Disasters and emergencies can strike without warning. Natural disasters like flood, fire, earthquake, tornado, and more affect thousands of people each and every year, many of which often are not prepared.

Some disasters also have lasting effects, as people can be seriously injured or killed, property damage costs skyrocket, and sometimes long-term emotional or medical support may be necessary.

Being prepared for the unexpected, both mentally and physically, can significantly reduce the impact a disaster has on you and your family, which will also reduce your amount of fear, anxiety, and potential losses should you suffer from a natural disaster. The best defense against the unexpected, being prepared and understanding how to prepare ahead of time makes a huge difference should you fall victim to Mother Nature.

Preparing for Disaster

If a disaster occurs in your community, local emergency responders and disaster relief organizations will be there to help. However, you need to be ready too. Local responders may not always be able to reach you immediately or may need to focus their efforts elsewhere, which is why it’s so important to know how to help yourself as well.

Making a family disaster plan in advance and having emergency supplies on hand is the easiest way to help you and your family prepare for disasters, but you should also consider having a home evacuation plan and know where emergency shelters are, should you need to take refuge.

Things to Prepare Ahead of Time

First, you will want to consider what disasters can occur in your area, such as hurricanes, extreme heat or cold, flooding, tornados, severe storms, power outages, etc. You should know how to respond to any disaster that can take place in your community and prepare enough to be self-sufficient for three days, including shelter, first aid, food, water, and sanitation needs.

Emergency information

Check with your local emergency management office to find out what types of disasters can strike, and ask for any information to aid in your preparation.

For example, rain gear will be required in a flood or hurricane but won’t be needed during a winter storm, whereas insect repellant and sunscreen will be beneficial in hot climates.

Food

The last place you want to be during a disaster is stuck at home with nothing to eat. According to the Red Cross, the food inside your refrigerator will begin to spoil if the power goes out for more than two hours. Therefore, as a general rule, you should store enough nonperishable foods for all members of the family for three full days. This is especially crucial following weather events that shut down an entire city, such as a snow or ice storm.

Buying dehydrated food is optional, but many canned foods and dry mixes can remain fresh for two years. Store foods that require little or no cooking, water, or refrigeration in case the utilities are disrupted while avoiding foods that are extremely salty or spicy, which will only increase your need for drinking water. Also, consider the needs of pets, babies, or family members with special diet needs. Just make sure to keep an eye on expiration dates, and keep food protected from rodents and insects or petroleum products like gasoline or paints, replacing as needed.

Another thing many people forget is to store cooking utensils, paper plates, cups, towels, can opener, or fuel for cooking like charcoal or a camp stove.

Water

Store at least 1 gallon of water per day for each person and pet, and enough for everyone to last at least three days. This is the minimum amount you’ll need for drinking, cooking, and bathing during an emergency. However, if you live in a hot climate, you should consider storing more.

Storing a bottle of household chlorine bleach can help to disinfect your water for general cleaning and sanitizing purposes. Often, unopened commercially bottled water is used, as it is safe and reliable.

Keep your water stored in a place with a cool temperature where no toxic substances can compromise your stash. Also, be sure to observe the expiration date for any store-bought water, and replace your stock every six months.

First Aid

You need to have a first aid kit that is both complete and ready to go at all times, and be sure to replace any used items as soon as you can. This also includes prescriptions. Make sure your first aid kit is all set when storms loom, as it may save your life.

Having a basic knowledge of CPR and First Aid training can also be vital. There are lessons frequently offered at a low cost, and it’s easy to become certified.

Money

In the event of a power outage, electronic systems won’t function, meaning your debit card will become useless. Keep small denominations of cash on hand should you need to purchase important items or pay for services that may become necessary during an emergency. It’s recommended to save a few hundred dollars in small bills in case a business isn’t able to break a larger bill.

Saving a little extra in your banking accounts will also come handy for any damaged property or medical bills that may accumulate as a result of a disaster. Insurance may cover some of the costs, but you’ll be grateful to have a little extra money to fall back on.

Necessities

Preparing a “bug out” bag will come in handy if you need to make a quick getaway, and can be stored in your car. You should pack extra clothes, sturdy boots, weather appropriate jackets or coats, some type of hat, a flashlight, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra batteries, a multi-purpose tool like a pocketknife, personal hygiene items, cell phone chargers, matches or lighters, etc.

The list could go on and on, but the important part is to include anything you may need to survive in your area.

For winter weather, store a couple of warm blankets. Additionally, packing either kitty litter or sand will help free the car from snow or ice, and an average pair of goggles is helpful if you have to swim or need something to protect your eyes from sand or storm debris.

Important Information

Copies of personal documents such as pertinent medical information, the deed or lease to your home, important medical records, birth certificates, and insurance policies should also be stored in your kit, preferably in a safe place that’s easily accessible should you need to grab it and run.

Many people now use flash drives for this purpose as well to scan important documents, forms of identification and even favorite family photos.

You’ll also want to keep copies of maps of your town and surrounding area and a camera to take photos of any damage for insurance purposes.