Seven Tips to Prepare for a Disaster

By Kaitlyn Emmert for Comm 131

Have you ever found yourself wondering why your family ran out of supplies during a storm? Well, preparing for the worst is a great way to start arranging plans for your next flood, snowstorm or other disaster. The American Red Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania wants to make sure you’re well prepared no matter where you are in the world. Here are 10 ways you can prepare for the worst!

1. Store Enough Food: First and foremost, the most important thing to remember is to have enough food in order to survive. When it comes to an amount, you and your family should prepare at least three days worth of food. Don’t stock up too much on refrigerated food or else you could risk wasting products if the power goes out.
2. Set Aside Cash: In the event of a power outage, your credit card may not be useful. Saving cash will allow your family to have a source of payment for when there is time to go shopping for more food.
3. Have an Out-of-Area Contact: Having an out-of-area contact will allow you and your family to have a source of help when others in your area are not able to reach you.
4. Store Enough Water: Storing enough water for a potential disaster will give you and your family a source of hydration in case the power and water goes out in your town. Be sure to have at least one gallon of water for each person – that will last over a three-day period. Having food and water is a MUST to survive.
5. Have a Plan Ready for Your Entire Family: Planning your escape route is crucial in case you ever need to leave your location and head toward higher ground. This will prevent your family from panicking during desperate times.
6. Figure Out Where to Go If You Have Pets: Some Red Cross shelters don’t allow family pets so plan ahead to prevent panic. Searching local hotels or hostels will help keep the family together!
7. Be Sure To Have a First Aid Kit: Last but not least, your first aid kit is one of the most important items in your “Disaster Bag” to survive a storm. Having this by your side will provide band-aids or other items you may need. Special emergency blankets available for purchase at the American Red Cross store are also important in case your family might need to keep warm along your journey to safety.

Residents of northeastern Pennsylvania are lucky enough to have support from their local American Red Cross chapter! For more help on what to do in case of a disaster, read more here.