Practice makes Perfect

I've posted a TON on getting prepared, but everything we’ve talked about means little if you don’t practice it, and if you don’t practice response.

Do monthly drills and spontaneous safety spot checks. There are two options for earthquake safety – the triangle of life and the drop and cover method. I would encourage both as the drop and cover may not always be accessible. Don’t just drill for fires, have earthquakes, tornadoes, and evacuation (make it a race) drills.

Review what to do at the beginning of the month and warn them this month we will have an earthquake drill (other chosen disaster). Always make them spontaneous! After you've had a few drills, (when they're complacent about them) replicate the situation - turn off the lights, make some noises, what ever you need to simulate the real thing. Obviously your not going to be able to shake your house but you can shake the table their under. We don't want them to be surprised by anything and not know what to do. After the drill review how you did, and any changes that may need to be made to your plan.

There are many ways to practice emergency preparedness with your children besides the usual drills, these include

• Disaster weekend
• Pioneer week
• Camping and backpacking
• Games and Family Home Evening
• Good Habits

What do these have to do with practicing preparedness? Everything. Each one prepares your family for a disaster, life after a disaster, and develops the skills needed to survive both. The goal with practicing isn't to just remember what to do, but to be able to do so on reflex with little thought. We also want them to know they have the ability to handle whatever gets thrown at them and come out on top.