Preparing Your Home for a Natural Disaster

17 items · Home · Medium difficulty · 1 hour

Get your home ready for 72 hours after disaster: supplies, plans, and safety steps.

• Create an evacuation plan with primary and secondary routes

  Include multiple routes and vehicle info; consider flood/earthquake hazards.

• Choose and practice a family meeting point

  Pick a nearby spot and an out-of-area contact; run a quick drill.

• Assemble a 72-hour supply kit for each household member

  Review and refresh kit annually; store in an easy-to-grab location.

• Pack water (1 gallon per person per day for 3 days)

  Include extra for pets and heat; rotate every 6–12 months.

• Pack nonperishable food and a manual can opener

  Choose ready-to-eat items and comfort foods for kids/elderly.

• Pack prescription meds, copies of prescriptions, and hygiene items

  Include at least a 3-day supply and any special medical supplies.

• Collect hard copies of important documents in a waterproof container

  IDs, insurance, property deeds, medical info, and banking details.

• Create encrypted digital backups of documents to cloud and USB

  Use a password and store a copy off-site or in cloud storage.

• Locate and label utility shut-off valves and the electrical panel

  Identify gas meter, main water valve, and breaker box locations.

• Keep a gas shut-off wrench and water-valve tool accessible

  Store tools near the utility area in a labeled container.

• Mark and label electrical circuits at the breaker panel

  Label helps disconnect power to problem areas quickly.

• Prepare and check a first aid kit with essential supplies

  Include bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and personal meds.

• Compile an emergency contact list and store printed + digital copies

  Include local emergency services, insurance, out-of-area contact.

• Sign up for local emergency alerts and test a battery-powered radio

  Enable wireless alerts on phones and keep a charged NOAA radio.

• Prepare shelter-in-place supplies: masks, plastic sheeting, duct tape

  Use during chemical, smoke, or severe storm events.

• Secure heavy furniture, TVs, and appliances to reduce hazards

  Anchor bookcases, strap water heater, and fasten TVs.

• Prepare a pet emergency kit and plan for special-needs household members

  Include pet food, meds, carrier, and mobility/medical plans.

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