In the face of growing climate risks, personal and local resilience is more important than ever. Inspired by environmentalist David Suzuki’s recent reflections, this checklist helps you and your family prepare practically for what lies ahead — no matter where you are on your sustainability journey.

🧰 Emergency Supplies

• First aid kit (with common medications, bandages, gloves)
• Flashlights or headlamps (with extra batteries or rechargeable)
• Power bank or solar charger
• Reusable water containers (5L+ capacity)
• Water purification tablets or portable filter (e.g. LifeStraw, Sawyer)
• Fire extinguisher (small and portable)
• Emergency radio (hand-crank or battery-powered)

🍲 Food & Water Readiness

• At least 3-day supply of non-perishable food (freeze-dried, canned, dry staples)
• Manual can opener
• 3-day supply of drinking water (at least 4L/day/person if possible)
• Simple camping stove or backup cooking option (e.g. propane, butane)
• Infant or toddler-specific foods if needed

🏠 Home Preparedness (Portable or Easy-to-Recreate After Move)

• Printed emergency contact list (family, doctor, vet, etc.)
• Backup copies of important documents (on USB or in waterproof pouch)
• Extra blankets or emergency thermal blankets
• Battery-powered or solar fan (for heat events)
• Duct tape, rope, multi-tool
• Inventory of your current and future neighborhood resources (hospitals, fire stations, parks)

🛑 Planning & Navigation

• Written evacuation plan (route, meeting points)
• Local paper map or offline GPS app downloaded
• Awareness of climate risks in your new area (flooding, fires, ice storms, etc.)
• Cash on hand in small denominations
• Check insurance policies for climate-related coverage (flood, fire, storm)

💞 Social & Community Readiness

• Identify one or two people you can rely on in an emergency (even remotely)
• Know the vulnerabilities of those in your circle (elderly, mobility issues, etc.)
• Create a basic “go bag” or “bug out bag” for each family member:
  • Change of clothes
  • Copy of ID
  • Water/snacks
  • Medications
  • Comfort item for child

🧠 Mindset & Learning

• Learn one or two survival basics (e.g. purifying water, signaling for help)
• Stay informed: follow local emergency alerts or install alert apps
• Start a small “resilience notebook” to record ideas, contacts, and resources

🌍 Share this with your community or comment below: What steps are you taking to prepare locally for climate disruptions?