Be Prepared: A Beginner's Guide to Prepping for Natural Disasters

Natural disasters are unpredictable events that can cause widespread damage to property and infrastructure, disrupt communities, and pose serious risks to human life. From hurricanes and earthquakes to wildfires and floods, natural disasters can strike without warning, leaving people in vulnerable situations. However, with proper preparation, you can mitigate the impact of these events and increase your chances of survival. In this blog post, we will provide a beginner's guide to prepping for natural disasters, covering key steps and considerations to help you and your family stay safe in the face of adversity.

The links found on this website are affiliate links, meaning that should you decide to purchase these items, we might make a small commission.

1. Know the Risks in Your Area

The first step in preparing for natural disasters is to understand the specific risks in your area. Different regions are prone to different types of disasters, and knowing what to expect can help you plan and prepare accordingly. For example, if you live in a coastal area, you may be at risk of hurricanes, storm surges, or tsunamis. If you live in an earthquake-prone region, you need to be prepared for ground shaking, landslides, and aftershocks. Similarly, if you live in an area prone to wildfires, you should take steps to protect your property and have an evacuation plan in place. Research the history of natural disasters in your area and consult local government websites, emergency management agencies, or meteorological departments for information on potential risks. Stay informed about weather forecasts, warning systems, and evacuation routes. Knowing the risks and being informed can help you make informed decisions about how to prepare and respond to natural disasters.

2. Develop an Emergency Plan

Having a well-thought-out emergency plan is essential for preparedness. Discuss with your family or household members what to do in case of a natural disaster. Create a written plan that includes important contact information, evacuation routes, designated meeting points, and instructions for each family member's role during an emergency. Review and practice the plan regularly with all family members to ensure everyone knows what to do when disaster strikes. Consider the specific needs of vulnerable family members, such as children, elderly adults, or individuals with disabilities or medical conditions. Make arrangements for their care and include necessary supplies, such as medications, in your emergency kit.

3. Prepare an Emergency Kit

Having a well-stocked emergency kit is crucial for surviving in the aftermath of a natural disaster. Your emergency kit should contain enough supplies to sustain you and your family for at least 72 hours. Here are some essential items to include in your emergency kit:

· Water: Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation purposes. For extended times without water, consider a device like this one that pulls water from the air and runs off grid.

· Non-perishable food: Stock up on canned food, energy bars, and other non-perishable items that do not require refrigeration or cooking.

· First aid kit: Include bandages, antiseptics, medications, and other essential medical supplies. This one includes a handy case to keep it all together. For more serious injuries, this kit includes a tourniquet, trauma dressing, traumatic bleeding control products.

· Flashlights and batteries: Make sure you have multiple flashlights and extra batteries for lighting during power outages. · Portable radio: Include a battery-powered or hand-cranked radio to stay informed about news and weather updates. This one has some extra features like a solar panel and charger for your phone.

· Personal hygiene items: Include items such as toilet paper, hand sanitizer, soap, and hygiene products. · Cash: Keep a small amount of cash in your emergency kit in case ATMs and credit card systems are unavailable. · Multi-purpose tool: Include a Swiss army knife, pliers, or a similar tool for basic repairs or tasks. Here's a cool one that even includes a hammer.

· Clothing and blankets: Include extra clothing, blankets, and a sleeping bag to stay warm during extended power outages or evacuations. · Important documents: Keep copies of important documents such as identification cards, insurance policies, and important phone numbers in a waterproof container. · Fire starters: waterproof matches, permanent matches, flint strikers, or magnesium fire starters can be very handy for cooking or keeping warm if you are without power for any amount of time. A propane camping cookstove would also come in very handy.

Obviously, this is not a conclusive list, just a place to get started. We hate to think about what could happen, but as my grandma always said, it's better to be safe than sorry. Can you think of some other things that would be good to have on hand in a disaster?