Preparing for Disasters

Here are some ways to prepare for disasters and emergencies:

• Know what disasters and hazards could affect your area, how to get emergency alerts, and where you would go if you and your family need to evacuate. Make sure your family has a plan and practices it often1

• Prepare to be self-sufficient for at least three days by putting together an emergency kit, including: non-perishable food, water, a flashlight, a portable, battery-operated radio or television, batteries, medicines, anti-bacterial hand wipes or gel, first aid kit, money, seasonal clothing, and sanitation supplies2

• Learn first aid and CPR. Be ready to live without power, gas, and water. Plan for your electrical needs, including cell phones and medical equipment. Talk to your doctor. Plan for backup power. Gather emergency supplies. Gather food, water, and medicine3

• Prepare for the emotional and social impacts of disasters and emergencies. Anticipate how you will react to stress. Identify how you will think and feel. Manage how you will come when you have increased stress. Make a plan: It can be helpful to create a self-care plan in advance of a disaster or emergency

Map | National Risk Index: The National Risk Index is a dataset and online tool to help illustrate the United States communities most at risk for 18 natural hazards. It was designed and built by FEMA in close collaboration with various stakeholders and partners in academia; local, state and federal government; and private industry.

After a natural disaster strikes, there's only a tiny window of opportunity to rally effective recovery efforts before the world turns their attention elsewhere. Who should be in charge? When a freak tornado hit their hometown, sisters Caitria and Morgan O'Neill -- just 20 and 24 at the time -- took the reins and are now teaching others how to do the same.

BOOKS TO PREPARE FOR THE UNEXPECTED:

Eating on the Run : BOOK equips you with a working knowledge of dozens of readily harvested plants, grasses, nuts, and berries that require the least, if any, preparation. Learn how to distinguish safe plants from toxic varieties, which parts of the plants are edible and when, and where abundant supplies are likely to be in each season 

Guerrilla Gardening For Long-Term Survival  : BOOK teaches you all about topics such as choosing appropriate and compatible crops, camouflaging crops with natural and improvised screens, growing foods without soil or sunshine, and more. Learn how to get the most production in the littlest of spaces and read tips on starting your own 

Risk Factor: Find your home's Risk Factors. Past events, current risks, and future projections based on peer-reviewed research from the world’s leading flood, fire, and climate modelers.

Hurricane Preparedness Tips:  Weather can change drastically in a matter of minutes. Is your household prepared? If you live in a hurricane-prone area or simply want to prepare, discover help from experts across the government.

1. Have a disaster plan for your whole household, including kids, pets, and seniors. Find out where your nearest shelter is. Make an emergency supply kit.

2. Prepare multiple ways to stay informed during severe weather. Follow guidance from your local officials. Subscribe to National Weather Service alerts. Download the FEMA app.

3. Be prepared for power outages. Have an emergency light at the ready. Keep generators outside at least 20 feet away from the house to prevent CO2 poisoning. Keep non-perishable food and water bottles in your home.

• Receive weather alerts.

• Know your evacuation zone.

• Get support if you or anyone in your household has a disability.

• Find help as an older adult.

Discover Disaster Resources:

• Disaster Recovery Center Locator: Discover the locations, services, and hours of Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) to get one-on-one help.

• Home and Property Disaster Loans: Apply for low-interest, long-term loans for losses that are not fully covered by insurance or other recoveries.

• Disaster Unemployment Assistance: Check if you are eligible to receive unemployment benefits due to a major disaster.

Remember, disaster recovery is a process and there are resources from the government to help. We are here to offer information, resources, and help you access benefits to support your recovery.

This video has tips for safeguarding important documents in preparation for an emergency: youtu.be/ky_sc2mKH2Q?si=DWNOFSLoa9zvQ8mQ 

Prepare for earthquakes 

Disaster assistance 

Disaster relief resources: Many government programs are available to help you recover after a disaster. Benefits.gov can connect you with business and home loans, tax relief, unemployment insurance, and other critical resources to help you in the aftermath of a disaster.  

DisasterAssistance.gov:  DisasterAssistance.gov is a federal website with the mission to provide disaster survivors with information, support, services, and a means to access and apply for disaster relief. Managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), DisasterAssistance.gov can help connect you with resources for shelter, financial assistance, nutrition assistance, and other basic needs following a disaster or emergency event. 

Stay Informed during emergencies: It is critical to stay informed about any storms heading your way. Download the FEMA mobile app to receive real-time weather alerts, locate emergency shelters in your area, prepare for common hazards, and more. Sign up for community alerts and enable Wireless Emergency Alerts from the National Weather Service for emergency notifications in your area. 

After the Storm

Recovering after a hurricane or other natural disaster can be daunting. However, there is support available. The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) DisasterAssistance.gov can connect you with short and long-term disaster relief.  

DisasterAssistance.gov is the federal government’s official website to help you access and apply for relief resources from more than 17 agencies. The website can help you:  

• Find disaster relief to fit your specific needs.

• Apply for cash assistance following a disaster.

• Locate a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) near you.

• Find a hotel or place to live.

• Find information on food and nutrition programs.

• Have your Social Security benefits sent to your new address.

• Learn about Small Business Administration Loans for homeowners, renters, and businesses.

Helping your child feel safe in uncertain times: Emergencies can be overwhelming, especially for children. But with preparation and guidance, you can help your child feel safe and confident, even during tough situations. 

1.  Explain and discuss. Children need to understand what’s going on, but in ways that aren’t scary. Consider using child-friendly resources like Pedro the Penguin to explain safety in a fun, interactive way. Pedro teaches kids about emergencies like house fires and storms through stories and games.
   
   

2. Make an emergency plan together. When children know what to do, they feel empowered. Create a family plan and make it a family activity to help reduce anxiety and boost your child’s sense of control. 

3. Stay calm and offer comfort. Children take emotional cues from adults, so staying calm can help them feel safe. Learn more about how to talk to your child about disasters and help them process difficult situations.

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Prepare for emergencies by creating an emergency plan (ready.gov) 

Prepare for emergencies by  building an emergency kit (ready.gov)

Do you have an emergency and recovery plan? Get started or update it this National Preparedness Month 

Stocking Up for Shortages and Emergencies

Emergency housing assistance 

Disaster Distress Helpline: The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) is the first national hotline dedicated to providing year-round disaster crisis counseling. This toll-free, multilingual, crisis support service is available 24/7 to all residents in the U.S. and its territories who are experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.

Plan before wildfires:  Wildfires are fires that are not planned, and can burn quickly. Whether in a forest, grassland or suburban community, wildfires can start and spread fast. Keep these reminders top of mind: Recognize warnings and alerts. For example, download the FEMA app, Make an emergency plan in case of a fire. This includes knowing your evacuation zone, Keep insurance and all other relevant paperwork up-to-date, Make home repairs with heat resistant materials.

Hurricane season 2024: How to avoid scams before and after a weather emergency

44Patriots: We Champion Freedom & Self-Reliance

Basic Emergency Preparedness on a Budget

How seniors should prepare for an emergency 

What is Disaster Unemployment Assistance? 

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Wildfires ready: Take steps now to prepare for wildfires

Low and No Cost Preparedness 

DIY EMERGENCY BINDER; BE PREPARED FOR THE UNEXPECTED 

Does your family know what to do in an emergency? 

How Much Cash Should You Keep at Home in Case of Emergency?

Prepare Your Finances for Emergencies

 #IRSTaxTip: Rebuilding records after a natural disaster is an essential step in recovery. http://ow.ly/ae8z50LewJY

Safe Guarding your Valuables Activity (The purpose of the activity is to provide steps to take to protect valuables from damage due to fires, floods, or other disasters. )

Prepare for disasters all year long with Ready.gov. 

Create a family emergency plan 

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A disaster supplies kit 

Basic Emergency Preparedness on a Budget

Generator buying guide: What you need to know 

Cheap Emergency Foods We Often Overlook

Disaster Distress Helpline 

Steve Harris Family Preparedness 

9 Pantry Staples You Need to Make Pretty Much Anything

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8 Tips for Building a Survival Kit on a Budget

Preparing, recovering, and rebuilding after disasters and emergencies : A guide to handling your finances if you are preparing for, recovering from or rebuilding after a hurricane, tornado, earthquake, or other disaster.

Taxpayers should review disaster resources on IRS.gov now in case they need help later 

Information You Need After a Natural Disaster 

Learn about an In-Case-Of Emergency Binder

How can Disaster Unemployment Assistance help you?

Are you prepared for a power outage? 

Choose the Right Size Generator 

keep your family safe in an emergency with these easy step

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Book: In case of an emergency, you need to have enough food saved up and stored in your pantry. Meals in a Jar includes numerous recipes for ready-made meals that can be eaten if you’re stuck in your home for a few days or weeks. The long shelf life of these recipes make them perfect for disaster preparation.

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Tips to help you prepare for — and recover from — natural disasters 

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Are you ready guide

15 Low-Cost Items That Could Save Your Life

Emergency Preparedness on a Budget

8 essential apps you'll need in an emergency | Komando.com

Learn 365 Survival Skills

Family emergency kit checklist

Financial Emergency Preparedness Checklist

Recovering from a Natural Disaster | Post-Disaster Counseling

9 Affordable Products That Could Save Your Life

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29 items to pack in your financial emergency kit and bug out bag

4 apps that could save your life in an emergency!

BePrepared.com Can Help You Get Through A Disaster

Documents You Need When Disaster Strikes

Single? In an Emergency, Who's Guarding Your Money? 

In case of an emergency, you need to have enough food saved up and stored in your pantry. Meals in a Jar includes numerous recipes for ready-made meals that can be eaten if you’re stuck in your home for a few days or weeks. The long shelf life of these recipes make them perfect for disaster preparation. 

• Preparing for a Weather Emergency

• Staying Alert to Disaster-related Scams

• Getting Back on Your Feet Financially

• Resources

Fortifiedhome.org  IBHS created FORTIFIED Home™ to help homeowners protect their investment in the face of hurricanes, high winds, and severe thunderstorms. FORTIFIED goes beyond emergency and disaster preparedness to give you peace of mind knowing your home is structurally resilient and will better withstand severe weather.

Trusted Contacts - Google

https://contacts.google.com/trustedcontacts/

Findable in an emergency. Even in situations where you're unable to get your phone, your trusted contacts can find you. If a friend or family member asks for your location and you don't respond, your location is automatically shared with your loved one. 

Knowledge Publications Corporation was started by Steven Harris in 2002 to provide the highest quality books, DVDs, videos and education on all forms of alternative energy.  Mr Harris was also an expert in Preparedness and found that his world class knowledge of energy applied directly to the Preparedness Field.   Mr Harris now instructs the Dept of Defense, Law Enforcement and the Public on matters of preparedness especially in the areas of energy, power, fuel, heating, cooling, food (all types), water.  One of Mr Harris's Mentors was Cresson Kearny with whom he did extensive work regarding the history of feeding the warfigher from 2500 years ago to current conflicts. https://knowpub.kartra.com/page/HurricaneUSB01

PODCAST: 

#482: Steven Rinella — A Short Introduction to True Wilderness Skills and Survival

The Tim Ferriss Show Steven Rinella — A Short Introduction to True Wilderness Skills and Survival | The Ready State virtual mobility coach Steven Rinella (@MeatEater, @StevenRinella) is the host of the Netflix Originals series MeatEater and The MeatEater Podcast. He’s also the author of seven books dealing with wildlife, conservation, hunting, fishing, and wild foods, including his newest, The MeatEater Guide to Wilderness Skills and Survival.  

QUOTES:

Tap Into Tap Water Toni B's tip about keeping bottled water on hand in case of an emergency water outage is a good one, but I can go one better. Instead of paying for bottles of water, build up a store of emergency tap water. Fill empty soda bottles, juice bottles or milk jugs with water and stash them away. You can use this emergency water for drinking, washing dishes and even flushing toilets. A gallon per person per day is a good amount—14 gallons for a two-week supply. The CDC recommends sanitizing the containers before filling them, storing them in a cool area away from direct sunlight and replacing the water every six months. That's a bit of a hassle, but it's still a lot cheaper than buying water. Even if you don't trust stored tap water for drinking, it's still useful for washing and flushing toilets. You certainly wouldn't want to waste bottled water on that! Amy L. from Dollar Stretcher Tips

"Flushing" Water: My small town is notorious for water line breaks, so soon after moving here, I learned to keep bottled water on hand. The recent tip gave some great advice, but I'd add one more. I save and refill distilled water gallon jugs at the tap as flushing water. For those who can't manage a separate method of "going," this is a cheap and easy solution. Even milk jugs can be cleaned and refilled. The water supply will last longer by only flushing solids. Kay from Dollar Stretcher Tips

Digital Storm Prep: I live in an area of California prone to wildfires, and we've had to evacuate three times over the past 20 years. I've digitized all our photos (the ones that were from film/negatives) and stored the digital images on DVDs and/or flash drives. It's a good idea to scan all the important documents, including ID, birth certificates, insurance papers, address book/contacts, etc. and put them in a fireproof safe, also. It makes a quick evacuation a bit simpler, rather than chasing after paper files when every minute counts. Also, I created an evacuation checklist of what items I need to grab and where they are located. The checklist is in a red file folder in the front of the file cabinet.

Anonymous from Dollar Stretcher Tips

What's In Your Emergency Go Bag?: This is in response to the reader who digitized photos and made lists of everything they would need to evacuate, etc. I keep a “go bag” for each family member, which consists of a small backpack for each person (and one for the dog). Each bag contains an extra shirt, some socks and a pair of shoes. I also keep a spare pair of reading glasses, extra keys to the house and car, copies of my driver’s license, papers for the home insurance, $100 cash in small bills, one of these weekly pill containers with all daily meds, items such as sunscreen and chapstick, etc. The dog’s bag has two small bowls, an extra leash and collar, a bag of kibble and her vaccination records. I keep all of this in the closet nearest the exit door. If we ever need to leave the house quickly, you just grab your bag and go.

Sarah from Dollar Stretcher Tips