All life events

A warning has been issued

When a warning lands, the useful work is short and physical. Water, power, documents, fuel, and a decision about when you leave.

Do first

Today

  1. 1Decide your trigger to leave and say it out loud to the household. Deciding under pressure goes badly.
  2. 2Charge every device and battery bank. Fill the car, or confirm your ride out.
  3. 3Fill water containers and know where the shutoffs are.

Next 7 days

This week

  1. 1Put documents, medication, and cash into one grab bag by the door.
  2. 2Photograph each room. It is proof of condition if you need to file a claim.
  3. 3Confirm where pets go, and where anyone with mobility or medical needs goes.

Next 30 days

This month

  1. 1After it passes, document damage before cleaning up and start the claim the same week.
  2. 2Replace anything you used out of the kit while it is still fresh in mind.
  3. 3Write down what you wished you had. That list is next year's plan.

Common traps

  • Medication with less than a week of supply on hand.
  • No cash if card systems are down.
  • Waiting for certainty before deciding to leave.

Go deeper

See where this leaves your household

The five-minute check scores your household across money, health, housing, emergency readiness, and support, so you can tell which of these steps matters most for you.

Take the check

Other playbooks