How to Prepare for an Emergency Tornado, Flood, Etc

Being ready ahead of time for a natural disaster or other emergency can greatly increase your family's chances of survival. It isn't hard to do--all it takes is some forethought. With careful planning and a well-stocked emergency kit, you will be able to keep yourself, your family and your valuables safe from whatever type of disaster happens to disrupt your home and your life.

Things You'll Need

• Safety deposit box
• Video or digital camera
• Scanner
• Online file storage account

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Instructions

• 1

  Find out what types of disasters occur in your area by contacting your local Red Cross or emergency management agency. Ask them about evacuation routes, local storm shelters, assistance for the elderly or disabled and the best way to receive warning.

• 2

  Create an emergency preparedness checklist. Use the free template available on FEMA's website. Include safe zones for tornadoes, hurricanes and earthquakes, escape routes for fires, and a meeting place or central contact in case your family becomes separated.

• 3

  Stock shelter zones and assemble a portable kit that includes everything you might need to help you survive a disaster. Include first aid, nonperishable food, bottled water, flashlights and batteries, kerosene lanterns, candles, blankets, a weather radio, prescription medications and a dry change of clothes. Don't forget to make provisions for the pets.

• 4

  Move valuables and important papers to a bank safety deposit box. Scan irreplaceable photos and letters and store them safely online on a file storage or photo-sharing website.

• 5

  Do a video walkthrough of your home and document on videotape everything you expect your homeowner's insurance to replace if it becomes lost or destroyed in a disaster. If you don't have a video camera, take pictures with your digital camera instead. Store the video or photos online or on a CD placed in a safety deposit box.