With Safety Experts Cory & Ashley Wenter | The Livin’Sky Podcast, Episode 7
When you think of “emergency preparedness,” what comes to mind? A natural disaster? A fire? Or maybe that nagging feeling that you should do something… but don’t know where to start?
In this episode of The Livin’Sky Podcast, I spoke with Cory and Ashley Wenter — the powerhouse husband-and-wife duo behind Pangea Consulting. Between Cory’s military and security background and Ashley’s award-winning leadership in education, they’ve helped thousands of families and schools feel more prepared, more confident, and less fearful.
Here’s what you need to know.
Most Families Aren’t Prepared for a Fire (But You Can Be)
“The most common emergency in the home is fire — and most people aren’t prepared.” — Cory Wenter
One of the simplest steps? Make sure your fire extinguisher is not only present… but working. Most need to be checked annually, just like schools are required to do.
If you live in a multi-story home, consider getting an escape ladder, and store it under a window with a clear path down — no bushes, fences, or furniture in the way.
The 3-Step Family Emergency Plan: Keep It Simple
- Get a Kit — Water, food, first aid, trauma supplies.
- Make a Plan — What happens if there’s no power or communication? Where will everyone go?
- Make It Real — Unbox the supplies, try the tools, and have real conversations with your family.
💡 Pro Tip: Check your kits and plans twice a year — when the clocks change. This makes it easy to remember!
Start Teaching Kids Safety From Birth (Yes, Really)
“Body safety is safety.” — Ashley Wenter
From the moment your child begins crawling, they’re learning safety. Start early:
- Teach them the correct names for body parts (including private parts).
- Practice how to dial 911 and identify safe adults in the neighborhood.
- Explain the difference between secrets vs. surprises — secrets are never okay.
Safety conversations don’t need to be scary. They need to be calm, confident, and consistent.
Be Your Own First Responder (For at Least 5 Minutes)
In an emergency, it takes 5–6 minutes on average for first responders to arrive. In a disaster, even longer.
That’s why the Winter team recommends basic trauma training — especially learning how to use a tourniquet and other bleeding control techniques. These tools are easy to learn, affordable, and can literally save a life.
Gun Safety and Safer Alternatives
Not every family should own a firearm — and Cory and Ashley say that training is more important than ownership. If you have a gun in your home, make sure:
- It’s locked and stored safely
- Every adult has ongoing training
- Children have age-appropriate education and conversations about safety
Too nervous to own a gun? Alternatives include pepper spray, tasers, Byrna non-lethal launchers, or home security systems with alerts and motion sensors.
Raising Resilient Kids Through Real-World Skills
“Resilience comes from chosen suffering.” — Cory Wenter
Whether it’s practicing emergency plans or having difficult safety conversations, resilience isn’t built through avoidance. It’s built through experience, preparation, and real-life modeling.
Ashley also encourages teaching kids the “circles of control” — helping them focus on what they can control, influence, and let go of. It’s a life skill they’ll carry forever.
Resources
- Pangaea Consulting website
- Pangaea Consulting Instagram
- Family Emergency Plan
- Emergency Supplies Checklist
- “The New Safety Playbook for Moms”
Connect with Lena
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🌐 Website: lenalivinsky.com
📧 Questions? Reach out – I’m here to help
Remember, sweet mama: Trust your journey, trust your baby, trust yourself. You’ve got this! 💚
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