Safe & Ready - July 2025
This month, we’re focusing on practical summer readiness—how to protect your plans, devices, documents, and peace of mind before storms hit or travel takes you off your routine. Just a few simple steps now can make a big difference later—for you and the people you care for.
From Kevin
Some seasons call for both rest and readiness.
Summer has a way of slowing us down—vacations, cookouts, longer evenings. But for scammers and emergencies? July is wide open.
It’s peak season for travel fraud, power outages, and storm-related surprises. And with more people using phones and tablets on the go, it’s also a prime time for device theft and data exposure.
So while you recharge this month, I want to help you rest wisely—keeping peace of mind within reach, even when you’re far from home.
Let’s dig in.
🔍 SCAM WATCH
The Travel Scams Catching Families Off Guard
Vacation rentals. “Free” cruises. Fake airline agents. Every summer, scammers take advantage of hopeful travelers by offering dream deals that don’t exist. In this post, we walk through the top five travel scams, how they work, and how to protect your trip, your money, and your peace of mind.
🔐 DIGITAL SECURITY
How to Prepare Your Devices for Summer Travel
Lost phones, hacked hotel Wi-Fi, auto-connect nightmares—travel exposes our devices to more risk than we realize. This updated guide walks you through seven key settings and habits to secure your phone or tablet before you hit the road.
Includes tips on backups, tracking, VPNs, and even how to protect older travelers and kids.
🛡️ PERSONAL SECURITY
Storm-Ready: What to Do Before the Power Goes Out
Even short outages can disrupt food, finances, and communication. This practical checklist helps you prepare in under an hour—whether you're managing your own household or looking out for an older parent or neighbor.
Includes food safety tips, battery backup ideas, generator warnings, and how to keep people safe and calm when the lights go out.
🧺 BE READY
How to Build a Go Folder (Before You Need It)
A house fire. A fast evacuation. A medical emergency. When life turns quickly, a simple “Go Folder” can help you grab what matters and go.
This guide walks you through what to include, where to store it securely, and how to build peace of mind—one document at a time.
📖 DEVOTIONAL
Rest That Isn’t Reckless
“Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.”
— Mark 6:31
Jesus didn’t just command the storm—He called for quiet. He didn’t just confront evil—He also invited rest.
But real rest isn’t about disconnecting from reality. It’s about anchoring ourselves in a deeper one.
In Mark 6, the disciples return from their first mission—excited, exhausted, and full of stories. Jesus doesn’t send them back out. He says, “Come away.” Not because the world didn’t still need them. But because they needed time to breathe, reflect, and remember who holds it all.
That kind of rest isn’t laziness. It’s preparation.
This summer, as you unplug or travel, consider what it means to rest in a way that still honors your stewardship. To take breaks not just for escape—but for recalibration. For worship. For wisdom. For wonder.
Because the most ready people aren’t the most frantic. They’re the most rooted.
✅ Try One Step This Week
- Book your next vacation stay through the official site—never via text or social ads
- Back up your phone before a trip and enable “Find My Device”
- Place a coin on top of a frozen cup of water in your freezer (you’ll know if the power went out)
- Build a Go Folder with your family’s essential documents
- Share this newsletter with someone traveling this month
🧰 Safe & Ready Picks
Tools we trust. Gear that helps. No pressure—just peace of mind.
Each month, we feature a few practical tools to help you stay prepared. These are items we’d use ourselves or recommend to loved ones. Some links may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. Always choose what’s right for your situation.
This month’s travel-and-emergency picks:
- 🔋 Goal Zero Venture 35 Portable Battery Pack
Rugged and weather-resistant—perfect for summer storms or long trips. Charges most phones 2–3 times.
[Search Goal Zero Venture 35 on Amazon → Affiliate Link]
We also recently wrote an article review about this product. Read it here. - 🔥 Fireproof Document Bag
Protect your Go Folder or valuables in a fire- and water-resistant pouch. Look for one with a zipper and handle.
[Browse fireproof document bags → Affiliate Link]
Here's our recommendation (affiliate link). - 🚪 Door Stop Alarm (for hotel rooms or dorms)
A small safety boost when staying away from home. Portable, simple, and effective.
[See top-rated portable door alarms → Affiliate Link]
Here's our pick (affiliate link). - 🧯 Compact Multi-Purpose Fire Extinguisher
Keep one in your kitchen or vehicle—rated for electrical, grease, and general fires.
[Compare compact fire extinguishers → Affiliate Link]
📅 Coming Next Month…
We’ll talk back-to-school season (for students and adults), teach you how to recognize fake tech support scams, and walk through creating a Digital Legacy Binder—so your loved ones aren’t left guessing if something ever happens.
Remember: we want you to be prepared, not paranoid.
Stay safe. Be ready. Online and off.
— Kevin
P.S. Know someone who travels often or lives alone? Forward this issue to help them stay safe and prepared, too.
Some product links may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—if you choose to make a purchase. All products should be used according to manufacturer instructions. Recommendations are for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice or emergency services.
