Prepare | Disaster Rally

How To Protect Your Family With a Wildfire Disaster Management Plan

In 2017, wildfires ravaged the West Coast. The devastation left people wondering how they could prepare for the next time. Wildfire disaster management plans are the way to do that. Preparation is vital when you want to protect your life and the lives of your family. In order to do that correctly, you have to know how to create a wildfire disaster management plan.

There are several steps that go into being prepared and making a plan. First, you have to find out how at risk you are. Then you have to make an emergency kit that will fit your families needs and situation. Finally, if you must evacuate your home, your plan should outline your steps in an orderly fashion.

The next time you get an alert that there is a wildfire near you, this wildfire disaster management plan will help your family will reach safety.

Are You at Risk of Losing Everything?

Before you plan for a natural disaster, it is always vital that you know your risk. For example, if you live in Florida, you know that you are at risk of hurricane damage. If you live in Kansas, tornadoes would be a concern. Wildfires can happen anywhere at any time. However, they occur more frequently in places like California. And if you live in specific zones, you are at a more significant risk than in other areas.

To find out if you are in danger, check with your local or state authorities. For instance, in California, residents can go to CA.gov and look at the Cal Fire map to find out what zone they live in. California Fire has identified which areas in the state are at a higher risk and formulated a wildfire disaster management plan.

Take a look at the map below:

wildfire disaster management California fire map. Your state may have a map like this to help you create your wildfire disaster management plan. — Image Public Domain, by Cal Fire, via CA.Gov

States keep track of weather conditions and alert the public about risks. The federally controlled Air Now website also tracks air quality across the country. This lets people know if conditions are favorable for wildfires which then allows people to implement their wildfire disaster management plan. All they have to do is enter their zip code, and the websites let them know what the conditions in their area are.

How to Get Ready for an Evacuation

Now on to developing the best wildfire disaster management plan for your own family. This will help you get out quickly if local officials find a wildfire and alert you to the danger.

Before the evacuation alert: Make an emergency supply kit

Emergency supply kits are a significant part of your wildfire disaster management plan. It prepares your family for an extended period away from your home, so make sure you have everything you’ll need to make a temporary home. For example, you will need three days of non-perishable food per person, a battery operated radio, and about three gallons of water per person. Also, keep a map marked with at least three evacuation routes.

As part of your wildfire disaster management kit, you will want to make sure you bring photocopies of your credit cards/debit cards (or, a second set of cards if your bank allows that) along with cash or traveler’s checks. You will also need copies of your essential documents including a copy of your mortgage, social security cards and birth certificates, marriage certificates and financial records. Your kit is not complete without two additional sets of clothing per person. Finally, always keep a flashlight and a sturdy pair of shoes/boots for each person, for peaceful evacuation purposes, especially at night.

For a comprehensive disaster preparation checklist, check out our article here.

Practice makes perfect

It is also essential to practice your wildfire drills with family and any pets. You will want to repeat this with a stopwatch until it takes you five to 10 minutes to get out and on the road to safety. If you do not have time to get away from your house, use a roof access ladder to get on the roof so rescue workers can see you.

When you anticipate the possibility of an evacuation

According to readyforwildfire.org as part of your wildfire disaster management plan, you’ll also want to remove all curtains from your windows and make sure they are tightly sealed but not locked. If you have metal window shutters, close them, too. Then, move all flammable furniture into the middle of a large room. These simple steps might save your home.

How Do Wildfires Form?

Photo is a large wildfire in the woods. Develop a wildfire disaster management plan to save your family from a fire like this. — Image CC0, by Skeeze, via Pixabay

Meteorologists have not figured out why and when wildfires are going to happen. However, while they cannot forecast them accurately, there are three conditions that can cause wildfires to start. Firefighters refer to it as the fire triangle: oxygen, a heat source, and fuel.

Wildfires move at speeds between nine and 12.5 miles per hour while torching everything in their path. That may not seem fast, but how long do you think you could run that fast? Wind makes these fires worse, and dry brush feeds them. One of the reasons the West Coast has such a problem is because they have experienced terrible droughts. Also, the Pacific coast is incredibly windy.

In 2017, the fires were especially brutal in California. It seemed that as soon as the fire department put one out, another would spring up. The “Thomas Fire” in Ventura County, California was the biggest and became the largest in California history. The fire scorched 281,893 acres of land, including 2,820 buildings and homes, while killing 15 people. Wind and the dry environment created it. Mudslides, created by the debris from the fire, killed another 17 people in the ensuing weeks.

Having a wildfire disaster management plan could have saved some of those lives.

Wildfire disaster management: how to prevent wildfires

Photo of Smokey the Bear. Help Smokey prevent forest fires with a wildfire disaster management plan. — Image CC by 2.0, by ChattOconeeNF, via Wikimedia

You have probably all heard the Smokey the Bear commercials where he tells you that only you can prevent forest fires. He is not wrong. You absolutely can help, and it is a vital piece of your wildfire disaster management. For instance, you can make sure that you never leave matches, lighters, and fireworks in the reach of children. Kids are naturally curious, and they will mess with everything. In 2017, a teen in Oregon started a massive wildfire after playing with firecrackers.

Additionally, keep burn piles 500 feet away from any forest and 50 feet away from structures. Keep your yard clear of the brush by trimming your bushes regularly and mowing your grass. Do not ever flick your cigarette butts onto the ground. Cigarettes are notorious for starting fires. Also, be sure to remove debris from your gutters and roof.

Furthermore, use common sense when trying to prevent fires as part of your wildfire disaster management plan. For instance, do not throw out smoldering charcoal from the grill or park a hot car on dry grass, etc.

When to call 911

If you do start a fire accidentally, make sure you alert authorities as soon as possible. Do not run away before you call 911, even if you started the fire doing something you were not supposed to be doing. The authorities can contain a small fire a lot easier than they can hold back something like the Thomas Fire.

Get your neighbors involved

Another thing you can do when preparing for a disaster is helping your neighbors get ready. Maybe you have some elderly neighbors in your neighborhood who do not have the means you do. Go to their homes and see if they need your help. If so, you can help them create wildfire disaster management kits for their household.

Do not leave your pets

In addition to creating a wildfire disaster management plan for humans, you need to make sure that you have a wildfire disaster management plan for your pets, During the California wildfires, an obscene number of animals were left behind. Do not be one of those people. Create emergency kits for them with extra food, bottles of water, and medicine if they take it. Make sure you have a place to go that allows you to bring your pets with you. Also, see if your neighbors are doing the same. Leaving animals in a fire to die is the epitome of cruelty. Take steps to prevent that.

Get Started on Your Plan Today

Every day you could make a difference just by following a few simple steps. As listed above, it is very important to take precautions. There is nothing wrong with preparing for the worst. Follow a few simple guidelines like for example, using ashtrays instead of tossing your “butts” out the window and tending your campfires and outdoor grills.

As we all know Smokey’s favorite line: “Only you can prevent forest fires,” and he is 100 percent correct. We can help prevent wildfires across the whole country, so what do you say? Would you like to protect our Earth? What are you waiting for? Let’s try to protect our grasslands and forests because they are truly too beautiful to lose?

Featured image: CC0, by Skeeze, via Pixabay

Community Disaster Preparedness Plan: Keep Your Neighborhood Safe

Community disaster preparedness is a scary sounding phrase. However, we live in frightening times. Political climates around the world are growing tenser each day. Diplomacy seems to be a thing of the past, at least for America. Violent weather events are climbing worldwide each year. The outlook for avoiding disaster is growing bleak in every community. Are you prepared if disaster struck your state? What about the rest of your city? Your neighborhood? Your street?

No one likes to think about the worst that could happen if their safe corner of the world were to be hit by a natural disaster or a human-made catastrophe. The fact is, though, that you’re more likely to survive if you have a community disaster preparedness plan than you are if you’re caught unsuspectingly. The same goes for your neighbors. Together, you could have a real chance at not only surviving but protecting those among you who aren’t capable of protecting themselves. Basically, a community disaster preparedness plan can not only give you and your neighbors peace of mind, but it can also tip the odds in your favor.

Hazard Risk Assessment For Community Disaster Preparedness Plan

First, when developing a community preparedness plan, you’ll want to asses the potential hazards for your area. Research if necessary to reveal which types of natural disasters and severe weather events occur most often in your location. This will help to narrow down the conditions you and your community may need to prepare for. Flooding won’t require the same action plan as, say, wildfires. Decide which type of disaster your community is likely to face, so you know exactly what you need to prepare for.

Potential Hazards

Additionally, natural disasters aren’t the only threat to you and your community. Even if you’re lucky enough to live in an area that is not prone to dangerous weather events, you could still be susceptible to human-made disaster. But also, make sure to consider all the possible types of catastrophe before assuming that you don’t have anything to worry about in your community.

Natural hazards

Natural hazards are any act of nature. Severe weather events make up the majority of natural hazards for most areas. These can include tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis, wildfires, flooding, avalanches, earthquakes, landslides, drought, and extreme freezing or snowfall. An often overlooked natural hazard is an outbreak of disease. Unfortunately, epidemics can catch communities off guard and cause panic and mayhem. Especially at risk in disease outbreaks are children and the elderly, who tend to suffer complications and death when ill more often than adults and teens.

Accidental human hazards

Realistically, sometimes even the most advanced human-created technologies fail. Dams break. Oil or other hazardous materials spill into the environment. Bridges and buildings collapse. Power fails. Trains derail. Mines collapse. Airplanes crash. Sadly, these unlucky events can happen in any community, but some are at higher risk than others. If you live near an oil refinery, a mine, or any business that regularly uses dangerous chemicals, you are especially at risk for accidental human hazards.

Intentional human hazards

Finally, possibly the most frightening of all potential disasters are intentional human hazards. In today’s world, it feels like nuclear war may break out at the drop of a Tweet. Consequently, if you live in a highly populated area, it’s more likely that your community will be targeted by an enemy attack. These attacks may be nuclear, biological, or chemical. Unfortunately, other intentional human hazards becoming more common include mass shootings in schools, workplaces, and at public events, and cyber attacks. Each of these human-designed hazards will require a different plan for your community to be prepared to respond effectively.

Community Health and Health Resources

Before making a plan, you need to asses the health of your community as a whole. Chances are if you live in a retirement community you will have a lot more potential health problems to deal with than you would if you lived in a small college town. How many senior citizens live in your community? How many children? Babies? Pregnant women? Pay attention to the age range of people who tend to move into your neighborhood. This will give you a realistic idea of how concerned you need to be about general health in the case of a disaster hitting your area.

Once you have an idea of the health level of your community at large, gather information about health resources. Does your community have a hospital? Is one of your neighbors a doctor? Where would be able to find medical assistance if someone in your group was injured or became ill? You will want to have these questions answered before disaster strikes, so you don’t find yourself running around trying to find help when it may already be too late.

Create a Team

So far, you’ve got a basic idea of what types of disasters your community needs to prepare for. You then assessed your community’s overall health and health resources. Now, it’s time to get other community members on board. Think about those people closest to you in our community. Select a small group of trustworthy individuals and invite them to join you on their community’s disaster preparedness team.

Assign Roles

Now that you’ve assembled the core members of your community preparedness team, it’s time to assign roles. There is no specific way to divide responsibility among your team. It is essential to make sure that someone is responsible for overseeing supplies, someone is responsible for arranging assistance for the elderly and children, and someone is responsible for communication. It is wise to consider setting up communication hubs with assigned people in other areas. That way if local phone lines become useless, members of your community can check in and update their status to a trusted individual.

Create Goals

Furthermore, once a core community disaster preparedness team has been formed, and fundamental roles have been assigned, it’s time to create some goals. If you never put your plan into action, it means nothing. It’s not necessary to wait for a disaster before you can begin to put your plan into action. By this point, you’ve assessed your community’s hazard risks, community health, and community health resources. You’ve shared this information with your core team, and assigned a role to each member. Now, it’s time to act on your assessments.

Additionally, approach your local businesses and speak to them about disaster preparedness. You’ll want to ask these businesses to be a part of the community disaster preparedness plan. Many businesses are eager to open their doors for shelter for the displaced, or may be able to donate supplies. Set a goal of getting a certain amount of businesses involved, shoot for a certain level of community involvedness, and then it’s time to get the rest of the neighborhood on board.

Recruit

Equally important, after you assemble your team, have set your initial goals and spoken to businesses, it’s time to get everyone involved in your community disaster preparedness plan. Put up flyers, set up a website, or even host an event. Explain to everyone in the community who will listen how vital disaster preparedness is. Educate them on the types of hazards possible in your community and the effects they could have on people, animals, and the environment. Give out checklists for people to make their own disaster preparedness kits. Let everyone know who is in charge of supplies, who is responsible for those who need extra assistance, and who is assigned to communication. This way they know who to look for if a disaster does hit.

Practice

It’s easy to make a plan, write it down, share it, and then forget about it. Practicing is a critical step in the planning. Plan safety drills at least once per year for your community. Then, treat these drill as if they were real disasters. Afterward, assess which areas of preparedness your community showed strength in, and which areas need more work. Share these results to help everyone prepare for the next drill, and for any possible disaster before then.

Pay it Forward

Consider approaching surrounding communities, once you get to the point where you feel that your community has a robust disaster preparedness plan that is being executed well in drills. Keep in mind, smaller communities will need to come together to survive if a large catastrophe hits. Next, share the success you’ve had in your neighborhood, and tell them how you did it. Finally, encourage them to do the same in their community, and offer to help if you can. Everyone will benefit from preparedness in the end.

Disaster can strike anywhere, any time. You don’t want your community caught off guard. Putting a community disaster preparedness plan into place takes a lot of time and effort. But, avoiding tragedy by keeping yourself, your family and your neighbors safe is surely worth it.

Featured Image: CC by 0, by geralt, via Pixabay

Disaster Preparedness Supplies: Top 10 Items to Have Ready

Preparing your disaster preparedness supplies is essential. You never know when disaster – natural or manmade – might strike. Have you made sure that you are well-prepared for one? If not, it is time to start building your disaster preparedness kit. These essential items that will help you and your loved ones in case of an emergency. Apart from putting together disaster preparedness supplies, it is also important to develop a family emergency plan and go through a drill every now and then to make sure that everyone knows what to do in case of a disaster. When it comes to packing a survival kit, remember to pack enough for three days.

Top Disaster Preparedness Supplies for Your Emergency Kit

Disaster Preparedness Supplies pictured on ground — Image Public Domain, via Goodfellow AFB

Here are a few of the disaster preparedness supplies you should make sure to pack in your emergency go bag:

Water

Needless to say, water is at the top of the list of things to add to your survival kit. You should have a three-day supply of water. There should be 1 gallon of water per day per person or pet. After a disaster like an earthquake, flood or tornado, your tap water might become unsafe to drink, that is if it runs at all. This is why you need to have a supply of bottled water to last at least 72 hours. More would also be great if possible, as you never know when you might get rescued in an emergency or survival situation.

Dust Face Mask

When disaster strikes, concrete buildings can fall, resulting in dust and debris. Tornadoes can also bring dust and other particles all around you. For this reason, make sure that you pack a dust face mask for you and your family. There are also masks for pets – visit your local pet store.

Non-Perishable Food

Image CC by 2.0, by Salvation Army USA West, via Flickr

Another basic but critical item that needs to be included in your disaster preparedness kit is food, or more specifically, non-perishable food. These foods are ideal as you do not have to refrigerate them or need water and prepping. You should consider foods such as ready-to-eat canned meat, veggies, fruits, and cereals, as well as energy-packed snacks like granola bars and trail mix. Last but not least, do not forget to pack vitamins and special supplies for those who have special needs, such as babies, the elderly and pets.

You should not overlook diapers and infant formula as they can be difficult to find when you are on the go, especially when you are in an emergency situation. It is also a good idea to carry books, puzzles, games and other activities for children – as a part of your disaster preparedness supplies kit, as this will help in keeping them occupied and busy during what could be an extremely stressful time for you.

Medication

It is a good idea to have extra medications on hand for times you are in a disaster or emergency situation and cannot leave home for a prescription refill. Additionally, make sure to pack over-the-counter medicines like anti-diarrhea, painkillers, laxatives, painkillers, calamine lotion, antihistamines, sterile eyewash, Alka-Seltzer and if you use them, contact lenses. Remember generic cold medicines as well.

First Aid Kit

You obviously need to make sure that your survival kit has a first aid kit. Your kit should have petroleum jelly, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic liquid, Band-Aids, gauze pads, sterile bandages, adhesive tape, a salve for burns, a thermometer, hand sanitizers, latex gloves, towelettes, instant cold packs, and sunscreen. All of these will be handy in case you or someone else sustains an injury.

Tools and Disaster Preparedness Supplies

Another important item you should include in your disaster preparedness kit is tools and supplies. Make sure that you pack:

Flashlight

Whether you are in an emergency in the wilderness or closer to home, a flashlight is one of the most important items in any emergency kit. You should also include lanterns, candles, matches in a waterproof container – things you need to give you light in the dark.

Hand crank radio

A hand crank radio is another crucial item you should include when building your kit. It is the best way to get up-to-date information on weather patterns, in case of a weather-related emergency. You can also make sure that you are updated on official news from the authorities or evacuation orders.

Manual can opener

Since you will be storing a lot of canned food, include a manual can opener for them. Apart from this tool, make sure there are tweezers, scissors, a knife, a multi-tool, a sewing kit, small fire extinguisher and a wrench for turning off water and gas.

Solar Cell Phone Charger and Battery Backup

Your cell phone will not stay on throughout the time you are in an emergency situation, but it is an important tool that might help you get the assistance you need in case you get a network. You should make sure to include a solar cell phone charger for when your phone runs out of juice. It is a good idea to have a battery backup as well.

Hygiene and Cleaning Products

Being in an emergency or survival situation does not mean that you forget about cleanliness and sanitation, especially if you might be stuck in that situation for a couple of days. It is important to make sure that your disaster preparedness kit has personal hygiene and cleaning products, which includes items such as feminine products, toilet paper, toiletries, dish soap, disinfectant, bleach, and garbage bags.

Clothing

You obviously will not be able to carry everything in your closet when a disaster strikes and you have to evacuate When packing clothing for your disaster preparedness kit, choose clothes are practical and functional. Make sure that you have rain gear, thermal underwear, a jacket, work boots or a pair of durable sneakers and at least one outfit.

Important Documents and Local Map

You can never tell how much damage a disaster might cause to your home and property.

Documents

This is why you need to make sure that your survival kit includes important documents and items like cash, driver’s license, your bank account numbers, social security card, family records, passport and a list of important phone numbers that may come in handy in emergency situations. Additionally, you should make sure that you have copies of your insurance policies, will as well as other deeds and contracts.

Local Map

It is also a good idea to pack a map of the area you are in – this will come in handy in case you need to look for shelter.

Mylar Blankets

You need a lighter alternative to full sleeping bags as they are too cumbersome for a disaster preparedness kit. Mylar thermal blankets or bags are an ideal choice as they are waterproof, windproof and capable of reflecting over 90% of your body heat. They are designed to keep you warm and survive even the most severe emergency situations. What is great about Mylar blankets is that they are lightweight and easy to carry. Plus, they are available at very affordable prices.

water for emergency — Image CC by 2.0, by KOMUnews, via Flickr

Building a Survival Kit for Disaster Preparedness

Disaster can strike at the most unexpected time. Making sure that you have a very well-equipped disaster preparedness kit ready for such times may save your life. Whether it is for a flood, earthquake or any other type of disaster, a home fire, a terrorist attack, or the dreaded zombie apocalypse, having an emergency kit can go a long way in making sure that you and your family survive and live to tell the tale.

Survival kit for a single person

If you are alone when an emergency occurs, you need to quickly think and plan for yourself. But you also need to find a way to reach family and friends or a rescue team. Make sure that you have a communication plan and an evacuation plan and discuss it with your family. However, it is smart to share your plans with friends and colleagues as well. That way, someone outside your immediate family can track you down in case something was to happen. A few items you should keep in your home or office apart from the basics include a multi-tool, an emergency/weather radio and spare clothing.

Survival kit for the whole family

If you are assembling a disaster preparedness kit for your family, including children, build off the basics and necessities for a single person. The only difference is to pack more supplies so there is enough for everyone. Also pack Mylar blankets, bleach and other items like books, puzzles, and games to keep the little ones busy and occupied.

Survival Kit for Your Pets

The awareness and demand for disaster preparedness kits for pets has increased significantly in the last few years. When people need to evacuate their homes, they suddenly come to realize they don’t have supplies for their pets. Pets are more than just animals you keep at home – they are a part of your family. This is exactly why you need to assemble the right disaster preparedness supplies for your emergency kit.

Pet Essentials

Below is a list of essential items for your best friends.

Food

A supply of pet food and water to last a few days is, of course, a must. If there are any medications that your pet needs, make sure that you include them in the kit.

Clothes

If the weather is cold and you have a canine companion to take care of, you may want to get him a dog jacket or coat to keep him warm and comfy. There are dog clothes that are designed for travel and also to help dogs in water situations.

Blankets

If you own a cat or any other small animal, you should consider packing a couple of extra blankets in their carrier. When there is an emergency, all you have to do is grab it on the way out. Remember to add a small bag of cat litter too, to your disaster preparedness supplies kit.

Documents

While putting together, disaster preparedness supplies, make sure that your pet’s survival kit contains important documents like vaccination records, prescriptions, and emergency phone numbers, like for the Animal Emergency Center in your area. Put this information in your phone or tablet. But also make sure to print it out in case your battery dies or you do not get cell service.

Dishes

You should pack at least one collapsible food and water bowl in your pet’s emergency kit. They are great as they are light and do not take up space. Just remember that you wash and dry them thoroughly before you store them again as they could become moldy.

Equipment

Be sure to include items like nail clippers, extra leashes and harnesses, poop bags and absorbent potty pads, and a first aid kit that includes gauze, hydrogen peroxide and milk of magnesia for absorbing poison in case of accidental ingestion.

Preparing for Disaster is Easier Than You Think

These are the basics that every survival kit or bug out bag should have. However, periodically check the food, perishable items, medications and other disaster preparedness supplies that you have packed. Make sure that they have not expired. Once you have everything set, you are well-prepared for whatever disaster or emergency that hits. As a result, you and you and your loved ones have a much better chance of surviving it. If you have not yet assembled a disaster emergency kit, start building your kit today.

Featured Image: CC by 2.0, by Global X, via Flickr

How to Make A Disaster Preparedness Plan and Safeguard Your Family

It’s difficult to turn on the news without hearing about people’s lives being turned upside down because Mother Nature had a bit of a temper tantrum and they didn’t have a disaster preparedness plan in place. According to surveys, Americans are far more concerned about the possibility of tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, and wildfire than they are about terrorism. For good reason:

In 2017, natural disasters hit Americans with a bill of at least $306 billion. No matter which side of the climate change debate you fall on, it can’t be disputed that:

It was the third-hottest year on record, and for some states, it was the hottest ever
Hurricane Harvey broke the record for rainfall from a single tropical storm with four feet of rain
Hurricane Rita left Puerto Rico in darkness and killed more than 1,000 people. The island still hasn’t recovered
Several states saw record rainfall and many experienced flooding
Despite its wettest year on record, California suffered devastating wildfires in both the north and south part of the state
More than 5,600 structures, including much of wine country, were destroyed and 22 people died

Still, few Americans have a real disaster preparedness plan. From HealthcareReady.org:

Less than two in five Americans (38 percent) could list all of their prescription details including dosage if they had to evacuate their homes without their medications or medical supplies, down from 2016 (43 percent).

15 percent of Americans reported they could only be away from their medications or medical equipment for two to three days before they began to experience serious effects, while 22 percent indicated they could go a month or longer.

More than half of Americans (53 percent) do not have any emergency preparation plans in place, yet 44 percent are concerned about an emergency happening.

disaster recovery plan — Image: Public Domain via NOAA

Why You Need a Disaster Preparedness Plan

Natural disasters are frightening, but until they’re knocking on your door, they’re easy to shove to the back of your mind. Unfortunately, natural disasters take people by surprise, and nearly half the country is at risk of a natural disaster destroying their home, or worse. There isn’t a state in the union that’s immune from natural disasters. If you don’t have a disaster preparedness plan, you should get one ready now.

Types of Emergency

disaster recovery plan kit — Image: CC 2.0, by Prepared BC, via Flickr

There are several things that should be a part of every disaster preparedness plan, but that doesn’t mean that all plans should be the same. For example, you would respond to a wildfire differently than you might react to a tornado, but in both cases, you need food, water, first aid kits, and medications. All disaster preparedness plan kits should include:

Non-Perishable Food (don’t forget food for your pets)
Water
Batteries
Flashlights
Blankets
Clothing
Diapers (if necessary)
Toilet Paper
Disinfectant Wipes
Matches
Medical Supplies, Including Prescriptions
A Battery Operated or Wind Up Radio
A Portable Generator
Critical Documents like Passports and Social Security Cards
Cash

Your disaster preparedness plan should include where to meet in case your family is separated, and you lose cell phone service. Keep a smaller disaster preparedness kit in your car as well.

Run frequent backups on your computers and store a thumb drive with all critical computerized data. You should also consider scanning important photos and including those on the thumb drive.

Earthquake

While most people think of earthquakes as just another of California’s quirks, every state in the nation is at risk. Earthquakes can occur any season, at any time of the day, and without warning. They can range from a minor vibration to a devastating shaker that can down skyscrapers and turns homes into piles of rubble. Overall, earthquakes are by far the deadliest natural disasters.

To prepare for an earthquake, secure any items that could fall. Bolt freestanding furniture like bookshelves, and your TV to the wall. Secure hanging pictures and mirrors, especially if they hang over a bed or over a place where people sit. If you can afford it, have a seismic specialist inspect your home and find out where your vulnerabilities are.

Earthquakes are not the time to evacuate your home. Instead, you should learn to “drop, cover, and hold on.” Practice dropping to the floor, finding cover, like under a table or in a windowless room, and wait it out. Be aware that when an earthquake is over, it may not be over. Aftershocks can be as large or larger than the original quake, and they can come hours to days afterward.

Note that homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover earthquakes. For that, you need to buy separate earthquake insurance.

Hurricane

If you live within 100 miles of an ocean, you are at risk for hurricanes or tropical storms. The good thing about hurricanes is that they give you notice. The bad thing about hurricanes is that they can cause billions of dollars in damage. They destroy homes and even after the hurricane subsides, residents are left with lakes of flood water.

The best way to survive a hurricane is to leave. Your city or state might issue evacuation orders, but you don’t want to wait until the hurricane hits to make your plan. Make sure you know the escape routes, and during hurricane season, don’t get caught with an empty gas tank. Top off your tank as often as possible.

To prepare your home for a hurricane:

Trim trees so they won’t break windows or fences
Secure rain gutters and downspouts
Reinforce the roof, all doors, and windows
If possible, build a FEMA safe room in your home
Have a stock of plywood to secure your windows

Floods

While floods generally occur at lower elevations, they can happen anywhere at any time. Some floods come with a warning while flash floods take everyone by surprise. Floods can follow hurricanes or even earthquakes. They are the most common natural disaster, and while a single earthquake or hurricane can be far more deadly, floods claim more lives most years just because there are more of them.

Floods are very costly. Billions of dollars are spent each year in flood cleanup, and most homeowner’s insurance policies don’t include flood insurance.

Fire

Fires are particularly frightening because they can happen anywhere and often without notice. Most wildfires have few fatalities, but property damage can be catastrophic. Last year’s wildfires in California killed about 40 people and injured 44. They caused billions of dollars in property damage.

When a fire bears down on your home, you have no choice but to evacuate. Practice an evacuation route in advance, especially during dry seasons. Keep your car fueled. If you are close enough to a fire to see embers, hose down your house to help keep it safe.

Tornadoes

tornado disaster preparedness plan — Image: CC 4.0, by Jason Weingart, via Wikipedia

Hollywood loves tornadoes. The dramatic cyclones are riveting, and while a tornado is quick, it can leave a vast amount of wreckage behind. Still, tornadoes are among the least deadly natural disasters. In 2017, there were 35 deaths, and most were in Midwestern and Gulf states. Still, you should always prepare yourself for tornadoes. They can pop up almost without notice, and it’s not uncommon to see more than one in a single day.

It’s tough to prepare your home for a tornado, although homes with foundations fare far better than homes such as mobile homes, which do not. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends that people in tornado-prone areas build a safe room. If that’s not possible, find a place with no windows, such as an internal bathroom or a basement. Stay away from all glass and away from all debris. Listen to the radio for updates.

Emergency Preparedness Scenarios

Prepare your family for every emergency preparedness scenario by having drills. Here is how FEMA recommends you prepare for every type of disaster:

Disaster Recovery Plan Sample Document

It’s always best to have your disaster recovery plan in writing, so you don’t forget anything. FEMA has several free templates to help you create a plan. Most importantly, FEMA recommends that you determine how family members will receive alerts and warnings, the shelter plan, the evacuation route and a family household/communication plan.

If you run a business, here are several disaster recovery plan sample documents to help you get back up and running with little downtime.

Disaster Preparedness Resources

The U.S. Department of Energy has a comprehensive list of resources for all types of disasters, from natural to terrorism. They recommend the following to keep you and your family safe under all circumstances.

Here is a list of PDFs available for you throught the US Department of Energy:

For most people, a disaster preparedness plan is the last thing they want to think about, but it could save lives.

Featured Image: Public Domain, by Airman 1st Class Donald C. Knechtel, via U.S. Air Force

11 Essential Items to Pack in a Disaster Preparedness Kit

Being prepared for disasters mean having a disaster preparedness kit nearby. Disasters can happen without warning regardless of geographical location.

Natural hazards such as fires, hurricanes, tornados, storms, floods, and earthquakes can unexpectedly happen. As such, making sure that you have a disaster preparedness kit is one way that you can protect yourself and your loved ones during disasters or emergencies.

What is a Disaster Preparedness Kit

A disaster preparedness kit is a compartment or container where you store items or necessities which will ensure short-term survival for one or more people.

Make sure that your disaster preparedness kit is enclosed in a dry bag or any waterproof container. It is to ensure that the items inside will not get soaked in water.

11 Items to Pack in Your Disaster Preparedness Kit

Some things are absolutely essential to have in your disaster preparedness kit. Here are 11 items you don’t want to forget to pack.

1. Emergency food and water

water is essential like this bottled water from a disaster preparedness kit being poured into a cup. — Image CC by 0, by congerdesign, via Pixabay

Water is one of the most important items in the kit. Make sure to store one gallon of emergency water per family member. Pack water bottles for you and each of your family members. Emergency WA suggests preparing at least three (3) liters of water per person.

On the other hand, emergency food must contain non-perishable items such as canned goods, noodles, energy bars, biscuits, cereals, etc. Check the expiration date of the items and pick the ones that will expire at a much later date.

Bring disposable utensils such as a spoon, fork, and table knife. Have a hand sanitizer ready in case you would need to prepare food by hand. If you have an infant, store baby supplies such as milk, baby bottles, clothing, diapers, sanitizers, insect repellent, baby food, medicines, etc. At the same time, if you have pets at home, secure your pet and store pet food and water for them.

2. First aid kit

A first aid kit is a must-have in the disaster preparedness kit. It should contain the following: medicines, disposable gloves, alcohol, cotton, band-aids, bandage, antiseptic swab, scissors, and personal medication.

The NY Times wrote that the essentials of a first aid kit may include the following: micro-pore paper tape, fabric adhesive dressings and bandages in a variety of sizes, coverlet adhesive 4-wing dressing, non-adherent bandage pads, a sterile gauze bandage roll, adhesive wound closures, triangular bandages, alcohol swabs and antiseptic wipes, packets of Bacitracin antibiotic ointment with zinc, burn ointment, eye wash, and a thermometer.

3. Means of communication

Having a means of communication is very important during disasters. Your mobile phone is an essential tool for you to seek help and reach 911 or the police. Pack a power bank since most phones nowadays get easily drained of battery.

Another thing to pack is an AM/FM radio where you can tune in for weather news and updates, announcements from the governments, or any evacuation orders. Purchase a radio that is waterproof and battery-operated so that it can last for three days or more.

4. Emergency whistle

Another essential item in your kit is the emergency whistle. This will come in handy during emergency situations. Blowing the whistle is one of the best ways to call out for help and get people’s attention.

The emergency whistle alerts emergency rescue crews of your location or for locating others that may be trapped or lost.

5. Emergency light

Pack a battery-operated emergency light in the kit. Have extra batteries ready. Additionally, you can also include candles and waterproof matches in case the emergency light runs out of battery.

You can also get a headlamp that lights up the way or area and leaves your hands free to do other more important things. Choose a headlamp that can last up to 200 hours or more without recharging.

6. Personal documents and duplicates of your house and car keys

Important documents such as IDs, debit and credit cards, passport and certificates must be inside a resealable and waterproof envelope and stored in the kit. Have a handwritten copy or printed copy of emergency contact numbers in cases of emergencies and disasters.

Another good thing to prepare is to save in a reliable USB to store scanned copies of the said documents, particularly: birth certificates, marriage certificates, property titles, government IDs, passports, insurance certificates, diploma, etc. You can also save these scanned documents in the cloud like in your email, Google Drive, One Drive, Dropbox, etc.

Make sure to keep a duplicate of your house and car keys in your disaster preparedness kit.

7. Extra cash

Another important thing to prepare is extra cash sealed in a waterproof wallet. Having money stashed for emergencies is a good way to prepare for unforeseen circumstances.

8. Hygiene kit

Furthermore, you must pack toiletries and personal hygiene items such as body wash or soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, toilet paper, mosquito repellent lotion, comb, and sanitary napkins.

9. Protective clothing

Store protective clothing that will keep you warm and dry inside the emergency kit. You can also pack rubber boots. Ensure at least one change of clothing packed in that can last up to three or four days.

These clothing items should be suitable for the weather in your area. According to the NY Times, consider three basic layers for weatherproofing: a base, which maintains body temperature such as synthetics or merino wool; an insulation, such as fleece hooded sweatshirt or vest; and a shell which should be wind- and rain-resistant.

10. Escape kit

You can also include tools that can help you escape from entrapment, namely: window breaking hammer, pliers, pry bar, and goggles, to name some.

Another essential is an emergency flare which sends a signal outside for help and rescue.

11. Other emergency tools

Emergency tools include multipurpose tools such as a Swiss army knife, dust mask, multipurpose rope, thermal blanket, sleeping bags, scissors, glow-stick, and waterproof matches.

Extra batteries are also a must-have in your kit as it powers a lot of items such as emergency light, flashlight, radio, to name a few. You can also pack a collapsible tent where you can huddle to protect yourself and your loved ones.

5 Tips on Packing a Disaster Preparedness Kit

Packing a disaster preparedness kit can seem like an overwhelming task, but it doesn’t need to be. Here are five tips to help you make sure you are ready if disaster strikes.

1. Keep it fresh and secure

Make sure that the items in your kit are fresh and ready to go. You don’t want to eat expired goods or pull out a damaged or non-working emergency light. Ensure all the items are in good working condition.

2. Be organized

Organize all the items in your disaster preparedness kit. Properly label the items in your kit so that you would know where you put the item you are looking for. The last thing you want to achieve is taking too much time just finding or figuring out what the item might be.

3. Use a portable kit

Load your essentials in an easy-to-carry waterproof dry bag or container where you can grab it quickly. In case, you don’t have waterproof dry-bags, you can wrap your essentials inside a plastic bag that is about 2.25 mil in thickness and wrap together the opening with a rubber band before you tuck it in your kit.

4. Keep your disaster preparedness kit within reach

Let everyone in the household know where the disaster preparedness kit is kept so that anyone can grab it when disaster strikes.

5. Hold an emergency disaster drill

Another tip that you can do to prepare for emergencies or disasters is to hold a disaster drill especially if you have kids. Orient yourself and your family on what to do and how to respond in the event of emergencies and disasters. With this, make sure that you and your family members know where the disaster preparedness kit is and how to use them. Moreover, orient your loved ones with what emergency numbers to call in cases of disasters.

Most Importantly

The most important thing is that you are prepared mentally, emotionally and physically for any unforeseen disasters. Moreover, having an emergency kit ready is one of the things that you can do to prepare for disasters.

If you are living in a disaster-prone area, prepare on what to do and how to respond to it. Preparation is one of the keys to survival, but more so, the presence of mind and timely response is also essential to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Featured Image: CC by S-A 4.0, byDusty1212 12, via Wikimedia Commons