Disasters come in many forms—hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, winter storms, power outages, pandemics, and even local emergencies. Preparation is not about fear. It is about peace of mind. When you are prepared, you can respond calmly and care for yourself, your family, and your neighbors.
- Build an Emergency Supply Kit
A good goal is to have enough supplies for at least 72 hours, though two weeks is even better.
Water
One gallon per person per day
Extra water for pets
Water purification tablets or filters
Food
Canned meats, fruits, and vegetables
Peanut butter
Crackers
Granola bars
Rice and pasta
Shelf-stable milk
Manual can opener
Medical Supplies
First aid kit
Prescription medications
Spare eyeglasses
Pain relievers
Personal hygiene items
Lighting and Power
Flashlights
Headlamps
Extra batteries
Power banks
Solar chargers - Prepare for Power Outages
Many emergencies involve losing electricity.
Keep:
Battery-powered radio
Flashlights in every room
Backup batteries
Fully charged power banks
Alternative cooking methods if safe and legal in your area
Never use generators indoors. - Protect Important Documents
Store copies of:
Identification
Birth certificates
Insurance policies
Medical information
Emergency contacts
Keep physical copies in a waterproof container and digital copies on a secure flash drive. - Create a Family Emergency Plan
Everyone should know:
How to contact each other
Where to meet if separated
How to evacuate
Emergency phone numbers
Practice the plan regularly. - Strengthen Home Safety
Fire Safety
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Escape routes from every room
Storm Safety
Secure outdoor furniture
Trim dangerous tree limbs
Know the safest room in the house
Flood Safety
Know if you live in a flood zone
Store supplies off the floor
Consider sandbags if flooding is common - Prepare for Your Specific Risks
Different locations face different threats.
For example:
Hurricanes: shutters, water storage, evacuation plans
Tornadoes: safe room or shelter
Winter storms: blankets, alternate heat sources
Earthquakes: secure furniture and water heaters
Know the hazards common to your area. - Build a Home Emergency Pantry
Instead of buying everything at once, add a few extra items each shopping trip.
Examples:
Canned beans
Canned soup
Rice
Pasta
Oatmeal
Powdered milk
Cooking oil
Rotate supplies and eat what you store. - Keep Emergency Gear Ready
Consider:
Multi-tool or Swiss Army knife
Work gloves
Duct tape
Plastic sheeting
Paracord
Emergency blankets
N95 masks
Whistle
A good everyday carry kit and a ready backpack can help you respond quickly if you must leave home. - Know Your Neighbors
Communities survive disasters better than individuals alone.
Exchange contact information.
Check on elderly or disabled neighbors.
Share skills and resources.
Build relationships before a disaster happens. - Remember the Most Important Rule
Preparedness is not about expecting the worst. It is about being ready for whatever comes.
As the Boy Scout motto says, “Be Prepared.” A little preparation today can prevent panic tomorrow and give you the confidence to face emergencies with courage and compassion.
“Hope for the best, prepare for the worst, and trust that whatever comes, you will be better equipped to meet it.” — Sister Abigail Hester’s philosophy of preparedness.
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