Develop a Family Disaster Plan

Jesus talked much about the signs of the end of the age, saying that wars, famines, pestilences, earthquakes, persecution, and lawlessness would abound. The apostle Paul told Timothy that “in the last days perilous times will come” (2 Timothy 3:1). Are you prepared? Do you have a family disaster plan?

We’ve all seen news reports of a factory fire, train derailment, or truck crash spewing toxic smoke into the air, forcing nearby homes to be evacuated. Are you prepared for an earthquake, hurricane, tornado, ice storm, power outage, flood, or even a terrorist attack either forcing you out of your home or to remain at home without power or water? Would you know how to confidently face disasters with sound survival principles?

Of course, the most important preparation is to be right with God and have His blessing of protection. However, it is also important to use wisdom and do what we can do for ourselves. As Benjamin Franklin said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” and “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Joe Namath said, “First, I prepare. Then I have faith.” These sayings reflect wisdom and plain common sense.

Proverbs 22:3 says, “A prudent man foresees [that is, perceives or discerns] evil and hides himself [meaning he takes precautions], but the simple pass on and are punished [which is to say, inflicted with penalty].” This proverb is repeated in Proverbs 27:12, so it must be important! Being warned by Jesus Christ about the end times, disaster preparedness is a key to keeping you and your family safe and healthy.

So, how do we prepare for a disaster? What can we do? One suggestion is to access some helpful Internet websites, such as ready.gov, dhs.gov, and redcross.org, where you will find suggestions on how to develop a disaster plan for your family.

It is important to talk with members of your household about what to do in an emergency. How will you contact each other if separated? What are your emergency telephone numbers? Do you know first aid and CPR basics? In case of emergency, do you have essential water, food, basic first-aid supplies, some basic tools, clothing and bedding, and specialty items for children, the elderly, the disabled, and pets?

Emergency food should be non-perishable foods like canned fruits and veggies, protein bars, peanut butter, dry cereal, and other dry goods. You can also buy some freeze-dried, long-term storage foods in Metallyte or Mylar pouches, available at sporting stores, some retail grocery stores, and online.

Over time, you will need to recycle food and water with newer items, so you should mark dates on containers and update your kit as time passes or your household changes.

Keep emergency items in easy-to-carry containers, like plastic bins, backpacks, or duffel bags. These are “grab and go” items that can be kept in a designated place and quickly placed in your car.

Other items to include are things like a can opener, flashlight, batteries, masks, garbage bags, blankets, matches, and candles. Don’t forget your medications. Keep your car gas tank full—when it is half full, it is time to fill up. And have some cash on hand, as ATMs might not be working.

You will think of other things to include and it may seem a bit daunting to accomplish, but find the motivation to begin, and then do something every week or month, and you will soon be ready.

John Wayne said, “Life’s tough, and it’s even tougher if you are stupid.” It is better to be wise, so take reasonable precautions and prepare for tough times ahead. The days are becoming more and more lawless, dangerous, and disastrous as we see in the evening news. Be wise and develop your family disaster plan. But always remember—“The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance is of the Lord” (Proverbs 21:31).

To find out more about what God requires of His followers, read What Is a True Christian?