So, you think you should start preparing for an emergency "outage" of some proportion. Good for you. The more people who are prepared the better. But don't make a common mistake that many make; trying to do too much too fast. They either get frustrated and quit or think they're all set but find they missed some important basics. Unless you have a lot of extra money to install a bunker/shelter and buy a couple of years worth of food at the drop of the hat, you need to start slow and in phases.
You DO need to prepare a special place to go (near or far) - just in case you can't get home or your home is uninhabitable
Your kids will NOT be bored. They will learn so many new ways of living, so many daily activities and chores, connecting with nature in so many new ways, they won’t have time to be bored. Allow them the freedom to discover things like what bugs are in the grass around your home, what plants to grow for food or medicine, what wildlife is still abundant on this beautiful land. If your attitude is one of wonder and not worry, so will theirs be. Help them look at this as an adventure, not a burden.
DON'T STOP BUILDING:
3 days of supplies is the basic preparedness recommendation. It's simple and doesn’t take a lot of money. Start there. When you've planned and saved for 3 days, begin working on plans for 2 weeks which will require you to look a little deeper into things. When you're set for 2 weeks go for a month, then 3 months, then 6 months, etc. Don't forget about situations where you or a member of your family/group, might not be at home when disaster strikes. Also consider working with others but be careful who you confide in.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:
Vehicles should always be in good condition and ready for an emergency evacuation. Inspect them frequently. Follow owner's manual for guidance. At a minimum: good tires, fresh and topped-off fluids, good brakes, good battery. Avoid letting the fuel tank get below 1/2 empty.
Don't evacuate on a whim. Stay informed for accurate information on the current status of an emergency event. Be ready but don't do things to risk your job/livelihood.
If an emergency enters a crisis mode, some societal groups might see that as an opportunity to take advantage of the situation. Their intentions might range from settling old scores to opportunistic looting of homes and/or stores. Be alert, be ready.
Extra Clothes can help everyone stay warm, clean and comfortable but can also be used for rags and bandages.
Dust Masks
help to filter contaminated air (dust, gas, etc.)
An overstock of supplies can be used to barter for those things you do not have but need/want
Attend Church regularly, attend to your duties, say your prayers, tend to your family, stay right with God.