While October brings us harvest festivals and Halloween fun, it’s also the perfect time to pause and think about preparedness. Living in California means we face a range of possible emergencies from wildfires and earthquakes to floods and power outages. Having a plan in place can make all the difference when every second counts.
At our farmhouse, our team recently ran a “practice drill” with our family and animals loading mini horses, ducks, geese, goats, and farm dogs into trailers as though we were evacuating for real. It wasn’t just about logistics; it was about building confidence, reducing stress, and making sure everyone knew their role if an emergency actually happened.
We encourage you to consider your own preparedness plan:
- Do you have an emergency kit with food, water, and essentials ready to go?
- Have you created a family communication plan if you’re separated during a crisis?
- If you have animals, have you practiced how you would safely and quickly move them? (*Keep a copy of their current health records in a binder in your trailer so it’s ready to go with you.)
Emergencies can be overwhelming, but preparation brings peace of mind. A little time spent planning today can safeguard your family, your animals, and your home tomorrow.
Together, as a community, let’s commit to readiness because caring for one another means being prepared for the unexpected.
For more resources on preparedness you can visit: https://www.ready.gov/