Reading the “Prepare for an Emergency” entry in the Every Monday Matters book gave me the chills given the disasters and aftermaths that have been all over the news lately. Watching the television coverage of everything from Haiti to the local storms and landslides horrified me, brought me to tears, made me feel helpless and afraid, and ultimately, forced me into action.

Disasters, of any magnitude or size are never truly expected, but as we have seen time and time again, they are inevitable. And the only thing that seems to alleviate the fear and anxiety that come up for my family and me is to do what we can to prepare for them.

I admit that it has been quite a while since the last one, so I am planning a Disaster Preparedness Day for my family. On these days we simulate what happens: if there is an earthquake; if someone is drowning in the pool; if there is a fire; if there is a heavy rain and the hill slides; and any other “ifs” my kids or I can think up to prepare for. Aside from the “appropriate” actions that are reviewed on a Disaster Preparedness Day, there are other things that need we need to do as well. Here’s my list.

1. Communication Plan. Choose a person in your area AND outside your area for everyone to call and check in with. Make sure those numbers are in everyone’s phones and on the Emergency List.

2. Emergency List. Have a list by the main phone in the house and one in the car with all pertinent contact information, medical information and life saving instructions-directions-locations (for medicine, supply kits, etc.)

3. Cash. Paper and Coins. Bank ATMs and registers that accept credit cards may go down. Cell phone service may go out. Make sure there is cash (in small bills so it is not necessary for anyone to make change) and coins so that calls can be made at public phones if necessary.

4. Supply Kit. Buy or make one that will last each person in the household 3 days. Make sure everyone knows where it is located. And make sure that it contains something to purify water, for clean water can be more difficult to find that food after a disaster. The supply kit may also be a good place to put the cash and coins. Build a kit with the provided lists or purchase one from Ready, a national public service campaign designed to educate us to prepare for and respond to emergencies. Click here.

5. Practice your Plan. Most kids and adults learn through repetition. In the event of an emergency, if a plan has been practices, panic will be less likely.

“Prepare today…for any kind of tomorrow.” – Every Monday Matters (link)