I don’t usually make New Year’s resolutions at the beginning of each calendar year. Mostly because they involve some sort of “getting in shape,” and the gyms are too crowded. However, this January I’m coming up on my one-year anniversary with ASPR, and I realize now more than ever just how important preparedness is – so I am resolving to be ready.

When my family first moved to the Washington, D.C. area almost six years ago, we kinda made an emergency plan. If something happens, husband grabs the kid and the cats from the house and heads to his home state of Ohio. I catch up when I can. Before you start thinking my family is really squared away, let me say there are no “go bags” packed, the cats’ supplies are all over the house, and my daughter just went off to college last summer.

So where does that leave us now? A useless plan with a cool name (Operation Get Out of Dodge, if you’re curious) that doesn’t fit our needs anymore. So this year, we’re resolving to be ready. If you are thinking of doing the same, start by asking yourself a few questions:

• Are you ready to safely shelter in place at your home during an emergency? If not, there are things you need to do to make your home a safe place to stay. Plan to have at least three days’ of food and water for everyone in the house. And with the holidays approaching, consider stocking up on extras if you will be hosting. You’ll be glad you have it if you need it.
• How easy will it be to leave work and get home if disaster strikes? Several cities – including Washington, D.C. – are notorious for their horrible traffic. If you might need to stay at work for a while before you can head home, think about having a small emergency kit under your desk. A change of clothes and some extra snacks and water are a great place to start here. Also think about the needs of the people who rely on you and have a plan for contacting them and getting them help if you can’t reach them. Remember that phone lines are often jammed in an emergency, so texting is best.
• What is the make-up of your family? If you have small children, what do you want to put in their emergency kit? Obviously clothes and medications are important, but consider putting in a special toy that will provide comfort and some books or games they can play. And I’m sure I don’t have to remind you that kids grow like weeds. Mark it on your calendar to periodically change out their kits to ensure clothing fits and is seasonally appropriate. Do you have elderly family members living with you? How will you accommodate their special needs?
• Where are the people you care for most? Like I mentioned, my daughter went off to college last summer. Now she needs a plan of her own. What kind of items could you put together for kids in dorms knowing that space is a premium? Does she know about the emergency alerts on campus or in her new neighborhood? How will they contact you to let you know they are safe during an emergency? How will you contact them to let them know you are safe in an emergency?
• Do you have special needs that might make preparing for an emergency more challenging? Talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance company about how you will get access to care or medications during an emergency. Make sure you have a stash of important documents and medications to take with you in a hurry so you can continue to get the care you rely on every day.

I know this is a lot of information that can quickly become overwhelming, but taking all these things into consideration in small bites can help you make sure your family is prepared. If you aren’t sure where to get started making your emergency kit and plan, check out Emergency Preparedness and You from CDC.

I hope your family will resolve to be ready this year as well and will take the time to sit down and prepare your plans. Resolving to be ready might not get you into your skinny jeans, but it could get you and your loved ones out of a disaster safely – which is even better.