Written by Cari Butler
We cannot predict emergencies, but we can prepare for them. For many families, disaster preparedness feels overwhelming simply because they do not know where to begin. After more than fifteen years working as an emergency preparedness consultant in Los Angeles, I can confidently say that getting prepared does not have to be complicated. When clients reach out, most are not unmotivated. They are unsure of the first step. The truth is that four foundational steps make emergency preparedness manageable and realistic for everyday life.
Step 1: Prepare a kit and gather supplies and documents
It is recommended that families have enough supplies on hand to sustain themselves for at least two to three weeks. An emergency kit should include food such as canned and dried goods, water, first aid supplies, lighting, sanitation items, and comfort items for each family member. Store your kit in a place that is easy to access, such as a coat closet or under a bed. Important documents, including insurance policies, identification, medical records, and passports should be kept together in a simple fireproof file box that can be grabbed quickly if needed. It is also wise to keep small bills on hand, maintain extra prescriptions for daily medications, store an extra pair of glasses if you wear them, keep sturdy shoes under the bed, and always have at least half a tank of gas in your car. Do not forget pets, as they will also need food and supplies.
If you want a more detailed breakdown of what to pack, you may find it helpful to read our guide on what to include in a family go bag and emergency kit.
Step 2: Prepare your space
When I work with families, safety in the home is always the priority. We walk room by room, identifying potential hazards and securing large furniture. Furniture that is taller than it is wide, attached to gas, capable of blocking exits, or heavy enough to cause injury should be anchored to the wall. During an earthquake, it is not the furniture that moves, but the ground beneath it, which is why even heavy items can become dangerous.
Step 3: Create a family plan
Your emergency plan should include every member of the household, as well as caregivers. Talk through the types of emergencies most likely to occur in your area and what to do in each scenario. Because families are often separated during emergencies, it is essential to decide how you will communicate if cell service is disrupted. An out-of-state contact person can help relay information. Write your plan down and keep it in one central place so everyone knows where to find it.
If you are preparing children for emergencies at school, you may also want to read our back-to-school emergency preparedness guide for families.
Step 4: Practice your plan
Having a plan is not enough if it has never been practiced. Review and practice your emergency plan every six months to a year, so everyone feels confident and calm if it is ever needed. This is especially important for children, as practice empowers them rather than creating fear. A well-practiced plan helps families navigate emergencies with clarity rather than panic.
If you want a clear, step-by-step way to organize all four of these steps in one place, including kits, documents, home safety, and family planning, you can find everything organized in the Emergency Preparedness Guide available here: Emergency Preparedness PDF.
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About the Author: Emergency Preparedness Expert Cari Butler has over 15 years of teaching experience. She is a Westside Los Angeles mom whose interest in Emergency Preparedness began when her daughter started school and was required to have a personal emergency kit. That raised the question: “Why shouldn’t everyone have an emergency kit?” Her concern led her to thoroughly research the subject and create her own business and is the only Angeleno to offer these emergency preparedness consultations and services. Cari provides personalized consultation services for families and businesses, as well as offers customized emergency preparedness kits.
