Emergency Preparedness for Families

Be ready before
an emergency happens.

Practical guides, checklists, and a growing reference library to help families prepare for any emergency — at home or on the move.

Managing food allergies in an emergency?

Our Plant Allergen Library provides a comprehensive cross-reactivity reference for families, healthcare providers, chefs, and herbalists.

View Guide →

Five steps to family readiness

Follow these steps to build a solid foundation. You don't need to do everything at once — start with step one today.

1

Make a family emergency plan

Agree on meeting points, out-of-area contacts, and communication strategies before a crisis.

Get planning →
2

Build a 72-hour kit

Assemble water, food, first-aid supplies, and documents for every member of your household.

See checklist →
3

Plan for food & water

Learn safe storage, water treatment, and emergency cooking so your family stays fed.

Food & water guides →
4

Address medical & allergy needs

Prepare medications, allergy plans, and first-aid knowledge tailored to your household.

Allergen library →
5

Prepare children & family

Teach kids age-appropriate safety skills so every family member knows what to do.

Kids & family →

Find what you need

Browse by topic to find guides, downloads, and reference material for every aspect of emergency preparedness.

Food & Water

Emergency food preparation, water treatment, preservation techniques, and long-term food storage guides.

Allergen Guide

A comprehensive plant allergen cross-reactivity reference for families, healthcare providers, and chefs.

Featured resource

Medical & Health

Anatomy, disease fact sheets, vitamins, nutrition, parasitology, and body-systems references.

NBC & Radiation

Nuclear, biological, and chemical event references — survival skills, shelter plans, potassium iodide, and fallout management.

Critical reference

Preps & Gardening

Garden plans, container growing, raised beds, water filtration, and community emergency preparation guides.

Animals & Livestock

Raising chickens, building coops, equine care, dogs, and animal feed composition — 18 guides for self-sufficient living.

Herbs & Homeopathy

Foraging guides, herbal medicine encyclopedias, spice handbooks, bioactive foods, and wild edible plant references.

Military Field Manuals

US Army field manuals covering survival, urban operations, physical security, marksmanship, and military working dogs.

Power & Energy

Alternative energy devices, generator construction, solar methods, Tesla references, and off-grid electricity guides.

Faith & Spiritual Resources

Digital editions of major religious texts — Bible, Quran, Book of Mormon, and Dr. Jeremiah's Book of Signs.

Games & Tabletop RPG

AD&D 2nd edition handbooks, player's manuals, DM screen, and equipment guides — community & morale resources.

Know your allergens before an emergency.

Our Plant Allergen Library is a comprehensive cross-reactivity reference designed for families, healthcare providers, chefs, and herbalists. Understanding plant allergens is especially critical when normal supply chains fail and unfamiliar foods become necessary.

Trees & ShrubsWoody plant allergens
Grasses & WeedsSeasonal pollen sources
Cooking SpicesHidden food allergens
Herbal MedicineSupplement cross-reactivity
FoodsCommon food allergen sources
Vines & FernsContact & airborne triggers

Severity Levels at a Glance

Low — Minor or rare reactions; generally manageable
Moderate — Noticeable symptoms; antihistamines often helpful
High — Significant reactions; avoid without medical guidance
Very High — Potentially severe; ensure epinephrine is accessible

⚕️ Medical disclaimer: This library is an educational reference only and does not replace the advice of a qualified medical professional. Always consult a healthcare provider for individual allergy management.

Download & reference materials

A growing collection of guides, field manuals, fact sheets, and books — all freely available.

Articles & guides

15
Jan
Home Safety

Home invasion: what to do and how to prepare

A video and article covering active-shooter response, home defence principles, and family security planning.

Read article →
Soon
Food Prep

Building a two-week emergency food supply on any budget

Step-by-step guidance on calorie planning, shelf life, rotation, and special dietary considerations.

Download the guide →
Soon
Allergens

Managing food allergies when the supply chain fails

How to build an allergy-safe emergency kit, identify cross-reactive plants, and communicate needs during evacuation.

Visit the Allergen Library →

Practical guidance, not panic

BeReady is curated by Richard Lang Smith — a preparedness researcher and resource librarian dedicated to making emergency planning accessible to every family. This is not about fear; it is about confidence.

The resources here are chosen for practicality, accuracy, and relevance — from government fact sheets and peer-reviewed medical guides to time-tested field manuals and homesteading handbooks.

  • Resources are sourced from trusted government, academic, and practitioner materials
  • Content is reviewed and updated as new information becomes available
  • The Allergen Library is maintained as a standalone cross-reference tool
  • Educational only — always consult professionals for medical and safety decisions
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