All risk management and planning ultimately derives from who you are trying to manage risk to. For disaster planning, the most simple answer is you.
However!
You probably are planning for more than just yourself. Some common examples:
- Spouse/partner
- Children
- Roommates
- Pets
- Neighbors
- Nearby family
Define that list first and write it down somewhere. This will effect a few key things, specifically:
- The locations you are planning for (home v. school v. work v. daycare etc.)
- The needs of people you are planning for (age, fitness level, training level, etc.)
- The skills of people you are planning for (is your spouse a medical professional? Does your child regard the outside as a lawless jungle suitable only for animals? etc.)
Define from this list specific individual needs to plan for. Common ones are:
- Medication
- Medication that requires refrigeration (e.g. insulin)
- Medical equipment that requires power (e.g. CPAP, oxygen pump)
- Mobility limitations
- Young children (diapers, formula)
- Emergency essential workers expected to report to work during crises (medical, law enforcement, utility, etc.)
We will use this list a framework for determine what we need to plan for.