Every year, approximately 6,800 natural disasters occur worldwide. From California to Australia, wildfires obliterate everything in their wake, reducing landscapes to ash. As global temperatures continue to increase, the frequency of catastrophic disasters is also rising.
The Center for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters reported that natural disasters affect 218 million people and claim 68,000 lives annually. Therefore, there is a need to be prepared for these inevitable catastrophic events.
Although it’s impossible to foresee when a natural disaster might strike, you can proactively safeguard your finances, possessions, and loved ones by knowing how to prepare for a natural disaster.
However, through planning, you can fortify your family, residence, and belongings, increasing your resilience and expediting your recovery in the event of a natural calamity.
Why Emergency Preparedness Matters
Preparing for a crisis can make all the difference between loss and survival. There are numerous benefits to emergency preparedness. Given below are the major ones but not limited to:
- Preparation Can Limit or Prevent Disasters: Fireproofing, earthquake-resistant building codes, flood control, and security protocols aim to prevent or mitigate disasters. Identifying vulnerabilities and taking proactive steps can reduce or eliminate certain risks, limiting or preventing disasters and emergencies.
- Preparation Can Save Lives: Emergency preparedness can be a matter of life or death. Predetermined escape routes, accessible supplies of water and food, and emergency shelters can ensure people’s safety and well-being during and after a disaster.
- Preparation Can Reduce Fears: Proper planning can alleviate psychological distress by providing clarity and guidance during times of uncertainty. Knowing what to do and where to go can mitigate fear and help individuals and communities cope with traumatic events more effectively.
- Preparation Can Facilitate Recovery: While disasters often result in loss, proper planning can ensure that losses are not catastrophic. Keeping important documents, succession plans, and relocation strategies can expedite recovery and minimize long-term disruption.
9 Steps to Be Prepared for Natural Disasters
1. Identify Your Risk
If your community lacks GIS(geographic information system) capabilities due to cost constraints or limited resources, alternative approaches to map hazard risks effectively.
- Reach out to the state: The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management can offer guidance on available mapping resources and direct communities to existing maps.
- Utilize free online mapping tools: Explore online resources that offer free data and mapping capabilities tailored to specific regions or hazards. For instance, the EPA’s MARPLOT, part of the CAMEO software suite, is widely used for planning and responding to chemical emergencies. Learn more about the CAMEO software suite
- Establish an IGA for shared GIS services: Through an intergovernmental agreement (IGA), collaborate with neighboring municipalities or counties with GIS capabilities. This allows efficient and cost-effective access to accurate hazard mapping analysis, defining responsibilities and financial contributions.
- Engage with universities: Consider reaching out to undergraduate or graduate programs in urban planning or geography. Students or classes may be interested in assisting with hazard identification and risk assessment mapping as part of their coursework or research projects.
2. Create a Family Disaster Plan
Your family needs a plan that tells everyone where to meet if you have to evacuate, who you’ve identified as an out-of-state “family contact”, how to get emergency information in your community, and how to take care of your family pets. Each family member should carry the Family Communications Plan.
Here is how to craft Your Emergency Plan with just three simple steps:
- Step One: Engage in discussions with your family or household members about preparing for and responding to the types of emergencies most probable in your living, learning, working, and recreational environments.
- Step Two: Assign roles and responsibilities to each household member and outline how you’ll collaborate effectively as a team.
- Step Three: Implement and rehearse various components of your plan whenever feasible.
3. Practice Your Disaster Plan
After you’ve sat down with your family and written your plan — practice it. Start by having family members meet at a designated spot outside your home — as you would after a fire or once the shaking stops.
- Understand how to react in any disaster scenario — whether to shelter indoors or evacuate your area by car.
- Familiarize yourself with the correct evacuation protocols and routes for your family’s safety.
- Ensure all family members are knowledgeable about these procedures and evacuation routes.
4. Build a Disaster Supply Kit For Your Home and Car
If you are stranded in your car or have to be self-sufficient at home or work until help arrives, you must have a disaster kit.
A disaster kit should contain vital supplies such as non-perishable food, water, and first aid materials. This will help you stay prepared and effectively address emergencies, ensuring your safety and well-being until assistance arrives.
Here are some sample Emergency Supply Checklists:
- Water (1 gallon per person per day)
- Food (non-perishable, easy-to-prepare)
- Illumination (flashlight)
- Communication (battery-powered or hand-crank radio)
- Medical (first aid kit, medications)
- Tools (multi-purpose tool)
- Hygiene (sanitation and personal hygiene items)
- Documentation and Navigation (copies of personal documents, map of the area)
5. Prepare Your Children
Talk to your kids about the risks and your family’s actions if disaster strikes. Educate your children about natural hazards such as earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, ice storms, and blizzards, and instruct them on appropriate actions during such events.
Familiarize your children with fire safety procedures and ensure they understand what to do in case of a fire. Additionally, instruct your children on how to respond during emergencies while at school.
Here are some simple ways to respond to emergencies at school:
- Stay calm and alert
- Please do not come to the school
- Please do not call the school
- If your child texts or calls you, please keep them calm.
- Make sure your contact information and all emergency contact information are accurate and updated
- Be prepared with a photo ID
6. Don’t Forget Those With Special Needs
It’s crucial not to overlook infants, seniors, and individuals with special needs during a disaster emergency. These individuals may require significant assistance based on their unique requirements.
Here is the Person with Disabilities / Special Needs – Tips
- Ensure your emergency kit is organized and portable, with all essential items easily accessible.
- Label specialized equipment with usage instructions for emergencies.
- Complete a checklist and share it with your support network, keeping a copy in your kit.
- Wear a MedicAlert® bracelet for allergies and list medications in your kit.
- Arrange for regular checks during emergencies if reliant on life-sustaining equipment or care.
- Seek assistance from others during emergencies, informing them of your needs.
- Carry a personal alarm to attract attention.
- Acknowledge the potential impact of stress on medical conditions during emergencies.
7. Learn CPR and First Aid
Preparing for natural disasters involves acquiring knowledge of CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and first aid. It is an emergency procedure performed on someone who is not breathing or whose heart has stopped beating.
These skills equip you with the means to prevent a situation from worsening. In certain instances, if a patient doesn’t receive immediate basic first aid, their condition may deteriorate rapidly. Administering basic care allows you to stabilize a patient until emergency medical services arrive.
Here are the Quick Step-by-Step CPR Guides
Please note that If the individual remains unresponsive and is not breathing or only gasping, call 9-1-1 and acquire equipment or instruct someone else to do so. Remember, it’s crucial not to hesitate; it’s better to call for help even if you’re uncertain about performing CPR.
8. Eliminate Hazards in Your Home and The Workplace
Preventing injuries or illnesses in your workplace primarily involves identifying and addressing potential hazards. This can be achieved by following four straightforward steps on how to prepare for a natural disaster:
- Identify hazards in the workplace, such as manual tasks, untidy workspaces, working at heights, faulty machinery, chemicals, noise, and poor work design.
- Utilize methods like worker input, physical inspections, machinery checks, and injury record reviews to spot hazards.
- Use checklists to assess risks associated with tasks and equipment systematically.
- Prioritize addressing the most severe hazards based on their potential impact, likelihood of harm, and frequency of exposure.
- Aim to eliminate hazards whenever possible or address them systematically to ensure solutions do not introduce new risks.
9. Be aware of Emergency Hotline Services
Stay informed about emergency hotline services available in your area so you can respond to a disaster promptly. Below is a list of essential emergency hotline services as essential aspect on how to prepare for a natural disaster:
| Emergency Contact | Description |
| 911 | In the United States, dial 911 for medical, fire, or crime-related emergencies. |
| Department of Homeland Security | Responsible for securing the nation from various threats, including aviation and border security, emergency response, cybersecurity, and chemical facility inspection. |
| Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) | Leads and coordinates the U.S. government’s response to disasters overseas, focusing on saving lives, alleviating human suffering, and reducing the worldwide social and economic impact of disasters. |
| American Red Cross | Provides shelter, food, and comfort to disaster-affected individuals, supplies 40% of the nation’s blood, offers lifesaving skills training, distributes international humanitarian aid, and supports veterans, military members, and their families. |
| Office of EmergencyManagement | Manages and coordinates the City’s resources and responsibilities during emergencies in Seattle. |
| Utility Companies | Keep the hotline numbers for electricity, gas, water, and other utility services to report emergencies like gas leaks or power outages. |
| Weather Alerts | Stay updated with weather-related hotline services for severe weather warnings, evacuation notices, or other weather-related emergencies. Visit for weather updates. |
How Can You Help Others Be Better Prepared?
You can help others be better prepared for disasters by sharing essential information, offering practical assistance, and fostering a sense of community. Educate them about the importance of disaster preparedness, help them create emergency plans and assemble kits, and provide guidance on identifying hazards and establishing communication strategies.
Consider organizing workshops, volunteering with local response organizations, and sharing relevant resources to empower others to take proactive steps. By leading by example and spreading awareness, together we can build resilient communities. For quality service, consider reaching out to H20 Restoration.
Final Thoughts
Preparation is ideal in times of uncertainty. By taking proactive steps on how to prepare for a natural disaster, we not only safeguard ourselves and our loved ones but also contribute to the resilience of our communities.
From creating family disaster plans to participating in emergency response efforts, each action we take is crucial in ensuring our collective safety and well-being. Let us unite in our commitment to preparedness, knowing that we can weather any storm that comes our way together.
FAQs
What are some common natural disasters to prepare for?
Natural disasters include hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, wildfires, tsunamis, and severe storms. Preparing and knowing how to prepare for a natural disaster that is most likely to occur in your area is essential.
Where can I find more information on preparing for natural disasters?
Resources such as government websites, emergency management agencies, and organizations like the American Red Cross offer valuable information and guidance on how to prepare for a natural disaster. Additionally, local community centers and libraries may provide educational materials and workshops on the topic.
What is a person’s most important action to prepare for a natural disaster?
An emergency preparedness kit may help you keep your family safe during a disaster.
