Where to Start?

The most important thing is that you actually get started.

You read awesome things all the time that you intend to follow up on. But you know what happens? Life. Something steals your attention. You don't have time right now. You're uncertain how to start. You've slept since then and forgot. You simply forget.

Don't forget this. Do something to prepare yourself for an emergency. Right now. DO EET.

Here's quite possibly the easiest place to start: Grab a bag. Any sturdy bag will do, even a gym bag (you're not actually going to the gym, are you?) or a reusable shopping bag. A bag with a zipper is best.

Now walk around your house and throw everything in it that could be useful in an emergency. Hopefully at least some of these things are already grouped in one place, such as flashlights, batteries, and an emergency radio (you have a battery-powered radio, right? Oh well, we can fix that later). Also include things like a few candles, matches, some basic tools (screwdriver, hammer, wrench, pliers, assuming you have any of those), a garbage bag or two. In other words...anything that seems like a good idea.

When you're done, place the bag in an easily-accessible location (especially if you have to find it in the dark). The floor of the front hall closet is a popular choice.

All told, this shouldn't take you more than 15 minutes. It's possible to do it in five. Just do it. Right now. Yes, step away from the computer and don't dare show your face here again until you do it.

Did you do it yet? Yes? Good.

Guess what? Now you've got an emergency bag. You're awesome. Go relax and have a glass of wine to celebrate! You're already more prepared for an emergency than most people you know.