Author: Anna Muldoon, Science Policy Advisor

Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with a romantic evening for two; taking some extra time with your kids; or hanging out with your friends to toast singles awareness day, you’ll probably be with someone you care about on February 14. This year, try doing something a little different. Show you care by starting a conversation on emergency preparedness. Think about it – nothing says “I love you” more than a letting the special people in your life know that you’ll stick together when times get rough.

So, here are our top five ways to show your sweetheart, friends or family members that you love them

5. Presents:

You could say “I love you” with something that won’t make your loved one worry about gaining weight and that won’t die in a week. Instead of a heart shaped box of chocolates, maybe a box of chocolate power bars? Want to keep someone warm and toasty? A fleece blanket with hearts on it could also keep your loved one warm in an emergency.

4. Preparing with Friends:

Getting together with friends for Singles Awareness Day? Plan to go out and take a CPR class together before you go out for dinner or head out for a party. You’ll learn a new skill and everyone will be better prepared to take care of each other in an emergency. Want to learn more? Check out Red Cross.

3. Text “I <3 You”:

Agree with a few friends that you’ll spend some time sending tweets or texts to each other about ways you can show that you care by promising to prepare. Let people know that they can count on you – and that you’re counting on them. Try things like “I <3 John enough to pick him up in an emergency” or “Can’t get back to the apartment? We’ll meet at Amy’s place.”

2. Take your Kids to Sesame Street:

Planning for an emergency is an important way to show your kids that you care – and folks on Sesame Street can help you get started. So, check out Let’s Get Together! Planning Together for Emergencies and let Grover and Big Bird help you plan.

And the number one way to show that you care this Valentine’s Day...

1. Start a Conversation:

Set aside some time to talk to your loved ones about preparedness. You don’t need to break out the emergency planning guide between the filet mignon and the chocolate mousse on your dinner date. But if you’re with someone you love enough to take care of during an emergency, let them know that and set aside a time to make a plan. When the time comes, check out Emergency Preparedness and You for tips on what to include in your planning.

Any holiday that is about making sure the people we love know it can be a moment to be sure we know what to do if everything goes wrong. In any emergency, making sure loved ones are alright becomes a priority and having a plan makes that much, much easier. This is a good moment to make that happen.

Do you have ideas for Valentine’s Day themed emergency preparedness? Post them below and maybe we can include them next year! Need some more inspiration? Check out www.PHE.gov/sites/ASPR1/Care for tips on how you can show your loved ones and even your community that you care.