9 Things You Should Do to Prepare for a Natural Disaster

Sure, it’s all the rage to come up with a zombie survival plan, but the likelihood of every having to put it into action is slim. Meanwhile, people in Tornado Alley or along a fault line face the very real possibility of a devastating natural disaster befalling them within their lifetime.

Even though people are aware they need to prepare for emergencies, very few of them actually do, which has distressing consequences. Instead of waiting, put the following into action as soon as possible.

1. Stockpile enough non-perishable food for at least three full days.
2. Gather one hundred dollars in small bills, so you can buy things in the event that debit card machines go down.
3. Establish an out-of-town emergency contact, who can help you when all of your nearby friends are too busy with the local emergency to offer much help.
4. Store one gallon of water per day for each person in your home.
5. Create an emergency plan for your family that covers every possible scenario. Run practice drills.
6. Find shelters and hotels that accept pets so you aren’t left at a loose end when something bad happens.
7. Keep a complete first aid kit that is consistently stocked (including prescriptions).
8. Get CPR and first aid training.
9. Keep an emergency kit in your car, as well.

Photo: Hala Jaber / IOM

You can’t guarantee that you will emerge from a natural disaster unscathed, but proper preparation improves your odds of doing so.

Matt Walker is a writer and volunteer with the Red Cross. He works with low income communities to help them with disaster preparation. He is an expert in writing about abusive behavior, addiction, recovery, treatment and free rehab centers.