How to Prepare Your Family for Emergencies Without Fear or Overwhelm

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

  1. Get a Kit — Water, food, first aid, trauma supplies.
  2. Make a Plan — What happens if there’s no power or communication? Where will everyone go?
  3. 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 spraytasersByrna 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


Connect with Lena

💌 Newsletter: Get weekly support and guidance
🌐 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! 💚

FREE WORKSHOP FOR PARENTS OF PICKY EATERS:

BLOOM Framework at a glance:

Here are some other FREE guides which may interest you!

SHARE THIS POst

Reply...

GRAB YOUR GUIDE

Whether you're looking to introduce new flavors or create a fun mealtime routine, this resource will help you foster a positive relationship with food for your child.

This guide is packed with practical strategies to make meals more enjoyable and exciting for the whole family.

10 Strategies to help picky eaters at Home

instagram default popup image round
Follow Me
502k 100k 3 month ago
Share