How to Evaluate Resources & Actions of Natural Disaster Decisions

Whether your home is struck by a tornado, a flood has rampaged through your neighborhood, or an earthquake has struck where you work, you should know what resources you will need in order to survive and what course of action to take, depending on the type of natural disaster that occurs.

Things You'll Need

• Large, durable tote
• 5-gallon bucket with lid
• Hand-crank radio, flashlight and cell phone charger combo
• Canned food for you and pets, and hand-held can opener
• Pet and infant supplies
• Fire extinguisher, duct tape and utility knife
• Essential toiletries
• Bottled water
• Waterproof matches and candles
• Blankets and change of clothes and shoes
• Bandages and medications
• Disinfectant wipes and water purification tablets
• Some cash and copies of important documents
• Whistle (optional)
• Small tent (optional)
• Collapsible ladder (optional)
• Crescent and pipe wrenches (optional)
• Life raft, life vests or flotation device (optional)
• Fire blankets (optional)

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Evaluate the types of disasters that are most likely to occur where you live or work.

• 2

  Construct a disaster action plan tailored to each disaster, which includes designating a safe place where your family can go in case your home is destroyed. Have family members call if they are unable to meet at the chosen place. Make sure an out-of-state relative knows to call you in case a disaster occurs. You can relay to them what extra supplies you need.

• 3

  Design an emergency kit for your home. By planning ahead, you are assuring the resources you need to survive are already in place before a disaster strikes. You will need to purchase some of items from a survivalist shop online or an Army/Navy surplus store.

  Into the large, heavy-duty tote, place a hand-crank radio, flashlight and cell phone charger combo, canned food, fire extinguisher, hand-held can opener, bottled water, a small tent, blankets, a collapsible escape ladder if you live in an apartment or second-story home, waterproof matches, utility knife, change of clothes and shoes and a little cash. Also include candles, band aids, essential toiletries, duct tape, aspirin, water purification tablets, a whistle, disinfectant wipes, toilet paper, and a 5-gallon bucket with lid, which can be used as a toilet in the event indoor plumbing is damaged.

  Place inside your kit crescent and pipe wrenches to shut off gas and water if earthquakes or tornadoes are a concern. For areas where flooding or hurricanes occur, include an inflatable raft, life vests, or some other flotation device. For wild fires, stock fire blankets inside your survival kit.

• 4

  Add formula, diapers, baby wipes, infant and children's ibuprofen and some toys into your emergency kit if you have small children. Put ID bracelets on your children, should they become separated from you.

• 5

  Purchase pet food bags or cans for the kit if you have an animal at home. Remember to include collapsible water and food bowls, a leash, a harness (for dogs), and pillowcase or blanket (for cats), bags to hold feces, and a few toys. It is imperative that your cat or dog wear its collar and ID tag at all times. This will help a good Samaritan bring your pet home, should it become separated from you.