Natural disaster preparation

{{whyLabel}}: Understanding which disasters are most likely in your area (e.g., flood zones vs. earthquake faults) allows for targeted preparation.

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• Visit the FEMA Flood Map Service Center online to check your home's flood risk.
• Sign up for local Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) and download a reputable weather app (e.g., from the National Weather Service).
• Identify if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone or near a fault line.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have a list of the top 3 likely disasters and are registered for local emergency alerts.

{{whyLabel}}: Local phone lines often jam during disasters; having a pre-set plan ensures everyone knows how to reconnect.

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• Designate one 'Out-of-Area' contact person (it is often easier to call long-distance than locally during a crisis).
• Ensure every family member has this contact's number memorized or written on a card in their wallet.
• Agree on a 'safe' group chat platform that works on low bandwidth.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Every family member has the emergency contact information physically on them.

{{whyLabel}}: Disasters can happen when family members are at work, school, or home; you need fixed points to reunite.

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• Location 1: Right outside your home (for immediate emergencies like fire).
• Location 2: Outside your neighborhood (if you cannot return home).
• Location 3: Outside your town/city (for large-scale evacuations).

{{doneWhenLabel}}: All three locations are documented and known by all family members.

{{whyLabel}}: Clean water is the most critical survival resource; municipal supplies are often contaminated or cut off during floods or earthquakes.

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• Store at least 1 gallon (approx. 3.8 liters) per person per day.
• Use food-grade plastic containers or buy commercially bottled water.
• Include extra for pets (approx. 1 quart per day for a small dog/cat).

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have at least 12 gallons of water stored (for a family of 4).

{{whyLabel}}: High-calorie, no-cook food ensures energy levels remain stable when power and gas are unavailable.

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• Focus on canned proteins (tuna, beans), nut butters, dried fruits, and granola bars.
• Ensure you have a manual can opener.
• Check expiration dates and choose items your family actually likes to eat.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A dedicated bin contains enough food for 3 days for the entire household.

{{whyLabel}}: Standard kits often lack items for serious disaster injuries like deep cuts or fractures.

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• Include basic bandages plus trauma shears, tourniquets, and hemostatic (blood-clotting) gauze.
• Add a 7-day supply of all essential family prescription medications.
• Include a digital thermometer and basic OTC meds (pain relievers, anti-diarrheal).

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A fully stocked, waterproof first aid kit is placed in an accessible location.

{{whyLabel}}: Cell towers often fail; a dedicated weather radio provides life-saving info directly from the National Weather Service.

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• Choose a model that features a hand-crank or solar charging option in addition to batteries.
• Look for the 'Public Alert' certified logo to ensure it meets technical standards.
• Test the reception in your home's designated safe room.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: The radio is tested, tuned to the local frequency, and stored with spare batteries.

{{whyLabel}}: If you must evacuate in minutes, you cannot spend time searching for essentials.

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• Use a comfortable backpack for each person.
• Pack: 1 change of clothes, sturdy shoes, a whistle, a flashlight, a portable power bank, and personal hygiene items.
• Include a 'comfort item' for children (a small toy or book).

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Each family member has a packed bag ready by the exit or in their car.

{{whyLabel}}: Leaking gas or broken water lines after an earthquake or flood can cause more damage than the disaster itself.

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• Find the main water shut-off, the electrical breaker box, and the gas meter.
• Use bright, waterproof tags to label them clearly.
• Attach a dedicated wrench near the gas shut-off valve if required.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: All family adults know how to shut off every utility in under 60 seconds.

{{whyLabel}}: In earthquakes or tornadoes, falling bookshelves or water heaters are leading causes of injury.

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• Anchor tall bookcases, TVs, and cabinets to wall studs using furniture straps.
• Ensure the water heater is strapped to the wall frame.
• Move heavy items to lower shelves.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: All top-heavy furniture in high-traffic areas is anchored.

{{whyLabel}}: Physical barriers can significantly reduce water and wind damage to your home's interior.

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• For hurricanes: Pre-cut plywood panels for windows or install permanent storm shutters.
• For floods: Keep a supply of 'self-inflating' sandbags or traditional sandbags and plastic sheeting.
• Clean gutters and downspouts to ensure water flows away from the foundation.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Protective materials are purchased and stored in the garage or shed.

{{whyLabel}}: Physical documents are easily destroyed; digital copies are essential for insurance claims and identity verification.

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• Scan IDs, insurance policies, deeds, birth certificates, and medical records.
• Store them on an encrypted USB drive and in a secure, password-protected cloud service.
• Keep physical copies in a portable, fireproof, and waterproof box.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: All critical documents are backed up digitally and physically secured.

{{whyLabel}}: Muscle memory is the only thing that works during the panic of an earthquake.

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• Practice dropping to your hands and knees, covering your head/neck under a sturdy table, and holding on.
• Identify 'safe spots' in every room (away from glass and heavy furniture).
• Time the drill to ensure everyone reacts within 5 seconds of the 'alert'.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Every family member has successfully completed the drill twice.

{{whyLabel}}: Knowing the route is different from executing it under pressure with bags and pets.

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• Start the drill unannounced.
• Have everyone grab their Go-Bags and meet at 'Location 1' (outside the home).
• Practice loading the car and exiting the driveway safely.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: The family can exit the house with all essentials in under 5 minutes.

{{whyLabel}}: Food expires, batteries leak, and children outgrow clothes; kits must be 'living' resources.

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• Set a recurring calendar alert for every 3 months.
• Check food/water expiration dates and rotate stock into daily use.
• Test all flashlights and the NOAA radio.
• Update the emergency contact list if numbers have changed.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A recurring 15-minute appointment is set in your family calendar.