It is important to have a plan. Planning IS preparedness. This is one area that is far too often overlooked. It's kind of like years ago when people would buy 700 lbs. of wheat and then say, ok, so what am I going to do with all this wheat?
The same holds true today. If you don't know what to do with things you are storing, it is difficult to figure it out when an emergency hits.
Step 1 - Start by learning what disasters or emergencies you may have to endure and list them out. Write them down.
Step 2 -. Set some realistic goals. What do you hope to accomplish in each of the scenarios above.
Step 3 - Write down your goals and plans. A plan unwritten is just a hope and a dream.
Step 4 - Work and exercise your plan. Know what it is you have planned to do. As Yoda says in Star Wars “Do or do not. There is no try.” Doing is what is important. Don't be overwhelmed, as President Kimball always said "Do it, Now"
Remember - this is not a race - do as much as you can, whether it is a little or a lot does not matter, but be persistent in doing what you are able to do..
On YouTube our good friends Jonathan and Kylene call themselves The Provident Preppers. They are consistently teaching and learning about preparedness. In their book they wrote the following: “Do not allow fear to motivate your actions. Preparing and making steady progress is critically important, but take time to enjoy the present while preparing for the future”. This is a great motto - it clearly puts things into perspective and is sound advice.
Here are a few helpful places to get you started. Click on any of the links below.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints- Making an Emergency Plan
Thinking about emergency situations can feel frightening and overwhelming, but we are promised “If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear” (Doctrine and Covenants 38:30). Preparing for emergencies can help us feel more secure and can help us stay safe when a disaster or unexpected event occurs.
Preparation is necessary in many areas, including financial, home storage and food production, emotional preparedness, and emergency planning. If we have these plans in place, we can be prepared when challenges occur.
When planning for disasters, it’s helpful to:
Consider the disruptions possible in your area.
Make plans for the disruptions that may happen to you.
Make a communication and reunification plan.
Think about your family’s special needs.
Update your plans on a regular basis.
To learn how to plan for disruptions in your area, see the Personal and Family Emergency Preparedness Planning Guide. In the guide, you can find activities and charts to help you make plans.
Ready.gov - A lot of great information including plan making and other information
Evacuation List – Things to Gather
This is an idea list we use - Remember yours will probably be different - just make the list!
o Medicines both OTC and Prescription & Masks
o Cash/Safe Contents if there is one
o Backpacks and bins in Front Closet
o Water
o Food Bins
o Vesta heater and Fuel cans
o Mobile Generator(s)
o Cell Phones & Charger
o Ham and GMRS Walkie Talkies
o Dog Food & Leash (don't forget the critters)
o Blankets/Pillows
o Lights/Lanterns
o Tool Kit/Box
o Wallet and Purse
o Keys
o Extra Shoes (and socks)
o Coats
o Laptop w/Charger
o Documents
o Checkbook
o C-Pap Machine
o First Aid Kit
o LifeStraws (for water purification)
o Trash Bags/Zip Locks
o Pepper Spray
o Duct Tape