5 Things Every Household with Children Should Do Before the Next Emergency

ReadyWise shares practical preparedness tips for families during National Preparedness Month 2026

Salt Lake City, Utah--(Newsfile Corp. - September 1, 2026) - For families with children, preparing for an emergency can feel overwhelming. From keeping familiar foods on hand to helping children understand what to do when routines are disrupted, a few simple steps can help make families feel more confident and ready.

In support of FEMA's National Preparedness Month 2026 theme, "Americans Stand Ready," ReadyWise is encouraging households to take practical steps today to prepare for the unexpected. By taking action in advance, families can build greater confidence and resilience when disruptions occur.

"Preparedness doesn't have to be complicated. Small steps taken together can help families feel more confident when an emergency happens," said Norm Ramos, Director of Marketing at ReadyWise.

ReadyWise offers a wide range of shelf-stable food options designed to help individuals, families, and organizations prepare for the unexpected. With long shelf lives and a variety of meal options, ReadyWise makes it easier for households to build an emergency food supply that fits their needs.

Here are five practical recommendations from ReadyWise for families with children before the next emergency:

1. Give Kids Their Own Grab-and-Go Kit 
   Let children help build a small kit with age-appropriate essentials, such as a change of clothes, hygiene supplies, a flashlight, child identification information, and familiar snacks. Adding a favorite book, toy, or comfort item can also help children feel more secure in unfamiliar situations.
2. Keep Food on Hand That Your Kids Will Actually Eat
   Emergency food planning isn't only about having enough calories. Familiar foods can help provide a sense of normalcy when everyday routines are disrupted. Families should keep a combination of everyday shelf-stable snacks and longer-term emergency food supplies on hand while considering allergies, dietary needs, and individual preferences. ReadyWise offers popular kid-friendly options including Mac & Cheese, Pasta Alfredo, Chicken-Flavored Noodle Soup, and breakfast cereals, which can be supplemented with meats, fruits, and vegetables for balanced meals.
3. Make an Emergency Plan - and Practice It 
   Children may not know what to do during an emergency unless they have practiced beforehand. Families can identify a meeting place, teach children how to contact a trusted adult, and talk through what to do if they become separated. Keep instructions simple and age-appropriate.
4. Prepare for Everyday Emergencies
   An emergency doesn't always mean evacuating the house. Power outages, severe weather, school closures, water disruptions, and road closures can all interrupt a family's routine. Parents should consider what their household would need if normal routines were disrupted for several days, including food, water, flashlights, batteries, first-aid supplies, hygiene products, and activities to keep children occupied.
5. Give Every Family Member a Role 
   Preparedness is a family effort. Even young children can participate in age-appropriate ways. Parents can ask children to help check flashlights, choose snacks for the family kit, pick a comfort item, or help identify where emergency supplies are stored. Older children can learn important family contact information and help with simple preparedness tasks. Involving children can turn preparedness into a shared household project, reinforcing the spirit of this year's "Americans Stand Ready" theme.

National Preparedness Month is a reminder that families don't have to wait for a storm, power outage, or other emergency to start preparing. Taking a few small steps now can help households respond more confidently when plans change unexpectedly.

ReadyWise is here to help! If you're not sure what preparedness products are best for your family, our friendly Product Specialists are here to help you find the right options. Call ReadyWise at 800-393-2570 or chat with our team online at ReadyWise.com.

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About ReadyWise

ReadyWise provides shelf-stable food solutions designed to help families, organizations, and communities prepare for the unexpected. Its products include emergency food kits, freeze-dried fruits and vegetables, long-lasting meals, and other shelf-stable food options designed for long-term storage and everyday preparedness. For more information, visit ReadyWise.com.

Media Contact:

Amalie Jorgensen
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 800-393-2570

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/312289