On any given day, a quick scan of headlines throughout the world reveals increasing turmoil, causing distress, uncertainty and fear among those living through any number of traumatic scenarios in real time.

There are various responses people can make in regard to the potential of personally confronting those situations. One is sticking their head in the sand while hoping they never have to deal with a disaster — whether the cause is natural or human-related. The other option involves taking some proactive steps toward getting prepared.

Being prepared for emergencies is not just about having supplies on hand; it’s about gathering resources that ensure the safety and well-being of your family and community when disaster strikes. Whether you live in an area prone to earthquakes, flooding or excessive winds, or simply want to be ready for unexpected events, understanding the fundamentals of emergency preparedness is essential.

Let’s examine some key statistics on emergency preparedness, why it matters, what items should be in any comprehensive emergency kit and additional key areas of preparedness.

The numbers on emergency preparedness

In 2023, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released a survey regarding emergency preparedness that included over 7,600 responses. The results showed that 51% of Americans believe that they are prepared for a disaster, while 57% noted they had taken three or more actions within the previous 12 months to prepare for an emergency.

These were the most common actions taken:

• Assembled or updated disaster supplies (48%).
• Made some sort of emergency plan (37%).
• Signed up for alerts and warnings (36%).
• Took efforts to make home safer (36%).
• Set aside money in case of emergency (32%).
• Learned evacuation routes (31%).
• Documented and insured property (30%).
• Tested family communication plan (18%).
• Practiced emergency drills (15%).
• Got involved in community efforts (13%).
• Planned with neighbors (12%).

FEMA’s report showed there is more to preparedness than just assembling supplies and encouraged more residents to sign up for alerts and warnings. Overall, only 50% of people believed that preparing can help in a disaster and were confident in their ability to prepare. Specific groups of people falling below that 50% line included those with an education less than a high school diploma (44%), those with an annual income less than $25,000 (45%) and those 60 and older (39%).

Why emergency preparedness matters

Emergencies can happen at any time, often with little or no warning. From severe weather events like hurricanes, floods and tornadoes to human-caused incidents such as civil unrest, power outages, cyberattacks or pandemics, the potential threats are numerous.

“When widespread disasters strike, government and emergency agencies are typically overwhelmed and unable to provide the desired help or supplies, often for several days,” said Kasey Zwahlen, a leadership team member at Black Sentry, a Utah-based company dedicated to providing high-end, all-in-one emergency preparedness packages. “The consequences of being unprepared can be devastating, leading to loss of life, injury and significant property damage.”

Being prepared not only helps mitigate risks, enabling individuals and communities to respond more effectively, but also minimizes the impact of a disaster and helps speed up recovery. Emergency preparedness is not just about survival; it’s about thriving in the face of adversity. It provides peace of mind as you know you have taken steps to protect your loved ones and your home.

Building an emergency kit

An emergency kit is a collection of essential items you may need during a disaster. Your kit should be easily accessible and portable in case you need to evacuate quickly. Key items include the following:

• Water: At least 1 gallon of water per person per day for at least three days.
• Food: Nonperishable food items that can last for several days, such as canned goods, granola bars and dried fruits.
• First-aid supplies: A comprehensive first-aid kit, including bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers and any necessary prescription medications.
• Tools and supplies: Flashlights, batteries, a multitool, a manual can opener, dust masks and plastic sheeting.
• Communication tools: A battery-powered or hand-crank radio to stay informed about emergency updates and a whistle to signal for help.
• Personal hygiene items: Hand sanitizer, moist towelettes and other personal hygiene items.
• Important documents: Copies of identification, insurance policies and other important documents stored in a waterproof container.

People can take months or even years to piecemeal their emergency preparedness supplies together, or they can let professionals prepare a fully self-contained, customizable unit prestocked with all essential items.

That’s exactly the impetus behind Utah’s Black Sentry and its Go-Box. The seeds for Black Sentry were sown during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We all saw how quickly and drastically the world could change during the COVID-19 pandemic when shelter-in-place restrictions, empty store shelves and the inability to obtain critical medications and supplies combined to create a sense of uncertainty and confusion,” Zwahlen said. “But we also saw many acts of service, sacrifice and compassion. It’s hard to help others, however, if you are not prepared yourself.”

Black Sentry’s Go-Boxes contain the following preparedness items: a comprehensive triage medical station, well-stocked pantry, power backups, communication equipment, defense equipment (armory, gunsmithing tools), food storage with legacy planting seeds, water filtration capabilities, additional tools/equipment and climate-controlled shelter.

Key elements of emergency preparedness

The first step in emergency preparedness is to create a comprehensive emergency plan. This plan should include the following:

• Communication strategy.
• Evacuation routes.
• Shelter locations.
• Special needs considerations.

Knowledge is power during an emergency. Staying informed about potential threats and understanding how to respond to them is crucial. Subscribe to emergency alert systems in your area, such as weather alerts, and download apps that provide real-time updates. Familiarize yourself with the different types of emergencies that could occur in your region and learn the recommended actions for each.

Having a plan and supplies is essential, but training and practice are what make your preparedness efforts truly effective. Regularly review and update your emergency plan with your family. Conduct drills to ensure everyone knows what to do in various scenarios, such as a fire or an earthquake. Consider taking first-aid and CPR classes as well as community emergency response training to enhance your ability to assist others during a crisis.

Emergency preparedness is not just an individual responsibility; it’s a community effort. Get involved with local emergency preparedness initiatives and encourage your neighbors to be prepared as well. Community organizations, schools and workplaces should have their own emergency plans in place. Collaborating with others can strengthen your community’s resilience and ensure a more coordinated response during a disaster.

Certain populations — such as the elderly, disabled and those with chronic illnesses — may face additional challenges during emergencies. It’s important to address these needs in your preparedness planning. Ensure that these individuals have access to necessary medical supplies and mobility aids and that their specific needs are considered in evacuation plans.

If you have pets, make sure your emergency kit includes food, water and other necessities for them as well. Identify pet-friendly shelters or make arrangements with friends or family to care for your animals if you need to evacuate.

In today’s digital age, technology plays a crucial role in emergency preparedness. There are numerous apps and tools available that can help you stay informed, track weather patterns and communicate during emergencies. Social media platforms can also be valuable for sharing information and connecting with others in your community.

However, it’s important to remember that technology can fail during a disaster. Power outages and network disruptions are common, so having a backup plan that doesn’t rely on digital tools is essential.

Remember, emergencies are unpredictable, but your preparedness doesn’t have to be. Emergency preparedness is an ongoing process that requires planning, practice and a commitment to staying informed. By taking proactive steps now, you can protect your family and community when disaster strikes. Whether it’s building an emergency kit, creating a comprehensive plan or getting involved in community preparedness efforts, every action you take helps to safeguard against the uncertainties of the future.

Doug Fox is a project manager at Fullcast, a Silicon Slopes-based, end-to-end RevOps platform that allows companies to design, manage and track the performance of their revenue-generating teams.