Natural disasters displace millions of people every year. Even though no one can prevent a natural disaster like a wildfire or hurricane from happening, you can prepare yourself for one. Having the right supplies and a plan can not only help you during a disaster, but it will also provide you peace of mind since you’ll know what to do if anything should ever happen.
Check out these essential tips to prepare for a natural disaster to keep you and your family safe.
Emergency Kit
Having an emergency kit of necessary supplies can help keep your family safe during a disaster. You’ll want to include enough food, water, and medications to last three days. Some items to keep in your emergency kit include:
- One gallon of drinking water per person per day
- Nonperishable food, such as canned goods, granola bars, or trail mix
- A can opener
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- A first-aid kit
- Sanitation items, such as soap, toilet paper, and cleaning supplies
- Blankets
Your emergency kit will vary depending on your family’s needs and can include baby food, diapers, and prescription medication. You should also have essential documents nearby or in a fireproof safe.
When deciding what needs to go into your kit, think about medicine cabinet supplies you always keep stocked. Generally, duplicating your medicine cabinet is a great way to start.
Disaster Plan
Along with the emergency supplies, it’s also a good idea to have a plan on where to go and how to get there. Talk to your family and determine where you’ll evacuate to and a route to follow to get there. Be sure to have more than one route available in case of road closures.
Teach older children and any other adults in the house how to shut off gas and water lines and consider signing up for CPR training. If you have pets in the home, make a plan for how you’ll get them out, too. Program phone numbers for insurance companies into your phone ahead of time.
Listen to Officials
Most importantly, listen to local officials. Sign up for alerts and warnings so that you know when impending disasters are looming. If officials tell you to evacuate, do so immediately. Remember, everything inside your home is replaceable.
Acting fast and staying calm is the most crucial of these tips to prepare for a natural disaster. Hoping for the best and preparing for the worst will help you keep a level head and stay safe during a crisis.
