A Guide to Family + Home Emergency Preparation

When an unexpected emergency happens, knowing you are prepared can make all the difference in protecting your family and ensuring peace of mind.

We often think of emergencies as events that happen to someone else, but the reality is that natural disasters, health crises, and unexpected challenges can affect anyone. Being responsible for the safety and well-being of our families means preparing for those unpredictable moments when our lives could be disrupted. Taking proactive steps ensures that we’re ready for whatever may come our way. Today I’m sharing how to get started with emergency preparedness in my Guide to Family + Home Emergency Preparation.

My family lives in the Appalachian mountains for southeast Kentucky, just across the border from east Tennessee, southwest Virginia, and western North Carolina where the devasting floods happened last week. As I’ve watched the news it reminded me of the terrible floods we had in our area a couple years ago, only what happened in western North Carolina is so much worse than anything I’ve ever seen.

To be honest, I’m not sure there’s much folks could have done to be better prepared in this situation which is a reminder that all of the preparation in the world may not be enough if the worst happens. That’s why it’s so much more important to prepare our hearts. We need to be spiritually ready for whatever may happen in the future.

If you don’t live in the Appalachian mountains, you may not fully understand the geography and why this particular flood was so catastrophic. I’ll share more about how to prepare based on where you live, the terrain, and what things to consider when making a home emergency plan later, but today I wanted to give an overview of how to begin preparing for emergencies for your family.

In our household, we started thinking about preparedness over 15 years ago and it has helped us feel prepared in most circumstances. For instance, when the pandemic happened in 2020 and our state of Kentucky all but shut down, we had enough on hand that we didn’t panic or worry. We already had what we needed.

Emergencies are often unpredictable and even unexpected, but the impact they can have on our families doesn’t have to be. Sometimes we have warnings (such as in the event of an ice storm or hurricane) that help us plan, but other times emergencies can happen unexpectedly. Having a plan and having supplies on hand before an emergency arises (i.e. natural disaster, health crisis, accident, etc.) helps you be ready for anything.

By taking time to plan, gather necessary resources, and create an emergency strategy, you can protect your loved ones and ensure that you’re ready to face whatever may come.

“The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.” Proverbs 27:12

Family emergency preparedness is about more than just having supplies on hand—it’s about taking responsibility for the safety and well-being of your household. It’s an act of care that brings peace of mind during times of uncertainty.

Why Family Emergency Preparedness is Important

One of the most important aspects of emergency preparedness is planning ahead. Knowing what to do in advance—whether it’s evacuating the home, securing important documents, or having the right supplies on hand—helps reduce chaos and confusion in stressful situations.

Emergency preparedness isn’t just about stockpiling food and water; it’s about anticipating your family’s needs and ensuring you have everything in place to support them through any crisis. I also want to point out that we don’t have to be afraid for the future. I don’t want you to feel afraid or think that home emergency preparedness is about living in fear. Quite the opposite actually.

Preparing for emergencies is simply a way of being a good steward, thinking ahead about your family’s needs, and doing what you can to ensure their safety.

Proverbs 6:6-8 reminds us of the wisdom of the ant, which stores food during the harvest to ensure it has what it needs when the colder months arrive. “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.”

Trusting in God’s Provision While Preparing

As we make plans and prepare for potential emergencies, it’s important to remember that while we do our part, the ultimate victory belongs to the Lord.

Proverbs 21:31 tells us, “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord.” This verse reminds us of the balance between taking responsible action and trusting in God’s greater plan.

By making a plan, gathering supplies, and preparing our homes, we’re choosing to walk in the peace that comes from knowing we’ve done what we can. But even in the midst of preparedness, we rely on God for the outcome, knowing that He is our ultimate protector and provider.

I would always encourage you to pray for discernment in knowing what steps to take and for peace in trusting Him through every situation. When you bring your concerns to God in prayer, you allow Him to lead you toward decisions that reflect wisdom and faith.

Practical Steps for Emergency Preparedness

Getting started with emergency preparedness may seem overwhelming, but it’s easier when broken down into smaller, manageable steps. And remember, you do not have to do everything today. Do what you, as you are able. Here are some key areas to focus on:

a. Create an Emergency Plan

• Develop a family communication plan, so everyone knows how to reach each other during a crisis.
• Establish evacuation routes and designate a safe meeting place in case you have to leave your home.
• Assign specific tasks to each family member based on their abilities and strengths.
• Identify the closest shelters, hospitals, and emergency services in your area.

b. Build an Emergency Kit

• Gather essential items such as non-perishable food, water, flashlights, first-aid supplies, medications, and hygiene products.
• Include important documents like birth certificates, medical records, and insurance information in a waterproof container.
• Don’t forget items for pets, infants, or anyone with specific medical needs.
• Create a go-bag with essential items you can grab and go in case of evacuation.
• Keep cash on hand for emergencies and times when power outages last longer than a few hours.

C. Stock your home and pantry

• Build up your working pantry with food storage that can be rotated.
• Invest in long-term food storage options, such as freeze-dried meals or canned goods that last several years.
• Store plenty of bottled water, or consider investing in a water filtration system in case of water shortages.
• Stock up on personal hygiene items (toilet paper, soap, feminine hygiene products) and household cleaning supplies.
• Don’t forget about first aid and medications.
• Have backup energy sources, such as solar chargers or a generator, in case of long-term power outages.
• Keep extra fuel, such as gas or propane, safely stored for cooking or heating.

D. Review and Update Regularly

• Emergency preparedness isn’t a one-time task. Review your plan and supplies at least once a year to make sure everything is current and functional.
• Replace expired food, medications, and batteries as needed.
• Stay informed about potential risks in your area, such as weather patterns or local emergency warnings.
• Review any new additions to your family, such as pets or new medical conditions, and adjust your plan and kit accordingly.
• Regularly update your emergency contact list and ensure it includes neighbors, schools, and workplaces.

I’ll share more specifics about what this looks like in a real-world scenario and how my family has used preparedness to live in a practical, everyday way.

Emergency preparedness is a proactive way to protect your family from the unpredictable challenges life can throw at us. By taking simple steps like creating a plan, building a supply kit, and staying informed, you can ensure that your household is ready to handle whatever comes its way.

And when you combine practical preparedness with your faith in the God of the universe, you can approach even the most difficult situations with a sense of peace and strength.

Do you have any questions? Let me know in the comments below!