About HomeResilienceHub

The truth about preparedness? Most advice assumes you have unlimited budget and storage space. I learned different.

After Hurricane Harvey flooded my neighborhood in 2017, I spent the next seven years testing every piece of gear, every strategy, every “expert” recommendation. Some worked brilliantly. Many failed spectacularly. I documented it all.

I’m a FEMA-certified emergency management specialist, but more importantly, I’m someone who’s lived through the disasters I write about. This site exists because I wished someone had told me the truth before I wasted thousands on gear that didn’t work.

Professional Background

Emergency Management Credentials:

• FEMA ICS-100, 200, 700, 800 (Incident Command System & National Incident Management System)
• NIMS IS-700.b National Incident Management System Introduction
• FEMA IS-800.d National Response Framework Introduction
• Texas Division of Emergency Management Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) certification
• American Red Cross Disaster Services volunteer (2018-present)

Field Experience Documentation:

• Hurricane Harvey response coordination (August-October 2017): Managed family evacuation logistics for 15+ households
• Winter Storm Uri emergency response (February 2021): Coordinated community warming center operations, documented infrastructure failures
• Regional power outage response (2018-2024): 12+ documented extended outage scenarios with performance data
• Wildfire evacuation planning consultant for rural Texas communities (2022-2024)

My Mission

I bridge the gap between expensive prepper fantasy and practical family preparedness. You don’t need a bunker or a five-figure budget. You need gear that actually works, strategies that fit real life, and honest answers about what matters when disaster hits.

Every recommendation here comes from two sources: professional emergency management training AND real-world testing during actual emergencies. If I wouldn’t trust it for my own family, I won’t recommend it to yours.

Research Methodology

Equipment Testing Protocol:

• Laboratory specification verification through manufacturer technical documentation
• Controlled performance testing using NIST-traceable measurement equipment
• 72-hour minimum field deployment during actual outage scenarios
• Post-incident performance analysis with measured failure rates and operational data

Source Verification Standards:

• Government data sources: FEMA, NOAA, CDC, state emergency management agencies
• Technical specifications verified through manufacturer engineering departments
• User experience data from verified emergency deployments (minimum 6-month operational period)
• Professional consultation with licensed contractors holding current state certifications

Conflict of Interest Disclosure:

• Financial relationships clearly disclosed on all product recommendations
• No manufacturer partnerships that influence testing methodologies
• Independent purchase of all tested equipment when possible
• Professional relationships disclosed when consulting with industry specialists

Quality Assurance Framework

Emergency Management Standards Compliance:

• All preparedness recommendations align with FEMA Community Emergency Response Team protocols
• Safety procedures follow NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) guidelines
• Technical installations reference NEC (National Electrical Code) standards
• Food safety protocols based on USDA and CDC emergency guidelines

Peer Review Process:

• Technical content reviewed by licensed professionals in relevant fields
• Emergency procedures validated against current FEMA training materials
• Product performance claims verified through third-party testing reports
• Regional emergency coordinators consulted for local hazard-specific guidance

Update and Maintenance Protocol:

• Content reviewed quarterly for regulatory changes and new emergency management guidance
• Product recommendations updated based on documented field performance and user feedback
• Emergency procedures updated to reflect current FEMA and state emergency management protocols
• Annual review of all safety recommendations with certified emergency management professionals

Professional Network:

• Active member of Texas Emergency Management Association
• Collaborative relationships with regional CERT coordinators
• Technical consultation network including licensed electricians, security professionals, and emergency managers
• Ongoing education through FEMA Emergency Management Institute courses

Verification Note: All emergency management certifications and professional affiliations are maintained through continuing education requirements. Technical recommendations represent current best practices as of publication date and should be verified with local emergency management officials for region-specific applications.