Emergency preparedness: Lessons learned during survival week

Snowed into a mountain cabin with 16 people for eight days—and a closer look at our own disaster preparedness

A last-minute family gathering turned into a survival game when the worst storm in years hit the mountains of Colorado this spring. What was meant to be a few days of games, good food, and catching up turned into nearly two weeks in our log home—far from any resources or other people.

With 16 people in the house—each with their own unique supplies (clean clothes, food, diapers, formula) to last only a few days—that meant some very real challenges:

• We had two babies and a toddler in diapers.
• One baby drank formula.
• Some of us have food allergies and others started out as picky eaters.
• Cooking for 16 people is a full-time job.
• Cleaning up after, and hygiene needs for, 16 people takes a lot of water.
• Our well can’t support 16 people for an extended period of time.
• Produce only lasts so long and then you’re living off of other staples.

As we met these challenges, we had to get creative. It also brought to mind some things we need to change…