The Conversation That Matters

Talking about emergencies isn’t exactly a fun topic, but it doesn’t have to be stressful either. Disasters can happen unexpectedly, and a simple chat with your family about what to do in certain situations can make all the difference. Start small—maybe talk over dinner or during a family walk. No need to tackle everything at once, just keep the conversation going. A little planning today means feeling more ready and relaxed tomorrow. The important thing is to begin.

How to Get the Conversation Rolling

Here are a few ways to start these essential conversations:

1. Break the ice: You don’t need to dive right into disaster scenarios. Start with something simple like, "Hey, what would we do if the power went out for a day?"
2. Assign roles: Think of it as a team effort. Who’s in charge of the emergency kit? Who’s the designated pet wrangler? When everyone knows their role, it helps the whole group feel more prepared.
3. Make it personal: Tailor the conversation to your family's needs. Maybe someone has medication they can't go without, or perhaps you need to think about caring for elderly family members or pets.
4. Keep it light (if you can): Emergency preparedness is serious, but your approach doesn't have to be scary. Share tips, joke about how "the planner" in the family has probably already prepped, and keep it casual.
5. Stay informed: Discuss how to stay updated on emergency alerts and where to find trusted information. Agree on reliable sources, such as weather apps or local news channels.
   • You can use the Duke Energy app to report a power outage and get updates on when it is estimated to be restored as well as the American Red Cross Emergency app for weather alerts, preparedness checklists and open shelter locations.
6. Practice makes perfect: Conduct a family drill to make sure everyone knows their role and how to respond to various scenarios, such as a fire or severe weather.

Circle back as life changes and new situations arise. After all, preparing for emergencies can be like planning a family camping trip – you pack, you plan, and you have a strategy in case the unexpected happens.

Take Action

By starting a conversation today, you can help your family, neighbors and community feel empowered and more in control when facing uncertainty. Talking openly about preparedness can dispel the fear and confusion that often come with emergencies. It’s not about having all the answers right away – it’s about taking those first steps toward being ready.

Start your own conversation about preparedness. Whether it's with family around the dinner table or in a community setting, every dialogue helps build resilience. Visit Ready.gov, Red Cross' 30 Days of Preparedness or Before the Storm Safety & Preparedness for more tips and resources. The more we talk about preparedness, the better equipped we’ll be to handle whatever comes our way. After all, the first step to being ready is to talk about being ready.