How to Create a Disaster Plan

The government tells us, our friends and relatives tell us, the local Red Cross tells us---we need a family disaster plan. Because unfortunately, a disaster can come upon us in a minute and in those circumstances we have little time to think about all the things needing done, let alone the luxury of doing them. It is not necessary to develop a disaster plan out of fear, it is because of a disaster plan that there's less need to fear.

Things You'll Need

• Supply lists
• Airtight storage bins
• Water storage containers
• Supplies

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Instructions

• 1

  Assess the potential dangers most common to your area. Identify both natural, weather-related problems and also the potential for man-made disasters, such as acts of terrorism. List these and the likely effects that would occur with each: loss of power or other utilities, restricted ability to travel or communications failure.

• 2

  Severe floods frequently cause power outages and restricted travel.

  Gather preparedness lists from various organizations like the American Red Cross, Homeland Security, or other local agencies that outline which supplies would be needed in specific disasters. Modify this information based on your exact location and also the number of members in your family. Remember to account for any special needs, such as nursing infants, handicapped individuals, or people dependent upon constant medical care.

• 3

  Prioritize the supply lists to respond to the potential disasters most likely for your area. Identify spaces to store essential supplies and begin to gather the items at a rate affordable for your family budget. Make the acquisition and storage of the appropriate amount of clean drinking water a top priority.

• 4

  Continue to obtain the items on your list until you have covered the requirements for all the most likely disasters for your area for a period of 3 days to 2 weeks. Develop a plan for rotation of perishable supplies, keeping the motto "first in, first out" in mind. Eat things before or near their expiration date and replace them with items with the latest expiration dates you can find.

• 5

  Tornado damage can include the loss of all public utilities.

  Develop and share with your family a plan for an off-site contact person who could relay important messages if communications are difficult. Plan evacuation routes well ahead of time. Make a second copy of all essential documents to be kept in a waterproof, fireproof box. Discuss and determine how you will deal with pets or livestock in the event of a disaster or forced evacuation. Troubleshoot potential disaster scenarios by holding tabletop, mock disasters where each family member will address what actions they plan to take at what time to maximize family safety and security during a time of disaster.