Disaster Preparation, is key to preparing for any crisis whether it is an attack, a natural disaster such as an earthquake, flooding, or fires. You need to know how to respond effectively to ensure your safety and the safety of others. This guide is simply a basic starting point, along with the most important parts of any plan to deal with any emergency. Follow these detailed guidelines to stay prepared and resilient during emergencies:

Disaster Preparation in 12 Uncomplicated Steps

In every situation, there are things you should do, and things you shouldn’t. We will start with those you should do first in this Disaster Preparation guide.

Do the following;

Stay Informed

• Stay Informed with Local News and Alerts: Regularly follow trusted sources such as radio broadcasts, television, or official websites to stay updated on local news and emergency announcements.

• Learn About Local Hazards: Educate yourself on the typical risks in your area, whether they are floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, or wildfires.

• Subscribe to Alert Systems: Sign up for emergency notification services offered by local authorities to get prompt alerts directly to your phone or email.

Not all devices are created equal, which is why we recommend this hand-crank, portable solar-powered radio with NOAA weather alerts. It can also act as a battery backup for your phone, which may be an essential contact device in an emergency.

Have a Plan

• Develop an Emergency Plan: Work with your family or household to create a detailed emergency plan. Be sure to include evacuation routes, designated meeting locations, and important contact information.

• Rehearse Your Plan: Hold regular practice drills so that everyone understands their roles and what to do when an emergency occurs.

• Account for Special Needs: Tailor your emergency plan to accommodate the specific requirements of family members, such as pets, seniors, or people with disabilities.

The meet up place of your evacuation is one of the most critical details of any Disaster Preparation. If a situation arises, and you each take different exits, having a place to meet is paramount, to ensuring everyone made it out ok. Don’t forget to lease and bring your pets too.

Build an Emergency Kit

Assemble a well-stocked emergency kit for Disaster Preparation, containing the following essentials:

• Water: Store a minimum of one gallon per person daily, enough to last at least three days (We recommend this 5-gallon water container, for easy stacking). However, 2 weeks is much better, but takes up more space.

• Food: Include non-perishable items such as canned goods, energy bars, and dried fruits. (Pro Tip: the more protein in the food, the more filling for longer periods of time.)

• Medications: Keep an adequate supply of necessary medications for everyone in your household, both prescription and over-the-counter. (Contact us on Telegram, if you need help acquiring extra meds or antibiotics)

• First Aid Supplies: Stock items like bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any other medical necessities. Just avoid storing Aspirin, which degrades over time.

• Flashlights and Batteries: Have dependable light sources and extra batteries ready for potential power outages.

• Important Documents: Store copies of IDs, insurance papers, medical records, and emergency contacts in a waterproof container, such as a Ziploc gallon bag. This way, you can stuff them in your go-bag, as necessary. 

It is usually better to create your own first-aid kit, than to rely on a basic emergency kit. In this way, when you use one piece, it’s also easier to replace the pieces you used — by having extra amounts. Great for Disaster Preparation!

Follow Authorities’ Instructions

• Stay Calm and Cooperative: Listen to instructions from emergency responders and local authorities calmly.

• Evacuate Promptly if Advised: When ordered to evacuate, follow designated routes and leave immediately to avoid traffic congestion and ensure safety.

• Use Designated Shelters: Seek shelter in designated locations and avoid areas marked as unsafe.

In most situations, including Disaster Preparation, the authorities are trying to help you stay safe when they ask you to stay out of certain areas. This can include bullets flying haphazardly or a fire which engulfs neighborhoods so fast, that there would be little to no warning — which could result in your death. Listen to them, follow their advice.

Check on Neighbors

• Foster Community Support: Check in on neighbors, particularly those who might require extra help, such as seniors, people with disabilities, or families with young children.

• Collaborate and Share: Share emergency supplies or vital information with neighbors to build a stronger, more resilient community.

When I lived in Arizona a few years back, my neighbor was a sweet woman with emphysema, she was 79. Whenever there was a nearby fire, we would ensure she stayed inside, even if it meant watering her plants and getting her mail for her. She would call us, if she needed any type of help. While we couldn’t rely on her for help, for the 3 years we lived there and helped her out, we were there for her. Little did we know, that she told her daughters about us — who were also grateful for our help when we met them years later.

Stay Calm

• Manage Stress Effectively: Keep calm and think clearly during emergencies to better support yourself and those around you.

• Maintain Optimism: Foster a positive mindset and provide reassurance to family and neighbors, helping to ease anxiety and encourage teamwork.

If you can do all these, then you are halfway being able to deal with any and all crises. But, there are certain things which are anathema to dealing with crises, so continue reading this Disaster Preparation guide.

Don’t do these things

Do Not Panic

• Stay Calm: Resist the urge to panic or act impulsively, as this can jeopardize your safety.

• Concentrate on Safety Procedures: Direct your attention toward carrying out your emergency plan and adhering to established safety protocols.

Do Not Ignore Warnings

• Heed All Warnings: Give full attention to emergency alerts and warnings, and respond promptly by following the recommended instructions.

• Confirm Information: Always verify emergency information through reliable sources before making decisions or taking action.

Do Not Delay Evacuation

• Obey Evacuation Instructions: When authorities advise evacuation, leave without hesitation. Any delay could endanger you and your loved ones.

• Gather Essentials Swiftly: Focus on quickly packing vital items and evacuate promptly to maximize safety.

Do Not Use Elevators

• Opt for Stairwells: In emergencies like fires or earthquakes, always use stairwells rather than elevators to ensure safe evacuation.

• Steer Clear of Crowded Areas: Elevators can become congested or malfunction during a crisis, creating hazardous conditions.

Even if it isn’t a fire, using an elevator can be dangerous if too many people try to get on one, with too much weight. Everyone hates being stuck in an elevator when it isn’t an emergency, now imagine being stuck in one, as the building is shaking. o.O

Do Not Spread Rumors

• Distribute Accurate Information: Avoid sharing unconfirmed news or rumors that might lead to unnecessary fear or misunderstanding.

• Refer to Trusted Authorities: Depend on official channels like local government or emergency services for reliable updates and guidance.

Just one person sharing their own beliefs during Disaster Preparation, versus what actually is happening, can create more panic. When an individual shares their ideas, disasters can keep coming forth. For example, some guy suggests killing a virus with cleanser, and then people are drinking it. Don’t be that guy!

Do Not Forget Pets

• Incorporate Pets into Your Plans: Make sure your emergency kits and evacuation strategies account for the needs of your pets.

• Ensure Safe Pet Evacuation: Always take your pets with you during evacuations, bringing necessary supplies and identification to keep them safe.

Some people don’t think of their pets as part of their family, so they keep them crated or in the backyard. Wherever you keep them, they are still part of your responsibility and may help other family members to stay more calm after the disaster has passed.

Hopefully this guide to Disaster Preparation will help you to achieve an easier time dealing with whatever you are prepping for — even if you are only prepping for next Tuesday.