Five Ways to Stay Prepared for Emergencies and Disasters at Home
February 27, 2025 | Tags:
Emergencies and disasters can happen with little to no warning. By taking the time to prepare now, you and your family will be ready to respond at a moment’s notice. Here are five ways to prepare for an emergency or disaster:
Stock-up on Food and Water
Your water supply should include one gallon per person per day or both drinking and sanitation purposes. When stocking up on food, make sure it’s non-perishable -- foods that do not have to be refrigerated and can be stored at room temperature.
Examples include:
- Canned and dried beans
- Fruits and vegetables
- Shelf-stable or non-dairy milk
Make sure you routinely replace expired items.
Have a Battery Backup
It's important to keep your cell phone charged so you can contact emergency services, family and other important connections. A portable power bank needs to be charged, too. Check your portable power bank at least once a month to test its battery health and make sure it's charged.
Our cell phones and televisions are our primary ways of receiving information these days, but a great alternative is a battery-operated radio when it comes to receiving emergency alerts. A battery-operated radio is especially helpful when the power goes out if you don’t have internet or cell connectivity. Have spare batteries available, too.
Maintain a First Aid Kit and Medications
It says it in the name. A first aid kit is an important tool to have so you can immediately tend to injuries while waiting for professional medical attention. Items in a first aid kit may contain bandages, gauze, gloves, wound-cleaning solutions, and cold compresses. Knowing where your over-the-counter or prescribed medications are is also a good idea.
Find a Safety Spot
Your non-perishable foods, water, battery-operated radio and first aid kit should be stored in a designated cool, dry place. Make sure all family members know where the safety spot is. All items stocked for your emergency or disaster kit should be routinely evaluated to fit the needs of you and your loved ones. Knowing you have these items properly stocked and put away in your safe spot now can provide you with peace of mind later.
Safely Operate Your Generator
A generator provides peace of mind by ensuring you can power essential devices even if the electricity goes out. Follow these important tips from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to keep you safe:
- Never operate your generator in an enclosed space. Instead, keep it and its fuel outside at least 20 feet away from doors, windows and vents.
- Even with your generator running outdoors, make sure you have working battery-powered carbon monoxide alarms inside your home. Carbon monoxide is called the “silent killer” because it is colorless and odorless.
- Use heavy-duty extension cords with the appropriate wattage and amperage rating to connect appliances to your generator.
- If an issues arises, refer to the instruction manual or ask a certified expert for help. It will save you time, your investment and your health.
Sources: The Department of Homeland Security, https://www.ready.gov/kit