Sadly, we are all too aware of the increasing need to prepare for the very real threat of imminent emergencies, and too many of us have first-hand knowledge of wildfires, droughts, floods and of other life-disrupting upheavals.

The continental United States this very weekend is facing (what was once considered) a generational winter storm with uncertain temperatures, snowfall, and dangerous ice forecast.

It was announced last France was issuing a ‘survival manual’ to all households to suggest what people should keep in a “survival kit” and other European countries are following suit.

From my perspective in the UK – which hitherto been more like Hobbiton than a country prepared to face reality – the government is being painfully slow in giving out too much practical advice.

However, as a sensible and kind community, I thought this might be an apropos time to discuss thoughts on how to prepare for the unforeseen.

What have you learned is sensible and necessary to have at hand when facing an emergency? Do you have any tips to share about items to have and plans to put in place beforehand so you feel a little more reassured to face the unexpected?

I’m hoping this thread to be a positive space to help everyone consider what they can do to help themselves and others, not a doomer thread!

Are there resources in your community, city or state you think it would be helpful for others to know about? Perhaps you have positive experiences you can share about how you have dealt with crises or emergencies in the past. If you know, please come to teach, and if you don’t know (like I don’t) come to learn!