Fix what gets worse fastest
When multiple problems compete for attention, triage by consequence of delay. A roof leak gets worse every minute (progressive water damage). A closed freezer holds temperature for hours. A blocked driveway is inconvenient but not escalating.
Address the problem that compounds fastest first. Then move to the next. This is not about severity (the freezer food might be worth more than the drywall) but about which problem grows if you wait.
Escalating, stable, and can-wait
Escalating: active water intrusion, gas leak, someone injured, fire. Act now. Stable: power out with closed freezer, vehicle blocked, supplies running low. Act soon but no minute-by-minute worsening. Can-wait: cosmetic damage, non-urgent repairs, restocking. Act when the first two categories are handled.
One problem per person
If multiple capable adults are available, assign one escalating problem per person rather than having everyone focus on the same thing. Brief each person on their task and check in after 30 minutes.
- Triage by consequence of delay: fix what gets worse fastest
- Escalating: act now (water, gas, injury, fire)
- Stable: act soon (freezer, blocked vehicle)
- Can-wait: act later (cosmetic, restocking)
- Assign one problem per available person
- Emergency Preparedness — FEMA household emergency response principles.