MY STORY

I was born and raised in a small town in Massachusetts. I guess you could say my first emergency kit was the dime I carried in my backpack. That was back in the ’90s when all a kid needed was a way to call mom if he missed the bus.

My first real emergency kit was a small, pre-packaged auto kit that I bought for my first car. It was probably an okay option for a teenager who would call his parents in an actual emergency.

Then came the big moment in my journey. I decided to move across the country to Los Angeles for college. During the summer, everyone asked me, “Aren’t you afraid of earthquakes?” Well, if I wasn’t afraid already, I sure was by the end of that summer.

So I bought an earthquake kit for my dorm room and figured I was all set. Then I learned about fires, mudslides, and the occasional riot. Not to mention the anxiety I got from driving the 405 freeway in my beat-up car!

That’s when I got serious about creating a quality emergency kit. I felt so much better knowing I was prepared with the right tools and supplies. I was hooked! I channeled all my fears into massive lists of the best gear for every disaster. 

As my life and the world have changed over the last 20 years, I’ve continued researching and refining my emergency planning, emergency kits, and financial preparedness.

After the September 11 attacks, I improved my first-aid capabilities. Following Hurricane Katrina, I completely rethought my food and water supplies. When my child was born, I got serious about my financial preparedness.

Then my friends and family started asking me for suggestions on their own readiness. And I realized that sharing my knowledge could help other people feel safer and more prepared too.

That’s why I started this blog!