11/08/2025
After that heartbreaking UPS plane crash in Louisville—Flight 2976 going down so soon after takeoff, with people still missing and fleets grounded—it got me thinking about how fast things can turn. We can't predict every curveball, but prepping your family might just bring some peace.
Here's a quick rundown:
First, hash out an emergency plan. Pick meet-up spots, like your aunt's place for local stuff or the community center if it's bigger. Assign jobs—who grabs the pets?—and practice it a few times a year. It seems simple, but it could keep everyone together when chaos hits, though real life might throw in surprises like blocked roads.
Digitize those vital docs: Scan IDs, insurance, meds records onto a waterproof thumb drive or secure cloud. Update 'em yearly, share the password. Tech fails sometimes, so a printed backup in a safe isn't a bad idea.
Build a basic go-bag for 72 hours: Water (gallon per person/day), non-perishables like jerky or cans, first-aid basics (bandages, meds), tools (flashlight, multi-tool), sanitation wipes, blankets, cash, and a crank radio. Stash one at home and in the car—rotate the food so it doesn't go stale.
TIP: We use conference weekends as a time to go through our bags
Stay in the loop with local alerts or apps. It's not foolproof, but families who've prepped often say it helps them rebound faster. Why not start with one step this week, like that thumb drive?