Loading...Loading...When disaster strikes, it's easy to panic. But instead of ordering iodine tablets off of the Internet, take a hard look at your emergency plan. Preparing for disasters that might happen where you live, like fire, floods, power outages and even volcanic activity, will do a lot to keep your family safe.
The best thing you can do to prepare for an emergency is get to know the people who live and work near you. Yes, it's important to make sure you have the proper supplies on hand, but knowing that you can rely on the people around you is just as important. Get to know your neighbors and make a plan. In a time of crisis, you can work with them and know that you're not alone.
Here are some other tips:
- Get involved with your local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). CERT offers free courses to anybody who wants to be better prepared for and to respond to disasters. In an emergency, first responders like the fire department focus on things like hospitals and roadways before they can take care of individuals. CERT teaches you how to survive until help arrives.
- Think locally to help globally. Worried about older or less mobile relatives who live just out of reach? Encourage them to go to their neighbors for help. Knowing that your grandparents have somebody watching out for them will give both of you peace of mind.
- Don't let supplies get stale. Updating your emergency kit is just as important as making one in the first place. Food, water, medication and batteries all have expiration dates. Be sure to routinely replace items that have gotten out of date.
- Start texting. In a large disaster, land lines are often down and cellular signals can get jammed. You'll have better luck contacting people using SMS text messages. Agree on an out-of-area contact that you can rely on in an emergency. Program everybody's cell phone with that contact's information. Make sure everyone, including your contact, knows how to send and receive text messages.
- Socialize yourself. In recent large disasters, Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites have been very effective ways for victims to let loved ones know they were safe.
- Don't overlook the classics. Include a basic AM radio in your disaster kit. It's one of the most reliable ways for local and national officials to spread information when there is no power. You can even buy hand-crank emergency radios that can be used to charge cell phone batteries.
- Location is key. Keep supplies in a place that you can get to easily and that can withstand structural damage. You may not have time to get your major supply stash, so keep an easy-to-carry "go bag" of basics (a bottle of water, a couple of food bars and vital medication) in a backpack where you can grab it quickly. Once the immediate danger is over, you can get your full emergency kit.
- Remember your health. Make sure your emergency kit includes at least a three-day supply of any necessary medications. Check expiration dates regularly, and don't forget to include a basic first-aid kit.
Practice, practice, practice. There is a reason that schools and workplaces do regular emergency drills. Physically acting out a practice run of your emergency plan makes you much more likely to remember what to do if disaster strikes.
So think ahead and be prepared in case of an emergency!
- Disaster Distress Helpline is dedicated to providing disaster crisis counseling. Call or text 1-800-985-5990. The toll-free Helpline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Red Cross safety checklists
Published on April 1, 2011; updated on January 20, 2022.
Last updated 10/01/2023
Y0062_2024_MEDICARE