Mapping the Risks

In this episode of the AmCon Daily Brief, Thom Rigsby shows how families can map and rank the risks around them to replace vague worry with clear priorities. Learn why likelihood and impact matter more than headlines, how mapping risks strengthens family communication, and why this knowledge is the foundation of the Preparedness Mantra. Plus, take today’s challenge to identify the top five risks in your area and start preparing for what matters most.

Episode Transcript

(03:12):
The Johnson family takes out a map of their area. Yes, a real, actual paper map.
They circle the river that's flooded before. They mark the highway that clogs
every time there's an accident.
They add the chemical plant just a few miles away and the hospital that would
be critical in an emergency.

(03:33):
Looking at the map, they realize, maybe for the first time, that their risks aren't random.
They're clustered, predictable, and manageable.
What looked like a thousand worries is really just a handful of priorities.
Situational awareness begins with seeing the world the way it really is,

(03:54):
not the way we assume it is.
A family risk assessment is more than a list.
It's a way of mapping and ranking threats so you can make decisions with clarity.
Here's the key. every risk has two parts, likelihood and impact.
Some events are common but small, like a thunderstorm knocking out power for a few hours.

(04:19):
Other events are rare but severe, like a major flood or an industrial accident.
When you map them out, you start to see patterns.
Instead of living with vague, free-floating anxiety, you get a clear picture
of where the real pressure points are.
Maybe the biggest danger isn't a doomsday event at all, but the fact that your

(04:41):
commute crosses the same bridge every day, and that bridge is a single point of failure.
Mapping risks also helps families communicate. A list of threats can feel overwhelming,
but a visual map makes it real.
Kids can see the river, the road, the factory.

(05:02):
Spouses can point to a spot on the map and say, that's where we'd go.
Awareness becomes shared, not just stored in one person's head.
And here's where the preparedness mantra comes in. Knowledge,
equipment, and practice creates capability.
Mapping is the knowledge piece. Without it, you don't know what gear to buy or what drills to run.

(05:25):
With it, your efforts are focused and not scattered.
This is why we say preparedness isn't about preparing for everything.
It's about preparing for the right things.
A family that's mapped its risks knows where to put its energy,
put its resources, and put its time.
That clarity is what transforms fear into confidence.

(05:50):
Your challenge for today is to pull up a hazard map of your area.
Your local emergency management office or maybe even FEMA has them online.
Identify the top five risks in your area and write them down in order of likelihood.
When you know what's most likely, you know what to prepare for first.

(06:13):
Tomorrow, we'll put awareness into motion with a real-life scenario,
A storm warning, a panicked neighbor, and a decision that has to be made in seconds.
As always, thanks for listening to the AMCON Daily Brief.
If you're already a member, make sure to check out the resources available on
our members-only platform.
And if you're not a member, head over to AmericanContingency.com and join the

(06:37):
network to start building real resilience today. I'm Tom Rigsby.
Stay alert, stay ready, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.