How to Prepare for Disasters

Planning ahead for a disaster such as an earthquake, fire or flood can mean the difference between coping with the event and falling victim to it.

“It’s not a question of if; it’s a question of when,” says Dale White, emergency preparedness manager for Sutter Care at Home. “Sooner or later you’re going to be near an event, large or small, so you need to be prepared.”

White offers these disaster-preparation tips to help protect you and your family.

Assemble a Disaster Kit

In the event of a disaster, you might not get help immediately or you might have to shelter in place. Create a disaster kit that enables you to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours.

Build up your kit over time, White suggests. Start by picking up an extra nonperishable food item or a water bottle on your weekly grocery trip. “Before you know it, you’re going to have a decent amount of food and water, and then you can start branching off to lighting, power and shelter,” he says.

Include the following items for the entire family in your kit:

• Water — 1 gallon per person per day for at least three days. Water in clear plastic bottles lasts longer, White says.
• Food — nonperishable food to last at least three days. Don’t forget a manual can opener!
• First aid kit and prescription medications.
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio.
• Flashlight (LED flashlights last longer).
• Extra batteries.
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.
• Plastic sheeting or tarps and duct tape.
• Whistle to signal for help.
• Emergency blankets, extra bedding or sleeping bags (camping gear can double as emergency supplies).
• Change of clothing and sturdy shoes. When you buy a new pair of running shoes or a jacket, put the old ones in a bag in your car for emergencies, White suggests.
• Personal care items such as soap, a toothbrush and baby wipes.
• List of emergency contacts and copies of essential documents, such as identification and insurance.
• Cash.

If you have pets, don’t forget to include food, extra water, medications and carriers for them. For small children, tuck in a favorite toy or book to help them feel more secure.

White suggests stashing most of these items in “grab and go” bags you can access quickly in an emergency. Store bulk supplies of food and water in labeled, easy-to-carry containers. Don’t forget to check expiration dates and rotate your supplies.

Make a Plan

A disaster plan ensures that you and your family know what to do, where to go and how to communicate in an emergency. “Preparing your family makes everybody a lot calmer,” White says.

If you or a family member has a medical condition or special needs, be sure to plan accordingly. Ready.gov offers helpful suggestions.

Identify a Meeting Place

Agree on a safe meeting place outside your home where family members will gather if you become separated. Choose a second meeting place outside your neighborhood in case family members cannot return home. Teach younger children to stay with teachers or adults they know until a family member can come for them.

Choose a Contact Person

Designate a family member or friend outside the area to receive and relay information among family members. Give each family member a card that lists essential contacts and your emergency meeting places.

Be Informed

Learn about hazards and emergencies that may affect your area. Do you live near a tsunami zone or landslide-prone area? Is there a chemical plant or railroad tracks nearby? Contact your local Red Cross for more information; it also offers emergency and disaster alerts for mobile devices.

Practice

You and your family will be able to respond more quickly in an emergency if you practice what to do.

• Hold earthquake drills and practice “Drop, Cover, Hold”.
• Practice your fire escape plan. Make sure everyone knows two exits for each room, and practice feeling your way out in the dark and meeting at your designated safe location.
• Identify your home’s main switches for electricity, gas and water. Teach all adults in the home how to turn them off, and keep the necessary tools handy.
• Once a year, hold a family disaster drill night where you use only the lighting, food and water from your disaster kit.

Don't Forget Your Car

Make your vehicle part of your disaster planning. “Chances are if you’re not at home, your car is going to be nearby,” White says. Or you might need to evacuate quickly.

• Don’t let your vehicle’s fuel dip below half a tank. During emergencies, gas stations may be closed or have long lines.
• Keep up with basic maintenance, including replacing worn tires, old wiper blades and burned-out lights.
• Store a second, smaller version of your disaster kit in your car.
• Maintain a vehicle safety kit that includes a flashlight, flares, jumper cables, foam tire sealant, basic tools and help signs.
• Keep a paper map of the area in case GPS fails, along with a printout of your emergency contacts.

More Information

Learn more about making an emergency plan at Ready.gov; information is also available in Spanish.

Are You Ready for the Next Earthquake? provides tips on securing your home and other steps to prepare for earthquakes.

Make Your Home Fire-Safe offers more fire-safety tips.