Disasters happen. Starting to prepare now for an emergency is vital. Don’t procrastinate! Being prepared can make life easier for you and your family in times of crisis. Taking simple steps now can help you protect yourself and your loved ones.
Sara Paice, Emergency Management Coordinator for Intermountain Health, explained that in our area common disasters include winter storms, spring flooding, and wildfires. Earthquakes are another hazard, she said. Different disasters impact infrastructure differently—like radio or cell tower failures versus power outages—but all disasters have the potential to alter daily life.
“Once you understand there are potential disasters, you can take measures to get prepared,” she said.
Paice shared four simple steps we can take to be prepared.
- Build an emergency kit and acquire skills
An emergency kit is the foundation of any preparedness plan. Simple things like nonperishable food, water, and clothing should be stored in an easy “grab and go” container like a backpack or bucket. A basic first aid kit, knife, flashlight, toilet paper, and other practical items should also be included. Contact lists or financial account numbers should also be included. Cash can also be helpful.
“Whenever possible, ensure you have at least a week’s supply of medication, and keep them in a single, easily accessible location for quick addition to your emergency kit,” said Paice. “If feasible, try to gradually increase your stock. Ordering refills slightly ahead of time each month can help you build up a small reserve for emergencies.”
Be Ready Utah has suggestions for what you might want to include in a personal or family emergency kit at https://beready.utah.gov/family-preparedness/get-a-kit-family/.
In addition to building a kit, you can also acquire basic skills like first aid, which often prove invaluable in stressful situations. Programs such as basic first aid and CPR training are available periodically in the community and through the American Red Cross according to Paice.
Emergency trainings can also be found online or through your local health department. Intermountain Health partners with Central Utah Public Health Department to offer trainings each year. Reach out to the health department for a current list of planned trainings.
- Make a plan
Having a plan in an emergency is crucial. Following your plan will ease stress and anxiety during an emergency. Plan general steps as well as specific steps for different disaster situations (fire, earthquake, etc.) For example, decide on a family meeting place outside but near your home in case of a fire or earthquake. Include a communication plan that outlines important contacts, radio channels, and other instructions. Have an out-of-area emergency contact on every family member’s phone so that, in the event of a local network outage, emergency personnel can contact someone.
- Practice and maintain your plan.
Life changes quickly, and we need to practice and update our disaster plans constantly. Regular practice will help you and your family to feel more comfortable in an emergency. Practicing creates muscle memory, which can reduce panic and deadly error in stressful situations. Practice your plan at least twice a year. You should review and practice your emergency plan each time you change your clock forward or backward.
- Stay Informed.
Knowledge is power, and in an emergency having the correct information makes all the difference. Local, state, and regional systems are in place to provide you with emergent information. To start, visit your county’s emergency management website to sign up for notifications. Many municipal authorities provide reverse 9-1-1 or emergency alert notifications via text. Consider signing up for these alerts. Social media, radio, email, landline phone, and local TV broadcast are other ways you can stay updated in an emergency. For example, you can follow your local police department or sheriff’s office on social media to get public safety updates. You can also sign up to receive emails or texts from national entities like the National Weather Service and the American Red Cross.
“Preparation makes a difference,” said Paice. “By taking these small steps, you’ll prioritize safety, minimize property damage, and ensure the best possible outcomes.”
Preparedness also mitigates long-term health impacts. Avoiding serious injuries and property damage allows for quicker recovery. “If properly prepared, you and your family can handle emergencies before they escalate. First aid training can prevent infections, and CPR can save lives.”
Recovering from emergencies includes regaining normalcy and emotional well-being. “Being prepared empowers you to act confidently and make informed decisions,” said Paice. “Afterward, you’ll be mentally stronger knowing you were prepared. Preparedness starts at home, and we are each responsible for our own well-being.”
