Here in the Pacific Northwest we’ve had quite of bit of discussion recently about the possibility of a major earthquake, and many families were already displaced this summer as a result of wildfires. Now with Halloween on the horizon, I’ve been particularly aware of the potential repercussions of a zombie invasion as well.

Having a baby in the house has increased the urgency I feel to be prepared in the event of an emergency, and has also made disaster preparedness that much more complicated. As new parents, we spend so much time managing our child’s safety in the home or in the car, and it’s important to consider baby’s safety in case of a natural disaster (or a horde of zombies), too!

One simple way to prepare is to assemble a “go bag” for yourself and your children. In addition to basic survival gear like a first aid kit, pocket knife, flashlight and Mylar blankets, suggestions for your baby-specific go bag include:

• Clothes (Don’t forget hats and socks!)
• Diapers and wipes
• Formula and a bottle (A good idea even if you are exclusively breastfeeding, in case you are separated from your baby)
• Blankets
• Bottled water
• Soap or hand sanitizer
• Child’s acetaminophen
• Zombie-killing weapon of choice (Less important in the event of an earthquake, but you probably shouldn’t rule it out anyway)

Unlike your standard diaper bag, your go bag should stay in one place in your home or vehicle so it can be quickly located in an emergency. It’s also important to check periodically to ensure that nothing is expired, and that clothes and diapers are the right size.

Aside from a go bag, consider budgeting to keep your home stocked with basic necessities like drinking water, toilet paper and non-perishable food, in case an emergency leaves you temporarily stranded in the house. Talk to your family and create a plan for how to respond in an emergency, like where to go if there is a house fire, what to do if you get separated or how to properly decapitate a zombie.

It can be anxiety-provoking to consider the possibility of a disaster occurring, but being prepared can save a life, or at least greatly increase your comfort while you wait for help. Personally, I have zero intention of waiting out the zombie apocalypse without toilet paper.