Natural disasters are on the rise in the United States, and it’s important to be prepared. Read on to learn how to build a comprehensive emergency kit, create an effective disaster plan, and stay informed during a disaster.
Natural disasters include flooding, droughts, wildfires, cyclones, tornados, winter storms, and other severe weather. The National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) states that these types of events are increasing.
How much to pack
You should have enough supplies to survive on your own for at least 72 hours.
You will rarely get much notice before a natural disaster happens, which is why it’s so important to make and practice a plan with your household and loved ones.
Ready, a government website for preparing for disasters, has a range of preparedness documents for most natural disasters. While you can download the PDFs from this website, you can order physical copies from FEMA if you prefer.
Find out which natural disasters are most common in your area by visiting your state and local emergency management websites.
General preparedness plan
While plans will differ depending on which type of natural disaster may occur, the following will apply to everyone.
Create an emergency communication plan
Make sure you know how to contact family members, loved ones, and other important people and organizations, such as doctors, schools, and service providers.
Ready advises choosing an out-of-state contact, which will allow you to share information through a third person if you cannot get into contact with immediate household members.
Tip: Keep these contact numbers in a notebook or other physical media. Make sure each person has a copy of all contacts to minimize the risk of losing the numbers.
Find out local plans and resources
Visit your local emergency management websites to find out any community preparedness plans, including evacuation points and alert systems. Some local governments may also help you find training that could be useful in the event of a natural disaster, such as first aid.
Schools and daycares should also have emergency plans. Asking for more information can give you peace of mind if a natural disaster occurs while your children are at school.
Make an evacuation and shelter plan
Most local governments will have an alert system to tell, or advise you to evacuate. Make sure you know where all important documentation is and have a way to get to the evacuation site. It is a good idea to travel to the evacuation point several times, including alternate routes, to make sure you know the way and can still get there if some roads are closed.
Sometimes, a disaster is best met with sheltering in place. Make sure you have a suitable space inside that is large enough to shelter your household.
Collect emergency supplies
Make sure you have emergency supplies at home, in your car, and at work. Emergency kit supplies can include:
- Bottled water: You will need 1 gallon of water per person per day. Home and car emergency kits may include enough water for up to 14 days.
- Food: Keep as much nonperishable food as you and your family will need, such as canned and dry goods. Make sure you have a hand-operated can opener.
- Cash: Keep enough money in your emergency kits to cover fuel, food, and even a few nights in a hotel if you need to evacuate.
- Radio: Buy a battery-operated or hand crank radio and a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration All Hazards-Weather Radio with a tone alert.
- Light and power sources: Buy a flashlight for each household member and stock up on batteries for your electronic supplies.
- First aid: Keep a full-stocked first aid kit at home, in your car, and at work. Make sure that you also have a whistle and N95 respirator masks.
- Utility goods: Keep a wrench or pliers in your kit to turn off utilities if necessary. Make sure you have up-to-date local maps in case your phone has no signal or your car can’t connect to GPS.
Collect personal and critical documents
Make sure you know where your household’s documents are. Keep your ID and any medical and insurance information with you at all times.
It’s also advisable to keep a copy of household identification, such as deeds or leasing agreements.
Be prepared for a natural disaster
Download the FEMA app to get alerts for up to five different locations in the United States.
Or, sign up for alerts by texting 43362:
- Text PREPARE for preparedness tips.
- Text SHELTER and a ZIP code for open shelters.
- Text LIST for a comprehensive list of keywords.
- Text UNSUBSCRIBE at any time.
Please note that standard message and data rates apply.
| Food | Prioritize canned and dry goods that will keep for a long time. Try to meet your nutritional needs with canned fruit, vegetables, meat, beans, and pulses. Consider any health conditions or dietary needs you and your family have. |
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| Water | Keep 1 gallon of water per person, per day. You should aim to have 3 to 14 days of water on hand. Consider getting water purification tablets or straws if you can’t access fresh water. |
| First aid kit | Keep a first aid kit at home, work, and in your car. Familiarize yourself with its contents so you know what you have and how to use it. Other items that aren’t always included in first aid kits include face masks and hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, so consider stocking up on these separately. |
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| Radio | A radio will keep you up to date with weather alerts and official advice. Before you need it, make sure you know how to use it and note the stations you may need to tune into. |
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| Whistle | A whistle is a simple but extremely useful piece of kit in emergencies to help you attract attention, keep track of people you’re with, and alert others to danger. |
What you can do to protect yourself and your home will depend on your location and the type of natural disasters that can affect your area. Taking the following steps can help protect your property:
| High winds | • regularly check your roof for weak spots • clear your gutters • prune trees and remove large ones • reinforce garage doors • maintain hinges and locks on doors and windows, and repair any broken glass • keep vehicles covered • anchor outdoor furniture |
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| Flooding | • turn off your electricity to avoid shocks in water • clear your gutters • install or maintain sump pumps • move valuables and furniture upstairs, into the attic, or off the ground onto shelving • anchor outdoor furniture |
| Wildfires | • keep combustible outdoor materials 5 feet away from your home • move RVs and trailers 100 to 200 feet away from your home • use noncombustible materials in your landscaping • space out shrubbery and trees • keep grass and vegetation well-hydrated • keep on top of clearing dry materials from your outdoor spaces |
| Storms | • inspect your roof for loose tiles or shingles • check gutters and downpipes • consider installing grounding lightning rods • create pre-cut boards for windows and doors |
| Snow | • avoid letting snow build up on roofs and clear regularly • check your heating is working well • maintain the seals on your doors and windows • turn off water supply to outdoor sources |
Being well-prepared before a natural disaster can help you stay safe and reduce the risk of injury and damage to your property. Make a plan and practice it regularly with your family.
This guide offers basic advice to begin building your emergency safety plans and kit. Refer to government resources for more in-depth information and guidance on how to prepare for specific natural disasters.