Tips on Emergency Preparedness & Food Storage

Earthquakes, floods, tornadoes and other natural disasters are unfortunate and often leave behind a devastating path of destruction. These forces of nature can strike without any warning, leaving you in a vulnerable situation. While the timing of these events are unforeseeable, you can plan for them and ensure that, if the worst were to happen, you would be prepared. While response teams are trained to assist at emergency locations, it may take some time for them to get to you. Learn to prepare yourself for at least a few days with no outside assistance.

Find Safe Spaces

• Identify the safest places in your house during a natural disaster.

  When disaster strikes, you may have only moments to decide your next move. Think about your options beforehand and develop survival strategies for your household. Learn what natural disasters to which your area is prone, then locate the safe areas in your home. During a tornado, the safest place to be is in your basement. During an earthquake you want to be under a sturdy table, doorway or crouched next to a large object that can provide coverage if things begin to fall. Stay away from windows.

Plan an Escape Route

• Locate your building's emergency evacuation exits.

  Learn your evacuation routes. If you live in an apartment building, you should identify any fire escapes or alternate exits. If you live in a house, talk to your family about the best evacuation plan. Keep fire escape rope ladders in upstairs bedrooms. Local phone lines may be down, so designate a meeting spot in case your household is not together at the time of the emergency. Choose an out-of-state relative or friend as a contact in case you cannot contact your friends and family.

Make an Emergency Kit

• You may be stuck in your home or car for a few days before help can reach you. For these situations, be prepared with all of the necessities. Store one gallon of water per day for each person in your household. Keep enough non-perishable foods in your house to last up to two weeks. Stock up on canned food and have a couple can openers. Include food for pets. You will need a flashlight and a hand crank radio to hear any emergency broadcasts. Keep batteries and battery powered cell phone chargers on hand. Include blankets and extra cash. Medical items and a first aid kit are necessary. Keep an emergency kit in your house and one in your car.

Learn CPR

• Natural disasters can place large amounts of stress and shock on a person's system. Learning CPR may help save a life if someone around you goes into cardiac arrest or begins choking.