By Erin McFeeters
Natural disasters are becoming more and more common with each passing day. It is vital to have a plan in place to protect your home and family. It is also important to always listen to officials in your community—they are there to help residents through the difficult time. Read these tips so you’re prepared for what could come.
- Have an emergency plan in place. It is always best to have a plan before a disaster strikes in your community. Determine how you will receive emergency alerts, where you will take shelter, what your town’s evacuation route is, and how you will communicate with family members in case of separation. For help creating your emergency plan, fill out these forms from FEMA.
- Make your emergency kit. Here are basic supplies you may need according to ready.gov.
- At least one gallon of water per person for three days for drinking and sanitation purposes
- At least three days of non-perishable food, plus a manual can opener to open food
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio, plus extra batteries
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- A whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask to filter contaminated air
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape to build a shelter
- Personal sanitation items
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
- Download the FEMA app. With the FEMA app, you can receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations nationwide. The app also features an array of preparation resources and emergency safety tips for earthquakes, fires, hurricanes, tornados, and more. You can also locate emergency shelters in your area and find disaster recovery centers.
- Make sure you’re prepared financially in case of a disaster. Consider opening a separate savings account in case of an emergency and keep small bills in an area in your home. Often, ATMs and credit cards don’t work when disaster strikes, so it’s essential to have cash on hand.
- If you have pets, it is important to include them in your emergency plan. Never leave pets chained outdoors—ask a trusted neighbor to check in on them in case you’re not around. Also, make sure to identify pet-friendly hotels and shelters in your area in case you have to evacuate your home. If shelters and hotels do not accept animals in your area, research local boarding facilities along your evacuation route. Plus, make sure your pet has proper identification in case of separation.
If there is someone with disabilities in your family, read these tips to prepare for a disaster.