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In recent episodes, we’ve explored the impact of the Los Angeles wildfires. And one question I’ve heard several times in the last few weeks is: ‘What would you take if you had to leave?’
Let’s talk numbers for a moment. In 2024, there were 27 confirmed weather disaster events in the U.S. that had losses exceeding $1 billion each. From droughts, to floods, to severe storms, tropical cyclones, wildfires and more. Countless people were affected and so many had to evacuate.
A study by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) found less than half of American households had discussed or developed an emergency plan.
Yep, that’s my family. We are part of that group that had no plan.
After hearing the stories of many families I know personally having to evacuate with little to no warning, I decided it was time to finally get serious and actually make a plan for our family.
It’s one of those things that’s always on the list but somewhere near the back.
I kept putting it off because … it felt overwhelming. Every time I’ve looked into it there are all these lists and 20-page resources online that suggest the 76 things you must have right now in your kit. But that’s not realistic for most families, right? We needed a real, realistic and affordable plan we can actually follow.
So I’ve done the painstaking research and synthesizing for you and I both. And today, we’re turning that question into action as we walk through, step by step, the 3P’s approach to family emergency preparedness: Plan, Pack and Practice.
No fancy gear, no doomsday prepping—just practical, affordable steps that any family can take.
Nicole Kanne: My gosh, it is so important. Make a plan now, do it today. It’s critical to have a structured approach to quickly respond to unexpected disasters just for the safety of your family. You want to minimize confusion so you can maximize your family’s chances of survival.
That’s Nicole Kanne, Deputy Director of Emergency Disaster Services for The Salvation Army in the western U.S.
Nicole Kanne: Disasters are happening in strange new places. The weather patterns are just so erratic lately. Look at Western North Carolina. Asheville is 300 miles from the nearest beach and they had catastrophic hurricane flooding last fall. Natural disasters are just so frequent, have more power and they’re just happening in new areas. So you really just want to be prepared to meet the moment for your family and not wait until it happens to you.
There used to kind of be an off-season for disasters. That doesn’t exist anymore. So we just have to be ready all the time.
So, using my own family as an example, we’re creating an emergency plan.
My requirements were simple: Be adequately prepared without taking up a lot of storage space or having to do a lot of upkeep. I’m thinking of it as a gift to myself to have an emergency plan, and essential supplies prepped and in place so it’s not one of those perpetually nagging items on my life to-do list.
Get the full episode along with our Quick Guide to Creating Your Family Emergency Plan using the 3P’s approach to preparedness sent straight to your inbox, including a special discount for an emergency kit from Redfora good through Feb. 14.
The goal isn’t to do everything at once—it’s to start somewhere and build from there.
So, can you head to your calendar right now and book an hour to read through our resources email, choose your family’s emergency meeting places and add at least one item to your emergency kit?
Small actions add up to make a big difference—even when it comes to being prepared.
Additional resources:
- Get our Quick Guide to Creating Your Family Emergency Plan here.
- If you are enjoying this show and want to support it, leave a rating and review wherever you listen to help new listeners hit play for the first time with more confidence.
- If you want to help The Salvation Army serve more than 24 million Americans in need each year, give today. Your gift of money, goods or time helps The Salvation Army do good all year in your community.
Listen and subscribe to the Do Gooders Podcast now.
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