After learning a skill, a process, a task or anything else for that matter it’s a good idea to occasionally have a refresher course on the basics, and emergency preparedness planning is no different.

Because emergencies and disasters can happen any place and any time it’s important to be ready in a moments notice. As someone who thinks about emergency preparedness a lot I feel pretty confident suggesting that the last thing we want to happen when a difficult situation presents itself is to be standing there unprepared and not knowing what to do. With that said, here’s a quick breakdown of the fundamentals.

When looking at this list, just remember that every topic and every bullet point is a subject of its own. In other words, go through the information in this blog and those of our partner sites and you’ll find a lot of detailed tips and useful suggestions for every one of these areas.

Family Planning

• Develop evacuation plans

• Identify meeting areas (If separated getting our of the house or if you’re not together during an emergency)

• Have a friend or family member out of the area that can act as a point of contact for everyone

• Program emergency phone numbers into cell phones and keep a list at the house.

• Ensure proper working condition of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms.

• Have everyone in the family know how to turn off the mains for water, gas and power.

• Have copies of important documents ready to go with you (insurance papers, deeds, etc.)

Create, Stock (restock) and Store Emergency Preparedness Kits

• Assemble Grab and Go survival kits for your home and one for each car.

• Have the kit include water, freeze dried food, tools, flares, batteries and related supplies, a first aid kit and extra clothing and bedding. Three days worth of supplies minimum.

• Sanitation supplies, soap toilet paper, hygiene items, etc.

• If you have small children remember to include formula, bottles, medications, diapers, etc.

•Don’t forget about your pets. Food, toys, bones.