Why Preparedness Is Your Secret Weapon: Thriving in the Face of Storms and Winter Woes

In a world that feels increasingly unpredictable, one truth stands out like a beacon: preparedness not only helps you survive crises…. it also empowers you to thrive through them.

With the devastating landfall of Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean, and as we approach the end of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, it is clear that nature’s curveballs are non-discriminatory. Add the creeping chill of winter, with icy roads, outages, and seasonal health risks, and the message is simple: this is the season to turn “what if?” into “I’ve got this.”

The good news? Being prepared is about building resilience. The latest data indicate some progress worth celebrating, alongside significant room for improvement.

Imagine facing a sudden evacuation like those who were in Melissa’s path. Would you know exactly what to do? According to SafeHome.org’s 2025 Home Emergency Preparedness Study, 54 % of U.S. households say they have made some form of emergency preparation in the past year. That is a sign of growing awareness and action, but what about the other 46%?

Still, only 5% have a fully stocked emergency supply kit, while 20% admit they have none of the recommended supplies. And while 90% agree that preparing for extreme weather is critical, fewer than half (46%) have a formal plan in place. We all know what we need to do and why; now we have to do it! Preparation flips the script from reactive panic to proactive poise. It is a mental GPS that cuts through chaos and decision fatigue when seconds matter.

A recent article from the Risk and Resilience Hub highlights that FEMA statistics demonstrate information drives action. Those who had recently seen or read disaster-prep information were five times more likely to have taken multiple preparedness steps than those who had not; proof that messaging works.

The FEMA statistics also shared additional significant shifts comparing 2022 to 2023: 48% of people assembled or updated their emergency supplies, up from 33%; 31% learned their evacuation routes, up from 28%; 14% got involved in their community, up from 10%; and 30% documented and insured their property, up from 25%.

According to the same SafeHome.org survey, nearly half of Americans are more concerned about emergencies than they were a year ago, and most understand that disasters will likely affect their communities. The challenge lies in converting that awareness into action before the next storm or grid failure tests our collective resilience.

As we anticipate the onset of Winter, which brings its own set of challenges, we should plan for the expected and unexpected: blizzards, frozen pipes, and power-outage-induced hazards.

You can start by assembling your emergency kit. Remember that you will need three days of water (one gallon per person per day), non-perishable food, flashlights, and backup chargers. For winter, consider adding hand warmers and ice melt products.  Then, plan. Designate a contact outside your area, map evacuation routes, and practice quarterly. Lastly, stay informed. Download emergency-alert apps like FEMA or the Red Cross in advance. Remember that 41% of Americans now rely on social media for preparedness tips—a great reminder to use your platforms to share accurate and helpful information.

Preparedness is contagious. Start a neighborhood check-in chain or join a local CERT group to multiply your impact. Every small action compounds. Each check-in, update, and refill adds momentum to your personal resilience flywheel — the kind that helps you handle hurricanes, tsunamis, or surprise snowstorms without skipping a beat.

As we step into November, marked by a mix of storm anniversaries and winter forecasts, ask yourself one question: What step can I take today? Because when the unexpected happens, preparedness is power, confidence, and calm rolled into one. Take Meridian’s Readiness Assessment: Assessment | Meridian Strategic Services.