Disasters are unpredictable. Earthquakes do not send invitations. Wildfires do not wait for us to be ready. Floods do not rise on our schedule. When these disasters strike, they remind us how fragile life can be. But they also present us with a choice: will we face them unprepared and overwhelmed, or will we meet them with readiness, faith, and calm?
Today, I had the opportunity to attend a presentation on disaster preparedness led by Kevin MacArthur, the Assistant Emergency Manager for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. His insights were both sobering and motivating. We were reminded that while we cannot prevent disasters, we can prepare for them. And, as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we have been counseled time and again that preparation is not just a practical measure—it is a spiritual principle.
At the start of the presentation, we were reminded of a promise from the Doctrine and Covenants, spoken through the Prophet Joseph Smith: “If you are prepared you shall not fear” (Doctrine and Covenants 38:30). This is not just sound advice—it is a divine assurance. When we take action today to prepare for the future, we can replace fear with faith. We can face the unknown with courage because we have done what we can to stand ready.
As I sat in the presentation, I realized something important: I still have a lot to do when it comes to preparedness. I am not an expert. I am a learner, just like everyone else in the room. But the more I listened, the more I understood that preparedness is not about achieving perfection overnight. It is about small, consistent efforts that build security and peace over time.
Family Preparedness: The Foundation of Readiness
Preparedness begins in the home. If we want to be ready for unexpected events, we must start with our families.
One of the first points Kevin MacArthur emphasized was the importance of having a family emergency plan. This plan should outline what to do in different disaster scenarios. Where will we go if an earthquake makes our home unsafe? What will we do if a wildfire forces us to evacuate? How will we communicate if cell service is down?
These are questions that need answers now—not in the middle of a crisis. I was struck by the simplicity of the solution: sit down with your family and make a plan. President Henry B. Eyring taught, “The Lord has commanded us to take care of our families” (April 2005). What better way to fulfill that responsibility than by ensuring our loved ones know what to do when disaster strikes?
The thought of gathering around the kitchen table to sketch out evacuation routes might seem tedious, but in reality, it is an act of love. It is an opportunity to strengthen our families by working together toward a common goal: safety and security.
Once the plan is in place, we must take it a step further—practice it. Having a plan is good; rehearsing it is even better. MacArthur suggested running through emergency drills so that each family member knows their role. This way, in a real crisis, panic is replaced by purpose.
Building a Supply of Essential Items
After establishing a family emergency plan, the next step is gathering emergency supplies.
I know that for many, the idea of stockpiling food, water, and emergency gear can feel overwhelming. Some might think, “I don’t have the money to buy everything at once,” or “I don’t know where to start.” But Kevin MacArthur gave simple advice: start small and build over time.
President Russell M. Nelson echoed this idea when he counseled, “Prepare temporally and spiritually” (October 2020). The Lord does not expect us to be instantly prepared for every possible situation. But He does expect us to take steps in the right direction.
Start with water—just a few extra gallons stored away. Add some non-perishable food items with each grocery trip. Slowly gather first aid supplies, flashlights, extra batteries, and other necessities. Preparedness is a process, not a single event.
I was reminded of Elder L. Tom Perry’s warning: “The Lord has warned us of famines, but the righteous will have listened to the prophets and stored at least a year’s supply of survival food” (April 1995). While having a full year’s supply is an admirable goal, even starting with a three-day or one-week supply makes a difference.
Beyond food and water, MacArthur stressed the importance of knowing where emergency supplies are stored. His personal story about his wife being unable to find the flashlight during a power outage struck a chord with me. What good is being prepared if only one person knows where things are? Preparedness should be a family effort, with each member equipped with knowledge and confidence.
Readiness Within Our Communities
Preparedness does not stop at the family level. A well-prepared family is a great start, but a well-prepared community is even stronger.
Kevin MacArthur emphasized the importance of checking in on neighbors, particularly those who may need extra help during an emergency. Who in our ward or community might struggle during a disaster? The elderly, single parents, those with medical conditions—these are the people who will need extra support.
President Gordon B. Hinckley once taught, “The best storehouse is the family storeroom” (October 1998). But what if our neighbors do not have a storehouse of their own? Sharing resources and looking out for one another is part of true preparedness.
Even something as simple as forming a text chain or neighborhood emergency plan can make a difference. When we strengthen the network around us, we create a safety net for everyone.
Spiritual Preparedness: The Anchor in the Storm
As we prepare physically, we must not neglect our spiritual foundation. All things—whether physical or spiritual—are spiritual unto God. (Doctrine and Covenants 29:34) This means that gathering food storage, setting aside emergency funds, or even practicing evacuation routes are not just practical exercises—they are spiritual acts.
Why? Because preparedness is an act of faith. It demonstrates our trust in the Lord’s guidance. It reflects our willingness to heed prophetic counsel. It shows our love for our families and our desire to be self-reliant so that we can serve others in times of crisis.
President Thomas S. Monson wisely stated, “When the time for decision arrives, the time for preparation is past” (April 2014). There will come a day when the preparation we make today will be tested. Whether that test comes in the form of a natural disaster, an economic hardship, or even a personal crisis, we will face it with greater peace if we have done what we could to prepare.
Moving Forward with Purpose
Attending today’s presentation was a wake-up call for me. I have much to learn and many areas where I need to improve my preparedness. But rather than feeling overwhelmed, I feel encouraged. Preparedness is not about doing everything all at once—it is about taking consistent, meaningful steps.
Today, I commit to strengthening my family’s emergency plan. I commit to starting (or improving) my food and water storage. I commit to checking in on my neighbors and ensuring that our community is connected. And most importantly, I commit to spiritual preparedness, knowing that when we are ready in all aspects of life, fear has no place in our hearts.
Disasters will come. Trials will arise. But as we embrace preparedness with faith and determination, we will find ourselves standing firm. “If you are prepared, you shall not fear.” That promise is real. And as we take steps to prepare today, we will find strength, peace, and confidence in the days ahead.
