Practical Prepping Podcast
Episode 543: From Plan to Action – How to Protect Your Family Before Disaster Strikes
Hosts: Mark & Krista Lawley
Date: February 23, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, Mark and Krista Lawley take listeners beyond theoretical emergency plans and dive into the actionable, practical measures essential for real family safety. Focusing on realistic threats (not doomsday scenarios), they cover must-have home safety devices, disaster preparedness strategies, basic first aid skills, and how to stay warm when the power goes out. The tone is friendly, down-to-earth, and focused on practical steps rather than fear.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Shifting From Planning to Practical Action

• [00:00] Mark: “Emergency preparedness isn't about fear, it's about action…when something goes wrong, it's too late to start preparing.”
• Focus moves from the planning phase (covered last episode) to real, hands-on measures to take now.

2. Non-Negotiable Home Safety Devices

a. Smoke Detectors

• Placement: One on each level of the home, especially near bedrooms and kitchens for early warning.
• [02:19] Krista: “If it goes off when you’re sleeping, you need to know right away.”
• A bit of humor as Mark notes:
  • [02:40] Mark: “Kitchen one tells me when the bacon’s done.”

b. Carbon Monoxide Detectors

• Essential with gas appliances, gas heat, or any open flame heating.
• [03:01] Krista: “Carbon monoxide is the silent killer.”
• Explained mechanism of danger with cracked combustion chambers.
• [03:15] Mark: “If you have gas heat or open flame heating of any kind, make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector in your house.”

c. Fire Extinguishers and Fire Blankets

• At least two extinguishers: one in kitchen and one in garage; extras in bedroom recommended.
• Fire blankets for stove fires and other small flames.

d. NOAA Weather Alert Radios

• [04:26] Mark: “These are designed to provide real time warnings…and to wake you up in the middle of the night.”
• Multiple warning systems are best.

3. Weather Emergencies: The Safe Room Approach

• Choose a small, windowless interior room on the lowest floor (basement or interior closet) as a safe room.

• [04:57] Krista: “Helmets for everyone!” Use any type: bike, football, skateboard, etc., to prevent head trauma—major killer in tornadoes.

  • [05:31] Mark: “Head trauma from flying debris is the major killer in tornadoes.”

• Sturdy footwear:

  • Necessary to safely step through debris post-emergency.

• Signaling devices:

  • Whistle or canned air horn for rescue if trapped.

4. Emergency First Aid: Preserving Life Before Help Arrives

a. Trauma Kits

• Build your own kit: include arterial tourniquets (e.g., CAT tourniquet, Gen 7), Israeli pressure bandages, abdominal pads, gauze, and 4x4s.
• [07:02] Mark: Cites the reality that rescue could take days; your skills and kit matter.

b. Training

• [08:07] Krista: “Definitely get some training…not something you can fool around with.”
  • Suggests YouTube tutorials, Red Cross classes, and especially “Stop the Bleed” programs.

c. CPR & Wound Care

• [08:46] Mark: “If you can find a Stop the Bleed class, that will go a long way…”

• Learn CPR (hands-only method is effective and more accessible now).

• Practice basic wound cleaning and bandaging to prevent infection.

• Memorable moment:

  • [09:01] Mark: “Today they have the hands-only CPR. And it’s working. It’s saving people’s lives.”
  • Humor as Mark mentions mouth-to-mouth and his preference for the newer methods.

5. Staying Warm Without Electricity

a. The Science of Layering

• Multiple clothing layers trap warm air, insulate better than one heavy coat.

  • [09:58] Krista: “It got so warm, we actually had to start peeling off some of those layers.”
  • Mark’s anecdote:
    • [10:33] Mark: “I wound up having seven layers on the top of my body… but I stayed warm by layering…”

• Special attention to extremities (feet, hands, ears, nose).

b. Safe Heating Options

• [11:53] Krista:

  • Recommends indoor-safe propane (e.g., Mr. Heater Big Buddy) paired with a carbon monoxide detector.
  • Encourages redundancy for safety.

• Kerosene heaters also discussed as alternatives.

c. The Tent Trick

• Set up a camping tent on a bed or inside the house to utilize concentrated body heat in extreme cold.
• Share sleeping bags, buddy up to maximize warmth.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [00:00] Mark: “What would you do if disaster struck tonight? Not next month, not next year. Tonight.”
• [03:01] Krista: “Carbon monoxide is the silent killer.”
• [05:31] Mark: “Head trauma from flying debris is the major killer in tornadoes.”
• [08:07] Krista: “Get some training…not something you can fool around with.”
• [09:58] Krista: “It got so warm, we actually had to start peeling off some of those layers.”
• [11:53] Krista: “You still want that CO detector to make sure that you are putting in what we call redundancy for safety.”
• [13:49] Mark: “We appreciate you bringing us into your ears and letting us assault you with our Southern knees. Or as somebody said, our Southern charm.”

Time-Stamped Highlights

• 00:00: Opening, reframing preparedness as action, not fear.
• 02:12: Essentials: smoke, CO detectors, fire extinguishers, and weather radios.
• 04:57: Safe rooms, bedside helmets, sturdy shoes, signaling devices for storms.
• 06:39: First aid focus—tourniquets, Stop the Bleed training, CPR, wound care basics.
• 09:58: Warmth without electricity—layering and safe indoor heating.
• 11:53: Safe use of indoor propane and kerosene heaters; tent trick for warmth.
• 13:49: Closing gratitude and signature sign-off: “Stuff happens, stay prepared.”

Summary and Final Takeaways

Mark and Krista emphasize that real-life emergencies require immediate, practical action—having the right knowledge, basic gear, and training can make all the difference. They repeatedly urge listeners to get essential detectors and extinguishers in place, prep a safe room and trauma kit, and build core first aid skills. Their message: preparedness is for everyone, and starts with simple, actionable steps—no apocalypse needed.

As Krista always says:

“Stuff happens, my friends. Stay prepared.” [14:04]