Storms, earthquakes, fires, and floods can disrupt life with little warning, leaving people feeling unprepared and anxious. Taking steps to prepare can reduce some of this fear and ensure you and your loved ones stay safe. A well-thought-out and practiced plan helps everyone act calmly, stay together, and protect themselves during an emergency. Instead of worrying about every possible worst-case scenario, focus on practical steps to handle emergencies as a team. Start by creating a plan, gathering necessary supplies, and understanding how to respond during different stages of a disaster. Preparation gives you a sense of control and helps you face challenges with confidence, protecting the people you care about during chaotic and uncertain times.

Get Ready Before Trouble Hits

Most of the important preparations happen well before any sign of trouble. Tailoring a thoughtful family plan lays out what everyone should do, where to meet, and how to reconnect if separated.

Know What to Expect

Understand which problems are likely in your neighborhood. Some areas deal with tornadoes, others with wildfires, floods, or earthquakes. Visit city or county websites, or check with local emergency offices to find out which events to plan for. Sign up for alert systems that send warnings to your phone and get a weather radio to receive updates even if power or cell towers go down.

Figure Out Where to Meet

Families aren’t always together during an emergency, so it helps to agree on two meeting locations:

  1. Nearby Spot: Pick a place outside your home, like a neighbor’s mailbox or a sturdy tree across the street, to gather after a house fire or sudden evacuation.
  2. Distant Place: Choose somewhere outside your area, such as a friend’s house or community building, as a backup in case you can’t return home.

Choose a Main Point of Contact

A relative or friend in another city or state can act as your team’s communication hub. Long distance calls can go through more easily than local calls during a crisis. Make sure everyone in the household knows this contact’s number and checks in if separated.

Pack Essential Supplies

Two categories of supplies will serve most families: one group to support staying at home, another that’s easy to grab and carry in a hurry.

Home Readiness Bin

Keep a bin or bag ready in a central spot, filled with supplies for a few days indoors without power or running water:

  • Water: Store at least a gallon per person per day, aiming for three days’ worth.
  • Food: Non-perishable, ready-to-eat options that last a few days.
  • First Aid: A full kit, and any prescription medicines your family needs.
  • Lighting and News: Flashlights, batteries, and a radio you can wind up or run on batteries.
  • Hygiene and Cleaning: Toilet paper, plastic bags, moist wipes, and soap or hand sanitizer.
  • Hand Tools: Items like a can opener, multi-tool, and wrench for turning off utilities if needed.

Grab-and-Go Bags

Keep a backpack for every person packed with basic needs for a few days away from home. Customize each pack for the person carrying it.

  • Personal Items: Change of clothing, blanket, flashlight, whistle, and a dust mask.
  • Food and Water: A few bottles of water and snacks that won’t spoil.
  • Important Papers: Copies of IDs, insurance information, and some emergency cash in small bills, stored in a waterproof pouch.
  • Comfort for Kids: Add comfort items like a small game, book, or stuffed animal for children.

Actions During an Emergency

Responsiveness and staying calm are essential when an emergency unfolds. Follow local updates and directions for safety.

Follow Evacuation Instructions

It’s natural to want to protect your home, but leaving early saves lives. Local officials track weather and hazards and will tell you when to leave. Decide on your route ahead of time and plan a backup in case your main route isn’t safe. Don’t wait because traffic or changing conditions could put your family at greater risk.

Safe Sheltering

Sometimes staying indoors is the safer choice. Head to a room on your home’s lowest level, away from windows. A basement, center bathroom, or closet works well. Stay away from glass doors or skylights. Use your radio to keep up with the latest instructions from officials.

After the Immediate Danger Passes

Risks don’t disappear once the disaster seems over. Returning too soon, or not knowing what to look for, can introduce new hazards.

Don’t Rush Back

Wait until authorities announce that your street or home is safe before you try to return. Power lines may be down, gas could be leaking, or floodwaters could remain.

Look Over People and Property

Once you’ve been told it’s safe, check your household for injuries and offer basic first aid if anyone is hurt. Walk through your home, looking for cracks, fires, or other obvious problems. Use your nose and ears for clues. A strong gas odor or hissing might mean a gas leak. Air out your home, get everyone outside, and contact experts from a safe location should you notice danger.

Stay Connected

Keep in touch with your designated contact using text messages or social media because these methods are more likely to work than calls. Leave the phone lines available for real emergencies. Tune in to your radio for instructions about shelters, resources, or updates on recovery efforts.

Regular practice, such as running drills and reviewing your kit every six months, helps everyone stay confident and prepared for any situation. Taking action in advance turns fear into knowledge and gives your family the skills to handle any challenging event.