The sad reality is that each of us will face a crisis — or even more than one — over our lifetime. What, if anything, have you done to prepare?
Climate change threatens all of us. Rising sea water, stronger storms, weather disruption, even species extinction are all possible consequences of runway global warming. What might you do to be ready for this future?
But maybe you don’t think this is a serious threat, or you have confidence that we will address this problem before it becomes too serious.
The western coast of the United States is due for a major earthquake. Tectonic plates have been shifting, building up energy, the release of which could flood entire cities, impacting millions of people. What can individuals do to prepare for this eventuality?
But maybe you don’t live there, or know anybody who does.
Artificial Intelligence could very well reshape our entire society over the next decade or two. The worst case scenario would see mass layoffs and a collapse of the job market. And that doesn’t include the possibility of A.I. becoming self-aware, and the dangers that might pose. Are there steps that could be taken with this in mind?
Even if you discount any one of these possibilities, it seems like one or more of them could very well happen. Another financial Great Depression, a global pandemic, a meteor strike from the heavens, the rise of dictators across the globe threatening another world war, any of these could happen. Or something we haven’t thought of could catch us by surprise.
But we shouldn’t simply react. We can anticipate bad things, and prepare ourselves for them. So: How do you prepare for a crisis?
Related questions: What is the greatest problem facing humanity? How do we prepare for the next pandemic? Should we try to predict the future? How can we turn sadness into constructive action?
No one can predict the next crisis, but crisis or not, every household should be prepared for uncertainty. With that in mind, a few practical steps can make a meaningful difference. First, maintain a well-stocked pantry of non-perishable foods and stored water. In normal times, replace what you use during routine grocery trips, rotating items so newer purchases go to the back of the cupboard. Second, if you have the space and access to water, grow some of your own food. Third, keep an ample supply of essential hygiene items such as toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and masks. Fourth, make it a habit to keep your vehicle’s gas tank at least half full. Fifth, build and maintain a strong social network—friends, family, neighbors, and close colleagues who can exchange information, resources, and emotional support when times are difficult. Finally, think through both an evacuation plan and a shelter-in-place plan so you are not making critical decisions under pressure.