Make a Plan

• No matter the disaster, planning will always go a long way. While making a plan, be sure to talk with all members of your family and inform them of all details of the plan. This plan should include a way to escape from your house in the event of fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. It should include a list of phone numbers to call that are located inside and outside the area in which you live, as well as emergency service numbers. Think long term and plan a meeting place if your family gets separated or needs to go a ways from the area in which you live. The last part of being prepared comes in to play with your place of living. It is up to you to inspect and research the design of your home to learn whether it will be able to withstand the common disasters in your area, whether they are floods, hurricanes or tornadoes. Look into things such as hurricane shutters, or other protective architectural pieces for your home. In the case of a flood, homes are not easy to save. You may want to keep a stash of sandbags, if that is practical in your situation. Finally, you may want to look into products such as flood guards.
  
  

Keep Supplies

• Always keep a supply kit in your car and home at all times. Keep food for three days, medical supplies, water, lights, clothing, extra cash, a radio, fire starters, toiletries, as well as anything else you can think of that you might want in the event of losing your home. A good food item to keep is a box of MREs, which last a long time and contain full meals. This kit can be as big as you need, just make sure it has everything you will need to live on your own for at least a few days. If possible, also keep at least one fire box in your home to store important documents or belongings. This will allow you to come back after a disaster and still have the materials that are nearly impossible to replace.
  
  

During the Natural Disaster

• Natural disasters are frightening. Try, before the disaster, to stay aware of the conditions surrounding the event. Keep alert for emergency broadcasts and obey any recommendations given by emergency services. As soon as disaster strikes, start to implement your plan. Keep everyone you possibly can aware of your actions so that everyone knows what is happening if something goes wrong.