🛡️ National Preparedness Month

Hey families,
September is National Preparedness Month, and honestly—it’s the perfect nudge for me (and maybe you too!) to sit down with my family and make sure we’re ready for the “what-ifs.”

Emergencies like fires, storms, or even a power outage can feel really scary—especially for kids. But I’ve learned that when we make a plan together, fear turns into confidence. My daughter feels calmer knowing what to do, and I feel a little more at peace too.

Step 1: Talk About Why Planning Matters

I started by asking her:
👉 “Why do you think it’s important for our family to have a plan for emergencies?”

Her answers surprised me and reminded me that kids want to feel included and heard.

Step 2: Make (or Review) Your Family Plan

We walked through a few “what ifs” together:

• Fire: Where would we meet outside if we had to leave the house quickly?
• Storm: Which room in our home feels safest?
• Power Outage: What could we do to stay calm (and maybe even have fun) if the lights went out?

Role-playing these helped her feel more prepared—and honestly, helped me too.

Step 3: Build a Family Emergency Toolkit

This part was surprisingly fun. We made it into a little family project and let her add her own ideas. Our kit includes:

• Flashlight + batteries
• First aid kit
• Bottled water + snacks
• Extra clothes + blankets
• A list of important phone numbers
• And of course, a favorite stuffed animal for comfort

I asked her:
👉 “What would help you feel safe if we had to use this kit?”

She chose a deck of cards and her favorite cozy socks.

Step 4: Practice & Update Together

We set a reminder to revisit our plan and kit every 6 months—because kids grow, life changes, and it’s good to refresh.

💡 Why This Matters

Preparedness isn’t just about safety—it’s about giving our kids a sense of control, building resilience, and reminding them we’re a team. When we make a plan together, she knows: “No matter what happens, we’ve got each other.”

✨ Family Challenge: This week, try creating your own emergency toolkit together. Let your kids decorate the box or bag, check off the list as you pack it, and then celebrate your teamwork. 

Need help getting started? The Bright Littles Safety Journal has everything you need—activities to create a fire safety plan for your home, a toolkit guide for natural disasters in your area, prompts on what to do if your child gets lost or feels uncomfortable, space to record important info, and more!