My writing topic first emerged after moving my family from California to Florida in 2017. Weeks after moving into our new home we were hit by Hurricane Irma. Fearing we would lose everything still taped up in brown shipping boxes, we jumped on a plane and returned to California half a day before the airport closed. When we returned to our Florida home I navigated through massive piles of debris to my office in downtown Miami. For months, some people had electricity, others did not.
That’s when it occurred to me. I have traveled to more than 30 countries and lived overseas for nearly five years. I was confident you could drop me in the middle of any situation, in any country, and I would thrive. A part of me really wanted to ride out the hurricane; it would be an incredible experience to see mother nature at her best.
With two small children in tow, however, I suddenly felt very unprepared. Natural disasters were no longer a thrill. I recognized I needed to start planning ahead. I also realized that bags of beans and rice weren’t going to cut it for a family of picky eaters. I needed entertainment and creature comforts. Maybe I could make meals that felt more like a picnic than just survival.
A list of emergency supplies grew as I started to add important details. Is the standard guidance for water enough to cook a meal and brush your teeth? What are good recipes for the random collection of ingredients in my pantry? What is the difference between camping and glamping? I'm hoping that by sharing these ideas here you will provide feedback to make sure these ideas are fully baked.
A disaster can be scary, but it can also be an opportunity to reflect on your resilience. If you and your family are prepared, you can easily help your neighbors. You can carry a smile on your face knowing that you are more than prepared, you are comfortable.