New Year’s is the perfect time to refocus, plan ahead, and commit to being better prepared. Research has shown that only nine percent of Americans are successful in keeping their New Year’s resolutions. However, those who want to be prepared know the real value of setting goals that build resilience, security, and peace of mind as 57% of Americans have taken three or more actions in preparation for a disaster. Emergencies are unpredictable, but preparation isn’t.
If getting prepared is one of your goals for 2025 but you aren’t sure where to start, here are 10 preparedness resolutions that our experts recommend to start the year strong and be ready, no matter what comes your way.
1. Learn a New Emergency Preparedness Skill
The most valuable tool in a crisis is knowledge. Make it a goal this year to learn a skill that could save lives, like first aid and CPR, water-purification methods, fire-starting techniques, or land and map navigation.
These skills are useful to know in more situations than just survival; they’re empowering, practical, and can make a difference between panic and a decisive act. Start small and stay consistent, because basic skills are valuable to have.
2. Update and Test Your Emergency Survival Plan
A plan that works on paper isn’t enough, you need to be testing and practicing it. This year, take the time to run family drills by practicing fire escape routes, earthquake responses, or evacuation plans. Are your fire alarms working? Are your fire extinguishers charged and ready? Make sure to update your emergency contact information and that it is easily accessible. And lastly, organize your important documents and keep them in a safe, but easily accessible location.
Your family’s safety depends on preparation before an emergency. A little time now ensures your confidence later. And if you don’t have that time and energy, contact the Black Sentry experts to figure out a plan that is convenient for you.
3. Rotate and Inventory Your Food Storage
Food storage isn’t supposed to be set aside and forgotten about. This year, stay on top of your supplies by checking expiration dates and rotating food nearing its end. Document and organize everything so you know what you have and what you need, and consistently restock to keep your stockpile ready.
Not sure where to start? Our experts created the Go-Box specifically with this purpose, with long-lasting food supplies, clean water solutions, and essential tools, so your foundation is solid as you build.
4. Diversify Your Finances
Emergencies can hit your wallet just as hard, so it’s crucial to protect yourself financially. Start an emergency cash fund to have on hand when ATM machines are down or systems fail. Diversify your assets so you aren’t relying on one income stream or a single bank account. Invest in tradeable resources like fuel, water filters, and food that can hold value in tough times.
Being financially prepared gives you flexibility and peace of mind when the unexpected happens.
5. Get Certified
Take preparedness to the next level by earning a survival or emergency certification:
- CERT Training (Community Emergency Response Team)
- First Aid, CPR, or AED Courses
- Wilderness Survival or HAM Radio Licenses
Certifications make you a valuable asset to your family and community during disasters. Knowledge saves lives—period.
6. Join a Readiness Community
Preparedness is stronger when it’s shared, so meet other preppers! This year, get connected with like-minded people who understand the value of being ready. You can do things like attend local prepping meetups, taking workshops, or joining online forums to share ideas, tools, and skills.
A strong network of preppers will help you to never face a crisis alone.
7. Learn the Military Phonetic Alphabet and the Universal Edibility Test
These are two widely known and extremely helpful assets to have memorized. Communication is key in an emergency, especially when clarity matters. It can help you spell out critical information without confusion, or radio or phone.
Knowing what’s safe to eat in the wild can be a lifesaver. The Universal Edibility Test is a systematic way to determine if plants are edible without being poisoned. Being able to identify local plants and to find food when options are scarce is key (but a stocked food supply is your safest bet).
Practice with friends and family, and soon, both of these will be second nature to you.
8. Get Aware and Volunteer
A well-prepared community is a stronger and safer community. You can contribute to this by signing up for local emergency text alerts, following local official accounts on social media, downloading a reliable weather app and making it a widget on your lock screen to quickly get real-time updates, and volunteering with local disaster response or relief organizations.
Helping others helps you, too, by building your skills, connections, and awareness.
9. Break a Bad Habit That Could Compromise Your Preparedness
Being ready starts with being healthy. Break habits that could hold you back in a crisis:
- Not getting enough sleep? Fatigue leads to poor decision-making.
- Poor diet? Nutrition keeps your body strong and your mind at its full potential.
- Overspending? Save for supplies and financial stability.
- Phone addiction? Being dependent on your phone can affect your brain and decrease your awareness.
Small improvements today can save lives tomorrow.
10. Help One Person You Know to Get Prepared
Preparedness isn’t a secret. This year, help someone in your circle to become aware and get started. Share your knowledge about food storage, emergency plans, or survival skills. Recommend a survival unit that covers the basics and will get them ready, like our Go-Boxes. Offer tips on budgeting, buying gear, or organizing supplies. Connect them with the Black Sentry experts.
When more people are prepared, few people panic. Helping one person could change an entire outcome.
Get Prepared With Us
At Black Sentry, we believe preparedness is more than stockpiling, but about building confidence and resilience, and having peace of mind. Our Go-Boxes are designed with care and expertise, so you can meet your family’s basic needs like food, water, shelter, and safety, without worry.
Start the year with a foundation you can rely on. Whether you’re new to prepping or refining your skills, our Go-Boxes give you the security to focus on what matters most.
Let’s make 2025 the year of readiness, confidence, and peace of mind. Start strong, stay ready, and we’ll be there with you every step of the way.