How to Use the Risk Checker (Even If You’re Brand New to Preparedness)
- Kristen, Head Honey Badger
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
If you’re new to emergency preparedness, one of the hardest parts is knowing where to start.
There’s a lot of noise online. Lists, gear, worst-case scenarios. It can feel like you’re supposed to prepare for everything all at once, which usually leads to doing nothing.
That’s precisely why we created the Risk Checker.
The Risk Checker helps you focus on the emergencies that are most likely to affect you, based on where you live, not on fear, hype, or generic advice.
This guide will walk you through how to use it step by step, in plain terms.
What the Risk Checker Is (and What It’s Not)
The Risk Checker is a simple tool that helps you identify:
Natural disasters common in your area
Climate and weather risks
Infrastructure risks (like power outages)
Regional concerns that influence preparedness
It is not a prediction tool.
It does not mean every listed risk will happen.
Think of it like a weather map for preparedness: it shows patterns, not guarantees.
Step 1: Go to the PLAN Page
Start here:
This is where planning begins. Preparedness works best when you follow this order:
Risk → Plan → Supplies → Skills
The Risk Checker is the first step for a reason.
Step 2: Identify Your Location
When you use the Risk Checker, you’ll be asked to think about where you live.
Just focus on:
Your state or region
Urban vs. rural setting
Coast, mountains, wildfire zone, floodplain, etc.
Preparedness is local. Someone in Western Washington prepares differently than someone in Arizona or Florida, and that’s okay.
Step 3: Review the Risks Listed for Your Area
You’ll see different types of risks grouped together. These might include:
Weather events (storms, heat, cold, flooding)
Natural disasters (earthquakes, wildfires, hurricanes)
Utility disruptions (power outages, water issues)
Seasonal concerns
Don’t panic.
Don’t try to prepare for everything at once.
Instead, ask yourself three simple questions:
Which of these has happened here before?
Which would most disrupt my daily life if they occurred?
Which feels realistic, not extreme?
Those answers help you prioritize.
Step 4: Choose Your Top 3–5 Risks
You are not trying to build a perfect plan.
You’re building a starting point.
Pick 3 risks that feel most relevant to your life right now (think time of year and frequency)
For example:
Power outages
Winter storms
Wildfire smoke
Earthquakes
That’s it. You can always add more later.
Preparedness is a process, not a destination.
Step 5: Move From Risk to Planning
Once you’ve identified your main risks, you’re ready for the next step: planning.
This is where questions start to matter more than gear:
What would I need if power were out for 72 hours?
How would I stay warm, cool, or hydrated?
Where would I get information?
How would this affect my family, pets, or medications?
The Risk Checker helps you ask better questions, which leads to better preparation.
Common Beginner Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Mistake: Trying to prepare for everything at once
→ Focus on your top risks only.
Mistake: Buying gear before understanding risk
→ Planning first prevents wasted money.
Mistake: Thinking preparedness has to be extreme
→ Most preparedness is about everyday disruptions.
Why This Step Matters So Much
Preparedness without risk awareness is guesswork.
The Risk Checker gives you:
Clarity instead of overwhelm.
Focus instead of fear.
A logical place to begin
You don’t need to be an expert.
You don’t need to do everything today.
You just need to take the first informed step.
What Comes Next
After using the Risk Checker:
You’ll move into building a simple plan.
Then supplies that actually match your risks.
Then, the skills that make you more confident over time.
We’ll walk you through each step, piece by piece.
Preparedness isn’t about being afraid.
It’s about being ready.
Be Prepared. Not Afraid!
Comments