“Preparedness is everyone’s responsibility — and the foundation of community resilience.” - FEMA, Are You Ready Guide (2023)
In 2025 alone, disasters like the Myanmar earthquake, Bolivia floods, and South Korea wildfires showed how vital early planning and safe travel really are. (Learn more: Alert and ongoing disasters recently)
Moreover, every year, millions of lives are affected by natural disasters across the globe - many of which could have been mitigated with better awareness and planning. Your choices today shape how you, your family, and your community cope tomorrow.
Why Preparedness Matters
According to the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), every US $1 spent on prevention saves up to $7 in disaster losses. Simple, consistent habits can literally save lives.
Preparedness starts with simple steps.
This guide highlights practical actions you can take right now-at home or in your neighbourhood to build resilience and create a stronger sense of readiness. Every small step counts.
1. Sign Up for Emergency Alerts and Warnings
Receive timely notifications from your local authority, FEMA app, or national alert system. Stay informed about weather warnings, evacuations, and safety updates for your region.
Pro Tip: Enable wireless emergency alerts (WEA) on your smartphone.
2. Make a Family Emergency Plan
Decide where to meet if you’re separated and how you’ll communicate if phones fail.
Include contacts outside your area and keep a hard-copy list in your wallet and go-bag.
Note: FEMA recommends testing your communication plan at least once per year.
3. Pack a Go-Bag with Essentials
Prepare a portable bag with enough supplies for each person for 72 hours - a global standard adopted by emergency agencies. Include water, non-perishable food, medications, first aid, power bank, and copies of vital documents.
Why it matters: The first 72 hours after a disaster are often the most critical for survival before help arrives.
4. Store Food and Water for at Least Three Days
Keep one gallon (≈ 3.8 L) of water per person per day. Check and rotate supplies every six months to prevent spoilage.
5. Learn Basic Home Safety Skills
Know how to turn off gas, water, and electricity.
Practice fire-extinguisher use and identify safe zones during earthquakes or storms.
According to the American Red Cross, “home readiness reduces injury risk by up to 50%.”
6. Review Your Insurance Coverage
Confirm that your home, vehicle, and health insurance include disaster coverage for floods, earthquakes, or windstorms. Review deductibles and store policy numbers in digital and printed form.
7. Safeguard Important Documents
Store birth certificates, IDs, titles, and insurance papers in a waterproof, fire-resistant container. Scan digital copies to cloud storage or an encrypted USB drive.
8. Plan How to Communicate During a Disaster
Have backups like walkie-talkies or satellite messengers for areas prone to power loss. Teach children how to send a basic text or use a safety app like “Find My.”
9. Protect Your Home from Hazards
Secure heavy furniture, inspect roofing and drains, and trim trees away from power lines. Use surge protectors and smoke detectors with regular battery checks.
10. Know Evacuation Routes and Shelters
Locate nearest public shelters and designate alternative routes if roads are blocked.
Follow official guidance - never risk flooded roads or downed power lines.
11. Plan Financially for Emergencies
Set aside a small cash reserve in mixed denominations.
Keep emergency funds separate from daily expenses to cover basic needs for one month.
12. Support Your Community and Neighbors
Preparedness is collective. Check on elderly neighbors or families with young children. Volunteer for local training programs such as Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).
🧰 Emergency Supply Checklist – PDF
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Stay one step ahead with our Free Emergency Supply Checklist by Grit Force Kits - your quick, practical guide to being prepared for anything. From go-bags to home safety essentials, this checklist helps you protect what matters most. [Download the Checklist (PDF)]
Are You Ready Guide for Citizen Preparedness - PDF
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) provides comprehensive natural disaster guides and resources within your families and communities, including "Are You Ready? An In-Depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness" PDF for free download.
Be Ready for Anything
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