Become Prepared for Any Disaster

Merriam-Webster defines a natural disaster as a sudden or terrible event in nature (such as a hurricane, tornado, or flood) that usually results in serious damage and many deaths. According to the World Health Organization, every year natural disasters kill around 90,000 people and affect nearly 160 million people worldwide. Needless to say, we need to become prepared for any future adversity.

We prepare for natural and man-made disasters because they are inevitable and yet completely beyond our control. Disasters pose a significant threat to our lives, our homes, our communities, our environment, and the economy. The effects they have can be devastating and long-lasting.

While we cannot prevent disasters from happening, we can reduce their risk by becoming prepared. Our response to these events is critical for lessening their impact and overcoming residual challenges, as well as accelerating the process of recovery.

And so, the question remains:

Preparing for a disaster includes enhancing your knowledge of the hazards your region is prone to, developing an action plan, learning preparedness and survival skills, and storing essential supplies.

Emergency situations are stressful! When we’re put under a lot of stress, our brains don’t think clearly. Having a family preparedness plan is necessary because it allows you to determine the best course of action to take before an event occurs. That way when something does happen, your mind is focused and ready to confront it.

On top of your plan, you should store enough food, water, and other provisions that will allow you to become self-sufficient for at least 14 days. Government organizations, like FEMA, recommend preparing for a minimum of 3 days but when a mass disaster occurs, resources will be in high demand and limited supply. To ensure the safety and survival of your loved ones, preparing for 14 days is the minimum amount of time we recommend.

Preparing for natural disasters requires that you remain informed and have a willingness to learn. It’s simple in that it can be done from the comfort of your home but at the same time, it’s a complex subject.

We understand how overwhelming preparing for an emergency can be! That is why we have developed comprehensive guides to walk you through the step-by-step process. Below you will find the guides to the most common disasters that we experience worldwide.

Each type of natural disaster is unique— from the ways that we should prepare for them to the effects they leave. When you click on any of the following buttons, you will find:

• Interesting facts about that disaster
• What to expect when that disaster occurs
• Tips on how to mitigate and reduce your risk
• Safety tips specific to that disaster (all the do’s and don’ts!)
• A list of recommended items that your preparedness kit should contain
• A FREE emergency preparedness checklist (you can download the PDF, print it, and save it with your emergency kit)
• And more resources to ensure that you feel ready!

We sincerely hope you will find these guides valuable and that they empower you in your preparedness journey. Remember that we’re all in this together! Create disaster awareness by sharing these with someone who you believe will also benefit.