The world seems to be going through a whole lot more natural disasters and devastating weather events then ever before. Blame global warming, the approach of 2012 or whatever you want. But, I can assure you that the minute you have kids the idea of any disaster striking the family instantly becomes a whole lot scarier!

On Episode 11 of Cast of Dads (listen), this was the topic of discussion. As we got ready to record the episode the news was breaking about the earthquake in Chile and the tsunami headed towards Hawaii. After talking with all the other dads, I was a little shocked to learn that out of all of us, I might just be the most unprepared. Then again I also hadn’t planned on the fact that we had dads in areas that are highly prone to earthquakes, wild fires and hurricanes. When you live in a place like that you MUST be prepared. Guess I’ve let those thoughts of buying a generator for the next big ice storm or blizzard slide for too long.
When I was in college we went through a disaster. The apartment complex that my then girlfriend (now wife) lived in when I was home was completely destroyed by a fire. We lived on the third floor and after the fire started on the 4th floor we ended up with skylights in our apartment. Everything was destroyed. An event like this really drives home the point of what we really need and don’t need. It was a bit of a reset button for us and I know it is in the back of our mind always.
So, no matter where you live, here are some basic things that every family should keep in mind. Take some time this weekend to talk about it with the family and make it a fun family activity to get it done and out of the way. Review often.
- Emergency Call or Email List
This is important for your extended family. If something goes wrong, how do you let everyone know. This could be someone who has everyone’s e-mail address and phone number or something as organized as a Google Group or calling tree. Whatever it is, make sure you know how to get a hold of the most important people to let them know that you are ok if something goes wrong. Keep in mind that your cell phone may not work, so figure out another way as a backup. - Extra Food & Water (and a way to cook it)
Having a well stocked pantry with canned or dehydrated food is always a good idea. Don’t forget that if you have an electric stove that you are going to need a way to cook the food as well. We are avid campers so there is always a Coleman stove in our garage. They are cheap and easy and not a bad idea to have even if you have no plans to ever go into the woods. Don’t forget to have at least a case of bottled water. Buy it now, it isn’t going to go bad on you. - First Aid Kit & Training
If you are reading this and you’ve never been through a basic first aid & CPR class then stop reading and find one in your area immediately. I first learned in the Boy Scouts how to do the basics and refresher classes are never a bad idea. In is inexcusable not to have a basic kit with band aids, disinfectants, Tylenol, tape, scissors and a mini sewing kit. You can buy these pre-packaged at any pharmacy or put your own together in a shoebox or other container. Just make sure that everyone knows where it is and teach your kids the basics. - Cash
I’m not advocating you stuff your mattress with money, but you need to have some cash on hand. Make sure it is a mix of bills. When (not if) we go through a cyber attack or any disaster where power is cut, your debit cards are not going to work so cash will be king. Keep at least a few hundred dollars in a safe location. This will be enough to get you gas or food in case of an emergency. - Data
Most people I know don’t back up their data. This makes me want to slap them anytime. Talk to the majority of people who DO back up their data and they will tell you a horror story about when they suffered a crash and “lost it all” as the point that inspired them to begin doing it. I have a Drobo in my house and love it. It backs up any changes in data every hour to it and the family knows to “grab the black box” if we have to evacuate the house because it has everything on it. GO out today and pick up a hard drive from your local electronic store and most come with a basic back up solution. You should be doing this now. There are many off site, in the cloud, solutions as well but to date I haven’t found one that I like and trust. I need to though because they make great sense. - Evacuation Plan
We all ran fire drills in schools as children, so have you done the same at home? Our family knows to get out of the house and meet at a specific location. They also know that if they ever need help which neighbors to go to. An important part that many families forget is to actually let the neighbors know about this as well. A very key piece of the equation. If you haven’t talked about this or tried it with the kids, why not do so tonight.
These are just a few of the things you should be keeping in mind, but all are important and I hope each of you reviews with your families to make sure you have them.
What did I miss? What have you done with your families to be ready for something bad? Please leave a comment and let us know.
Also, I plan on writing a column to coincide with each topic we cover on Cast of Dads. I’d love if you subscribed in iTunes or hit up our feed directly if that is how you roll. New episodes come out at the beginning of each week and we are actively looking for sponsors and guests.




















If you really must do something this weekend, then at least be original about it.




