Why Disaster Readiness Should Be a Core Part of Life

We never think it’ll happen to us—until it does. That’s the mindset many of us hold when it comes to disasters. Whether we’re talking about hurricanes, fires, or even health crises like mental health challenges and suicide prevention, the reality is we’re all going to face some kind of crisis. Yet, how many of us actually prepare ahead of time?

Let me tell you from experience: preparedness isn’t optional. It should be built into our lives and businesses like an emergency savings fund or insurance policy. But for some reason, many of us wait until we’re five days away from disaster before we even start thinking about it. This last-minute scramble doesn’t just add stress—it adds costs, too.

It’s Always Going to Happen—So Why Wait?

We all live in a world where “things” happen. Whether you’re in Southwest Florida, the Gulf Coast, or anywhere else, something will eventually impact your life or business. Disasters don’t care if you’re a cleaning business owner or a multi-million-dollar enterprise. They’re equal opportunity disruptors.

Here’s the truth: If you know something is coming, why would you leave it to the last minute to prepare?

Take disaster preparedness seriously. Whether it’s for yourself, your family, or your business, having a plan in place not only reduces stress, but it can also cut down on costs. The time and money you spend on prevention could save you exponentially down the road. I don’t just mean financially—mental and emotional tolls count, too.

Notes to consider:

  • Disasters will happen—to everyone, eventually.
  • Last-minute planning adds unnecessary stress and costs.
  • A strong disaster plan should be part of both your family life and your business strategy.

Mental Health: A Vital Part of Disaster Preparedness

You might not think of mental health and suicide prevention when you think about disaster preparedness. But let me ask you this: what’s a bigger disaster than losing someone close to you because they didn’t have the support they needed? The mental health of your employees, family, and even yourself is just as important as boarding up windows or buying supplies.

That’s why I offer suicide prevention courses and mental health education. These aren’t just for individuals who are already struggling. It’s for anyone who recognizes the value of having a plan in place before things get bad. And like any disaster, the best time to prepare for a mental health crisis is before it happens.

More notes to keep in mind:

  • Mental health support is just as important as disaster readiness.
  • Proactive training can help avoid crises before they happen.
  • Building these safeguards into your life protects your people—and your business.

What Will Your Biggest Takeaway Be?

I’ve shared what stuck with me. We know disaster is coming, and we know the price we pay when we aren’t ready. The question I have for you is: What are you going to do about it?

What resonated most with you today? What steps can you take now to be more prepared for tomorrow’s challenges? Maybe it’s creating a disaster plan for your business, or maybe it’s finally prioritizing mental health support for your team. Whatever it is, don’t wait until it’s too late to take action.

Disasters are inevitable, but the stress, cost, and emotional toll don’t have to be. So, ask yourself: How prepared am I?