How to Prepare for a Disaster

Knowing how to prepare for a disaster is an integral part of keeping you, your family, and your home safe at all times. Two of the best ways to prepare for a disaster are to make emergency plans with your family and build a disaster supplies kit, since both of these can help you survive during any emergency.

Prepare for a Disaster with Emergency Planning

One of the most essential things you can do to prepare for a disaster effectively is to make a family plan for emergencies. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you make your plans:

• Escape routes: while evacuation may not be necessary during every disaster, it is always a good idea to make sure everyone in your family knows a feasible escape route during an emergency, since this can help ensure everyone stays safe.
• Family communications: finding a way to keep in touch can be difficult during a disaster, especially if cell phone towers and power lines do not work properly. That is why it can be helpful to develop a contingency plan for contacting everyone in your family.
• Special needs: if anyone in your family has special needs, it is important to consider these in your emergency plan. In some cases, this may include providing additional help to get to a shelter during a disaster.

Prepare for a Disaster with a Disaster Supplies Kit

After a disaster, it is very likely that you may need to survive on your own for anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks until emergency personnel can restore services such as electricity and running water. Experts recommend keeping enough food, water, and medical supplies for everyone in your family for at least three days. Here are some basic supplies to include in your kit:

• At least a gallon of water per person per day
• Ready-to-eat foods such as canned meats, fruits, and vegetables
• Vitamins and high-energy foods
• A first-aid kit with enough medical supplies for everyone in your family
• Prescription and non-prescription medications
• Extra clothing, bedding, and personal hygiene items

When determining the best way to prepare for a disaster, two places to begin are with an emergency plan for your family and a disaster supplies kit, since these can help you stay safe and tide you over until you have power and running water again. For more information about preparing for disasters in your area, it can help to visit www.fema.gov.