Starting Your Preparedness Journey for 2025: A Step-by-Step Guide

When it comes to emergency preparedness, the new year is the perfect time to commit to getting ready for whatever challenges may come your way. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to fine-tune your emergency plans, the key is to take actionable steps toward building a well-rounded preparedness strategy. Below, we’ll explore simple yet effective ways to start your preparedness journey in 2025.

Why Start Now?

Disasters can strike without warning, and being prepared gives you the confidence and resources to protect yourself and your loved ones. From natural disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes to power outages and supply chain disruptions, planning ahead can save time, stress, and even lives.

Step 1: Build a Core Emergency Kit

Your first priority should be assembling an emergency kit tailored to your household’s needs. Here’s what to include:

Essentials to Start With

• Water: Aim for one gallon per person per day for at least three days. Consider adding portable water filters, water pouches and/or purification tablets.
• Food: Stock up on non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items like canned goods, freeze-dried meals, emergency rations and energy bars.
• First Aid Supplies: A well-equipped first aid kit with bandages, antiseptics, and any necessary prescription medications.
• Lighting and Power: Flashlights, lanterns, and extra batteries. Hand-crank or solar-powered chargers for devices.
• Shelter and Warmth: Emergency blankets, a tarp, and a compact tent in case you need to evacuate.

You can also consider a fully equipped pre-built Quake Kit with all the essentials already included.

Customizing Your Kit

Take into account the specific needs of your household:

• Infants: Formula, diapers, and wipes.
• Medical Needs: Spare glasses, hearing aid batteries, or specific medications.
• Pets: Food, water, and supplies for your furry friends. Pets are family too and that is why Quake Kits doesn't skimp on cats and dogs.

Step 2: Make a Family Emergency Plan

A solid emergency plan ensures everyone in your household knows what to do during a crisis.

Key Components

1. Communication Plan:

   • Share key contacts, including a designated out-of-town person for updates.
   • Keep a written list of phone numbers in case of dead batteries or internet outages.

2. Evacuation Routes:

   • Plan multiple exit routes from your home and neighborhood.
   • Identify local shelters and safe zones.

3. Meeting Points:

   • Choose a nearby spot and an alternative location farther away in case you’re separated.

4. Practice Drills:

   • Regularly rehearse your plan so everyone knows their role.

Step 3: Stay Informed

Being informed is half the battle. In 2025, take advantage of both traditional and modern tools to stay updated during emergencies.

Sources to Rely On

• Weather Alerts: Sign up for notifications from the National Weather Service or local authorities.
• Emergency Radios: A NOAA weather radio can provide critical updates when cellular networks are down.
• Community Resources: Follow local emergency management agencies on social media for real-time updates.

Step 4: Develop Key Survival Skills

Preparedness isn’t just about supplies—it’s about know-how. Learning survival skills can make all the difference in a crisis.

Top Skills to Learn

• Water Purification: Practice using filters and purifiers to ensure safe drinking water.
• Basic First Aid: Grab a basic first aid or even enroll in a class to learn CPR and other life-saving techniques. 
• Fire Starting: Understand how to safely start a fire for warmth or cooking in an emergency.
• Navigation: Learn how to read maps and use a compass in case GPS isn’t available.

Step 5: Build a Preparedness Routine

Preparedness isn’t a one-time task—it’s an ongoing commitment.

Monthly Goals

• Rotate food and water supplies to keep them fresh.
• Test your emergency gear (flashlights, radios, batteries).
• Update your family plan to reflect any changes (new jobs, schools, or pets).

Annual Check-In

• Replace expired items in your kit.
• Reassess your needs based on family growth or health changes.
• Expand your skills with a new class or workshop.

TL;DR

Starting your preparedness journey in 2025 is all about taking small, intentional steps. Begin by building a core emergency kit with water, food, first aid, and shelter essentials. Create a family emergency plan with communication strategies, evacuation routes, and meeting points. Stay informed through weather alerts and radios, and develop critical survival skills like first aid and water purification. Finally, establish a preparedness routine to ensure you’re always ready for whatever lies ahead.

Preparedness is about peace of mind, and the sooner you start, the better equipped you’ll be to handle the unexpected.