July 4th is a day of national significance. If you're going to a celebration, keep that in mind and set yourself up for success.

Here's a short list I follow (I made a graphic for you to make it easier):

1. Have an egress plan and a shelter-in-place plan. Those aren't mutually exclusive. Knowing when not to move can be just as important as knowing how to leave.

2. No plan survives first contact. Expect adaptation, not perfection. Always have alternatives. If Plan A or Plan B becomes unsafe, you're not starting from scratch under stress.

3. Remember that other people have agency too. Traffic, crowds, accidents, police activity, weather, terrorism, or a drunk driver can all change the situation through no fault of your own.

4. Preparation expands your options. It doesn't guarantee success, but it gives you more choices when circumstances change.

5. Your backup plan shouldn't be elaborate. My grandpa used to say, "The more bends you put in the plumbing, the easier it is to stop up the drain." Keep it simple.

Here's an ...