Prepared on Purpose

Why you need to prepare now

Preparedness is wisdom in motion. In both environmental and societal contexts, being ready offers peace of mind, clarity, and control.

In 2024, the United States experienced 27 billion-dollar weather and climate disasters, according to NOAA. From hurricanes along the Southeast to record-breaking wildfires in the West, natural disasters continue to grow in frequency and impact. At the same time, social and systemic disruptions—including cyberattacks on infrastructure, supply chain breakdowns, and rising costs across essential goods—highlight the growing need for personal and household resilience.

Agencies such as FEMA, CISA, and the USDA consistently emphasize the importance of readiness at the individual level. Their guidance points to one clear truth: preparation strengthens stability. Being equipped in advance creates room for calm, structure, and safety when it matters most.

NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)

Tracks weather, climate, and ocean patterns to help communities stay ahead of natural changes and disasters. (https://www.noaa.gov)

FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)

Leads national disaster response efforts and helps individuals and communities recover after emergencies strike. (https://www.fema.gov)

CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency)

Safeguards the nation’s physical and digital infrastructure from threats like cyberattacks and system failures. (https://www.cisa.gov)

USDA (United States Department of Agriculture)

Supports food security, agriculture, and rural development while ensuring the safety of our food supply (https://www.usda.gov)

Stocking Essentials for Disaster Preparation 

No one likes to think about the worst happening—until it does. From eerie orange skies to bare grocery shelves, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly "normal" can unravel. And while we can’t predict the next hurricane, wildfire, or systematic shutdown, we can prepare with intention, foresight, and a little soulful practicality.

Your family’s safety starts with readiness. When the world turns chaotic, preparation gives you something to hold on to. It’s the difference between fear and focus—between being vulnerable and being in control.

Why Prepare?

Being prepared means less fear, more focus.

Being prepared reduces stress and increases your ability to respond effectively during an emergency. It allows you to act with focus instead of fear, and ensures that you and the people you care about have what you need when regular systems are disrupted.

Disasters—whether natural or man-made—can impact access to food, water, shelter, power, and basic medical care. When these events occur, having essential supplies and a basic plan can make a significant difference in how safely and comfortably you get through the situation.

Preparedness is not about expecting the worst. It is about being ready for the unexpected. Stocking key items, understanding common risks in your area, and organizing your resources ahead of time helps reduce uncertainty and gives you greater control in challenging circumstances.

In short, preparing in advance supports safety, stability, and faster recovery during times of disruption.

The 4 Pillars of Preparedness

Sustenance

Sustenance is the foundation of physical strength and clarity during any emergency.

 Stock food items that are nutrient-dense, shelf-stable, and suited to your dietary needs—such as canned proteins, freeze-dried produce, dry goods, and long-lasting staples. Include comfort foods that provide familiarity and emotional ease. Water should be a top priority as well; invest in filtration tools, purification tablets, and rain catchment systems to ensure access to clean hydration.

Sanctuary

Sanctuary is the ability to stay sheltered, warm, and protected—wherever you are. 

Emergencies may require leaving home or enduring unstable conditions, so prepare to create comfort under any circumstance. Tents, tarps, sleeping bags, and thermal blankets provide structure and warmth. Add weatherproof clothing, wool socks, and small personal comforts like calming essential oils or an eye mask to make the space feel grounding and secure.

Security

Security is about personal safety and situational control.

 A complete first aid kit should include wound care, basic medications, antiseptics, and tools for minor medical needs. Light sources—such as flashlights, headlamps, and lanterns—are critical during outages. Include batteries, power storage, and legally permitted self-defense tools suited to your location and comfort level. Preparation empowers you to respond, not just react.

Stability

Stability refers to the tools and information that help you stay connected and organized when technology fails or access becomes limited. 

This includes solar-powered or battery-operated radios, crank chargers, and portable power banks. Keep printed copies of IDs, emergency contacts, medical records, and evacuation routes in a waterproof folder. Consider creating a small binder that holds all critical documents and checklists in one place—ensuring continuity and calm in any situation.

Food Prep Made Simple

When preparing for a disaster or supply disruption, food is one of the most important essentials to get right. The key is to stock foods you and your household actually eat. This makes it easier to maintain normal routines, avoid waste, and ensure that meals remain familiar during stressful situations.

Start by building a base of shelf-stable items such as canned goods, dried beans, rice, pasta, oats, and nut butters. Include items that fit your dietary needs, whether that means gluten-free options, baby formula, or low-sodium foods. Freeze-dried meals and vacuum-sealed proteins can be useful for long-term storage.

Learn a few basic food preservation methods to extend the life of fresh ingredients:

Freezing is ideal for meats, fruits, vegetables, and pre-cooked meals.

Canning allows you to preserve produce, soups, and sauces for up to a year or more.

Drying works well for fruits, herbs, jerky, and some vegetables.

Storage matters just as much as selection

Label all items clearly with the purchase or expiration date. Rotate supplies regularly by using older items first and replacing them as you go. Store foods in a cool, dry place and keep everything clean and sealed to prevent spoilage or pests. Having a reliable food supply on hand reduces the need to shop during emergencies, ensures you get proper nutrition, and helps maintain a sense of normalcy—even when circumstances are not.

Grow Your Own 

(Even Indoors)

Growing your own food is a practical way to increase food security and reduce reliance on grocery stores, especially during supply shortages or emergencies. Even without a backyard or large outdoor space, you can grow small, nutritious crops indoors using simple tools and minimal space.

Start with easy, fast-growing options that require little maintenance:

• Herbs like basil, mint, parsley, and chives grow well in small pots and thrive on a sunny windowsill.

• Sprouts such as alfalfa, radish, and mung beans can be grown without soil and harvested in just a few days using a jar and water.

• Leafy greens like lettuce, arugula, and spinach grow quickly in shallow containers and are ideal for indoor setups.

Indoor gardening works in apartments, basements, or shared spaces. Use windowsills that get at least 4–6 hours of sunlight, or set up a small grow light to ensure healthy plant growth in low-light conditions. Basic container options include repurposed jars, planters, or food-grade buckets with drainage holes.

In addition to providing fresh ingredients, indoor gardening supports self-sufficiency and helps ensure access to nutrient-rich foods if supply chains are disrupted. It is also low-cost, beginner-friendly, and adaptable to most living environments. Starting with just a few plants can make a meaningful difference over time.

Safe Water

for Emergencies

Having a safe and reliable water supply is one of the most important parts of any emergency preparedness plan. During disasters or system failures, access to clean drinking water can become limited or completely unavailable. Proper planning helps ensure that you and your household stay hydrated and healthy in any situation.

The general guideline is to store at least one gallon of water per person per day. This covers drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene. Aim to have a minimum three-day supply for each person in your household, and ideally build up to a two-week supply if space allows.

How to Treat Water:

 If your stored water runs out or you need to collect water from an outside source (such as a river, stream, or rainwater), it is critical to treat it before use. Common water treatment methods include:

• Water filters (portable or gravity-fed)

• Purification tablets (ty

• pically chlorine or iodine-based)

• Boiling (bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute)

Always follow the instructions on any purification product and ensure treated water is stored in clean, sealed containers.

Rainwater can be collected using clean containers or rain barrels. This water must be treated before use, especially for drinking or cooking. You can also reuse water safely by designating separate containers for non-drinking purposes like washing hands, cleaning, or flushing toilets Preparedness includes having both stored water and a backup method for treatment. Whether you are dealing with a natural disaster, power outage, or infrastructure issue, having access to clean water is essential for survival and daily functioning.

The Often-Forgotten Essentials

Comfort and Communication Items:

Flashlights, extra batteries, and chargers (especially solar or battery-powered) are essential during power outages. Store some cash in small bills, as ATMs and card readers may not work during a blackout. Keep printed copies of identification, insurance, and emergency contacts in a waterproof folder in case digital access is unavailable.

Including these items in your preparedness plan helps ensure that basic needs are met and reduces stress during emergencies. Being thorough now prevents avoidable challenges later.

Good hygiene helps prevent illness and maintain well-being during a disaster. Include basic toiletries such as soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, and toilet paper. For menstruating individuals, stock up on menstrual products like pads, tampons, or reusable cups. Households with infants should include diapers, wipes, and formula.

Identify key people to contact during a disaster, including family members, neighbors, and one out-of-town contact who can help coordinate if local communication is disrupted. Keep phone numbers written down in case phones or contact lists become inaccessible.

Stay or Go: Make a Decision Before the Crisis

Having a clear plan in place can save time, reduce confusion, and help protect lives during an emergency. Even a simple plan makes a major difference when communication is limited or quick decisions need to be made.

Evacuation or Shelter-in-Place:

Decide in advance whether you will evacuate or stay in place depending on the situation. Understand the risks in your area—such as hurricanes, wildfires, or chemical spills—and know the evacuation routes and nearby shelters. If you plan to stay home, ensure you have enough supplies and a safe place in your home to wait out the event.

Prep Quietly, Move Confidently

Prepare a "go-bag" with essential items including identification, medications, water, snacks, chargers, cash, hygiene items, and copies of important documents. Store it in an easy-to-access location. Review the plan with everyone in your household so each person knows where to meet, what to bring, and how to stay safe.

Having a basic plan in place increases confidence and coordination when unexpected events occur. Regularly update your plan and supplies to keep everything current and functional.

Wrap-Up: What to Remember

You don't need everything you just need a plan

Preparedness is not about fear or panic—it is a practical step toward protecting your health, safety, and well-being during an emergency. Whether the situation involves a natural disaster, a power outage, or a sudden disruption in supplies, having essential items and a plan in place gives you more control and peace of mind.

You do not need to prepare all at once. Start with what you can—such as a few extra days of food, water, and basic supplies—and build from there. Focus on the most immediate needs first, then gradually expand your plan and your emergency kit over time.

The goal of preparedness is not just to get through a crisis, but to stay as safe, organized, and capable as possible throughout the situation. With consistent planning and smart decisions, you can reduce risk and improve your ability to respond effectively—no matter what comes your way.

Ready.gov (Managed by FEMA) Offers official preparedness tips, checklists, and emergency planning tools for families, communities, and businesses. (www.ready.gov) | American Red Cross Delivers emergency shelter, disaster relief, medical aid, blood donation services, and recovery assistance nationwide. (www.redcross.org) | Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) Local volunteer groups trained in basic disaster response, first aid, and evacuation. Often organized through your city or county.  (www.ready.gov/cert) 

National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) Coordinates nonprofits, faith-based groups, and volunteers helping with disaster relief. 

Apps to download:

FEMA App – Emergency alerts & preparedness tips

Red Cross Emergency App – Custom alerts based on location

MyRadar – Real-time weather tracking

Zello – Turns your phone into a walkie-talkie (helpful in outages)