts updates on your phone. Stay up to date on American Red Cross’s latest recommendations and to gather any important information.
We think it’s important to be prepared in case of an emergency, that’s why we’ve created a (discounted!) bundle filled with everything you’d want in an emergency. Grab one for you and your family today, and thank us later.
