It’s one thing to plan and execute an organized pantry and another thing to organize for a true emergency. In any given part of the country, or world, your local area or region may have predictable weather disasters like hurricanes or tornadoes or just severe winters or summers. People who live in these zones are probably as prepared as they can be for these regular events. Those who live in earthquake areas may also have emergency supplies and practice other safe techniques. For example, I grew up in Southern California and have been through a few large quakes. And because of that, I always keep my fine china on the lowest shelf in the cabinets and would never think of hanging anything heavy on the wall over the headboard.

And yet, it is amazing how many people remain unprepared, sometimes in denial, and sometimes just not having the space or finances to stock up on the required goods. Some prodding questions to follow will outline the various situations one could encounter and the necessary preparedness to counter it.

For example, I have an Emergency Notebook in my office with various important documents (like the deed to my house) and important phone numbers and financial information. In that notebook I have a page with a check list on what to take out of the house if I only have a few seconds to gather things up, such as in a fire. And in a fire, I might only be taking the notebook! Another list is for what I would take out of the house if I had 5 minutes to leave or 15 minutes, etc. On a similar note, I rarely let my car’s tank of gas go lower than a ¼ full.

You can list what you would need if you were out of electricity for even just a 24 hour period. How about no electricity for a few days? How about no working plumbing for a few weeks?

These are uncomfortable things to think about, but you would be surprised how much less anxious you would be to make your list and then set aside a few hours to go shopping and get all the supplies and things you would need to satisfy your list.

Aside from emergency preparedness for the home, what about supplies for your office space or your car? Aside from a full earthquake kit in my car, I also have a can of dog food in the trunk! It’s good to prepare for an emergency when it comes to your pets and children, who don’t understand what is going on and need to be comforted and fed.

If you are a really busy person, I would recommend setting aside a couple hours each weekend to organize and prepare for any and all possible emergencies. First and foremost, you could carve out some space in a closet to store a few cases of water. And if you have pets, next time you get them food, pick up a few cases instead. The canned foods usually have a shelf life of a couple years and you could make a plan to rotate canned food for people or for animals on a yearly basis. Stay tuned for more check lists!

Author: Kartar Diamond
Company: Feng Shui Solutions (R) Since 1992
From the Tao of Organizing Blog Series