Practical Guide For Disaster Preparedness

1. Understand the Risks:

Identify the types of disasters most likely to affect your area. This could include natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, wildfires, or man-made disasters like chemical spills, nuclear accidents, or terrorist attacks.

2. Create a Family Disaster Plan:

This should include how to evacuate your home and where to meet, along with important numbers and emergency contacts.

3. Build an Emergency Kit:

Prepare a kit with essential items that can sustain you for at least 72 hours. Here are some items you might include:

- Food and water: Keep a three-day supply of non-perishable food and water for each person (1 gallon of water per person per day is recommended).

- Medication: Keep a supply of essential prescription and non-prescription medications.

- First Aid: Include a basic first aid kit and manual.

- Communication: Have a battery-operated or crank radio to receive news updates. Include a whistle to signal for help.

- Tools: Multi-function tools can include a knife, can opener, etc. Also include a flashlight and spare batteries.

- Personal documents: Make copies of important documents, like passports, birth certificates, and insurance policies. Keep these in a waterproof bag.

- Hygiene: Pack sanitation and personal hygiene items.

- Cash: Include some cash and coins as ATMs might not be working.

4. Learn Basic Emergency Skills:

These could include first aid, CPR, and how to use a fire extinguisher. Local organizations often offer classes on these skills.

5. Prepare your Home:

Depending on the types of disasters common in your area, you may need to take special steps to prepare your home. This could include things like securing heavy furniture to walls to prevent tipping during earthquakes, or clearing brush away from your home to protect against wildfires.

6. Review and Practice your Plan:

Discuss the plan with everyone in your household and practice it regularly so everyone knows what to do and where to go in case of an emergency.

7. Stay Informed:

Stay informed about potential threats and the steps you should take in response. Most regions have some kind of emergency alert system.

8. Plan for Pets:

Don't forget to make arrangements for pets. Many emergency shelters don't allow pets, so plan in advance where you could take them.

9. Insurance:

Review your insurance policies to ensure you have enough coverage for possible disasters. Remember that some types of disasters (like floods or earthquakes) often require additional insurance.

10. Mental Health:

Emergencies and disasters can cause significant stress and trauma. Have a plan for dealing with mental health, like having access to counseling services or other mental health resources.

Remember, disaster preparedness is about safety and survival. Regularly review and update your plan as necessary.

1. Understand the Risks:

Every geographical area has unique risks. If you live on the coast, you may be at risk of hurricanes or tsunamis. If you're in the Midwest, tornadoes might be the biggest threat. And if you're in the West, earthquakes and wildfires could pose a danger. Do some research to understand what hazards you face in your area. Also consider other risks like power outages, water shortages, or man-made disasters.

2. Create a Family Disaster Plan:

This plan should include details on how to communicate, where to meet, and how to evacuate if necessary. Discuss multiple scenarios and what actions each family member should take.

- Choose a safe place in your home where family members can gather during a disaster. This could be a basement, interior room, or under a stairwell.

- Identify escape routes from each room in the house.

- Identify safe places outside of the home as well, such as a neighbor's house, a local school, or other community locations.

- Create a communication plan. If family members are separated when a disaster hits, how will you communicate? Identify a local and an out-of-area contact person everyone can check in with. Texting or using social media can sometimes work even when voice calls don't.

3. Build an Emergency Kit:

Emergency kits should be tailored to the specific needs of your family, including any pets. Other items you might consider include:

- Blankets and clothing to keep warm.

- Baby supplies, if needed (diapers, baby food).

- Pet supplies (food, leash, carrier).

- Cell phone chargers.

- Comfort items, such as toys for children or books to read.

- An extra set of car and house keys.

4. Learn Basic Emergency Skills:

In addition to first aid and CPR, other useful skills might include:

- How to shut off utilities like gas, water, and electricity.

- How to use all the items in your emergency kit.

- Basic survival skills, like how to make a fire or find water.

5. Prepare your Home:

Consider making your home safer by:

- Installing smoke detectors on each level of your home and testing them monthly.

- Securing heavy items such as bookcases and appliances that could fall during an earthquake.

- Clearing rain gutters and maintaining a defensible space to protect against wildfires.

- Installing a safe room in areas where tornadoes are common.

6. Review and Practice your Plan:

Practicing your plan helps ensure everyone knows what to do when a disaster strikes. Consider doing drills and reviewing the plan periodically, especially when there are changes to your household, like a new family member or moving to a new house.

7. Stay Informed:

Sign up for emergency alerts from your local government. Many communities have systems that will send instant text alerts or emails to let you know about severe weather, road closings, local emergencies, etc.

8. Plan for Pets:

In addition to considering pet-friendly places to stay, also think about what you would do if your pet was lost during a disaster. Microchipping your pet and having a current photo can help with identification. Also, make sure you have a secure pet carrier, leash, or harness for your pet.

9. Insurance:

In the event of a disaster, insurance is what will help you rebuild and recover. Make sure you understand what your policy covers and what it doesn't.

10. Mental Health:

Emergencies and disasters can cause significant emotional distress. Organizations like the American Psychological Association and the American Red Cross offer resources to help deal with the emotional impact of a disaster.

Being prepared can make a significant difference in being able to effectively navigate and recover from a disaster. It can save lives and make the recovery process less stressful.