How to prepare for a natural disaster

Natural disasters can happen at any time with little or no warning. No matter whether it’s an earthquake, tornado, hurricane, tsunami, wildfire or flood, it’s important to be prepared. Having a plan and the right supplies can help keep you safe and more comfortable until help arrives.

Here are some tips to help you prepare for a natural disaster.

Make an emergency evacuation plan

If a natural disaster occurs. you may need to leave your home at short notice. Prepare an emergency evacuation plan and practice it before a disaster strikes, especially if your household includes children, elderly or disabled people.

When putting your plan together remember to:

• Consider the types of natural disasters that may affect your household
• Keep your plan simple, with easy to follow instructions
• Include what to do if you’re all at work and school when the disaster strikes
• Include a clear escape route(s)
• Have a designated meeting point in case your get separated
• Include the location of your emergency kit
• Have a plan for your pets
• Record any contact details that may be useful. For example, the details of out-of-state friend or relative or a relief center

Build a basic emergency kit

Build a basic emergency kit with items you’ll need to survive for a few days until help arrives. Remember that you might not have access to power, water, gas, toilets or the internet while you wait. Phone coverage might also be affected.

Store the supplies for your emergency kit in airtight and waterproof containers and place them in a cool, dry location. Remember to check and replace any out-of-date supplies as required.

A basic emergency kit should include:

• Non-perishable foods. Aim to have enough food for your household to last three to four days. Include foods that don’t need to be cooked or kept cold. Examples of foods you might like to include are:
  • Tinned fruits, vegetables, fish and meat. Don’t forget a can opener
  • Dried fruits
  • Fruit or protein bars
  • Peanut butter
  • Cereals or granola
  • Other high-energy foods
  • Baby food and formula if needed
  • Long-life milk
  • Snack foods
  • Pet food if needed
• Water - at least one gallon (four liters) per person a day for drinking and sanitation
• First aid kit
• Flashlight
• Battery powered portable radio
• Batteries
• Masks, anti bacterial wipes, and hand sanitizer
• Toilet paper or moist towelettes and bags with ties for sanitation purposes
• Whistle to signal for help
• Plastic sheeting and tape or a tent for shelter
• Any tools required to shut off water, power or gas
• Local maps
• Phone charger and phone

You may also want to add the following additional items to your emergency kit:

• Prescription and non-prescription medications
• Prescription glasses or contact lenses
• Cash
• Copies of important documents, such as insurance and identification documents
• Disposable gloves
• Sanitary and personal hygiene products
• Bug spray
• Reusable dinnerware and cutlery set
• Children’s activity items such as books or games if required
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• A full change of clothes
• Matches or a lighter
• A fire blanket or fire extinguisher

Get your house and family ready

Getting your house ready for a natural disaster can help to keep you safe and minimize damage to your home. Before you get started, consider the types of natural disasters that are likely to affect you so that you can take the most appropriate steps to prepare.

Here are some tips to get your house and family ready well before a disaster

• Carry out regular maintenance. For example, cut back trees near your house, clear out gutters and unblock drains
• Secure chimneys, water heaters, and large pieces of furniture
• Learn CPR and basic first aid
• Learn how to shut off your power, water and gas
• Insure your home and contents

Immediately before a disaster:

• Move outdoor furniture, toys, garbage cans and gardening equipment indoors
• Secure larger items such as trampolines, boats and small sheds to the ground
• Brace and secure doors and windows. Consider shutters if you live in an areas affected by hurricanes
• Move furniture and appliances to higher ground
• Buy sandbags, hoses, tarpaulins or other items
• Fill up the car with fuel in case you need to evacuate
• Check on elderly or disabled neighbors, family and friends
• Write your name on your child’s clothing or arm in case you get separated
• Check for updates on the radio or TV. Listen out for any emergency information from local authorities
• Sign up for mobile phone alerts from authorized emergency agencies such as FEMA
• Locate your emergency kit and make sure you have the other items to hand you may need such as appropriate clothing, shoes and medication

What to do during and immediately after a disaster

You may also need to take some action during and immediately after a disaster has occurred to help secure your home and safety.

During a disaster:

• Follow the directions from local officials, especially if you need to evacuate
• If you need to leave your home, tell someone you know outside the disaster area of your plans if possible, lock up and leave your home
• If you remain at home, stay inside and away from window, doors and skylights
• Take cover in a basement or under a sturdy piece of furniture
• Move to higher ground
• Unplug appliances if the power goes off to prevent damage from a power surge when comes back on
• Keep the fridge and freezer doors shut to reduce the risk of the food spoiling
• Fill sinks, tubs and buckets with water if you think you may lose your water supply
• Continue to listen to the radio or TV for updates and advice

After a disaster:

• Remain calm
• Do not use your phone unless there is an immediate life-threatening emergency
• Use your radio, TV or phone to check for updates or instructions
• Follow instructions from public safety officials
• Check your house and the area around it for damage including damage to power, gas water and sewerage lines. Report gas leaks straight away. Turn of other utilities at their source
• Check your home for damage, including to the roof, chimney, walls, foundations and other key structures
• Keep the streets clear for emergency vehicles. If you do need to drive watch for downed power lines, flooding, storm debris and other hazards
• Check on neighbors and other people around you who may need help