How to Be Prepared for Natural Disasters

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Determine the hazards you could face.

   Also, consider hazardous materials spills, plane crashes, train derailments, i.e. those hazards that may not be "natural".
   
   Local emergency managers and the American Red Cross can help you determine the risks in your area.
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   Step 2: After you have identified the hazards

   http://www.ready.gov is a place to start with a plan template in the "Are You Ready" book.
   
   Make your plan based on the hazards, ex. tsunami is not likely in Oklahoma while localized flash flood may occur. , Sirens are out-of-door warnings only.
   
   Get text alerts on your cell phone and email on your computer.
   
   Many local governments are offering these for free.
   
   Have a battery powered AM/FM radio with extra batteries. , This is the concept behind Safe and Well from the American Red Cross <https: safeandwell.communityos.org="" cms="" index.php="">
   
   ,, Go to the local home supply store and get 5 gallon (18.9 L) buckets with the snap-on lids. ,, Be sure to pack long and short sleeve shirts, a pair of shorts, a pair of jeans, good walking shoes and socks, and a wind-breaker rain jacket.
   
   Additional items can be added/removed according to the season and type of potential disaster in your area, such as thermal underwear, sleeveless shirts, or water/canoeing shoes (shoes that make it easier to walk in water). , Be sure to pack enough water. ,, Consider purchasing solar or crank rechargeable lights and radios, and maybe some glow sticks.
   
   Candles should never be used.
   
   Stationary flashlights of the highway safety type should be used for temporary lighting. , Flashlights with multiple LEDs have proven to be the most reliable lamps by comparison to conventional lamps.
   
   LED lights last a long time on batteries, and a headlamp leaves both of your hands free to cook, do dishes, read, or many other things. , Keep a carbon filter water pitcher in the refrigerator, and several fresh filter inserts standing by.
   
   This does not replace boiling water, as it is intended to be an after boil filter.
   
   Also, in the house kit, make sure you have "shelter in place" items, ex. duct tape, plastic sheeting material for windows and the knowledge of how and when to use them. , Water can be contaminated, so you need to store enough water for drinking, and additional water for cooking (if you have a camp stove), flushing a commode, and washing.
   
   A reflector oven would be a good investment.
   
   They are available at any good camping store. , In case of emergency, you can grab the box and go, or it can be recovered intact later. , Keep the list with your other disaster kit items. ,, If you're in a tornado-threatened area, and on a higher level if you are concerned about flooding or earthquakes, and you can reasonably plan on surviving on site, put your kit in an upper level closet. , You can prepare kits for your pets too! Be sure to include, a package of food, water, and anything else your pet would need in a safe, accessible place.
   
   Keep them all in a suitable pet-carrier so that you can grab on the fly. , Looters often take advantage of overtaxed emergency services. , Make sure to have cash in small bills such as ones, fives and tens.
   
   This is crucial in case ATM machines are disabled and banks are closed.
   
   Also, many convenience stores do not accept large bills. , Do you have a way to call your out of State contact to let them know you are OK? Did it work? Did you practice evacuating? What were some hiccups? Did you practice a fire evacuation at three in the morning? Did everyone get out OK? Did you meet at the right spot?
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   Step 3: write a plan.

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   Step 4: Get three ways to get warnings.

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   Step 5: Do you have an out-of-state contact that all in your family know to call?

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   Step 6: Keep an eye on the news especially if you are dealing with an earthquake

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   Step 7: hurricane

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   Step 8: tornado

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   Step 9: a winter storm

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    Step 10: a heat wave/heat storm.

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    Step 11: Find a bag

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    Step 12: in case your car becomes disabled and you need to walk

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    Step 13: to hold all of the supplies.

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    Step 14: Pack your supplies in a backpack for your car-pack and pack your supplies in a bucket for the house.

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    Step 15: Consider supplies in the categories of clothing

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    Step 16: shelter

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    Step 17: and safety.

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    Step 18: Be prepared to dress in layers so you can add or remove clothing depending on the weather.

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    Step 19: Pack non-perishable items that are easy to eat such as protein or energy bars

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    Step 20: meat jerky

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    Step 21: and canned snack-sized fruit.

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    Step 22: Pack a sleeping bag with plastic ground cloths and tent for shelter

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    Step 23: and pack some money for both kits.

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    Step 24: Pack flashlights and a hand-crank radio for safety.

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    Step 25: Consider buying an LED headlamp.

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    Step 26: For the house kit

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    Step 27: pack additional food and water and know what important items you want to take with you if you need to evacuate.

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    Step 28: Realize that you can not count on water from your tap being clean.

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    Step 29: Have a waterproof

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    Step 30: fireproof lock box where you keep all of your important papers.

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    Step 31: Make a list of items that you would grab if you have time to evacuate (photos

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    Step 32: family heirlooms).

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    Step 33: Include a supply of necessary medications and rotate them to keep them fresh.

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    Step 34: Place the kit in a place where you can grab it in case you need to leave in a hurry.

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    Step 35: Don't forget your pets

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    Step 36: and be sure to have enough food and water for them.

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    Step 37: Consider including a firearm and ammunition.

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    Step 38: Don't forget cash.

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    Step 39: Now that you have gone this far

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    Step 40: practice your plan.

Detailed Guide

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