Catastrophes can happen at any time. Preparing to be self-sufficient for three days will keep you comfortable during major storms and power outages, and even small earthquakes. However, to make it through a major disaster like Hurricane Katrina or a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake, you’ll need to be prepared to be on your own for at least seven days (probably longer).
So the questions you need to ask yourself are, “How will my family and I survive? Is our current plan and stored supplies sufficient for being on our own for more than just a few days? Do my loved ones know what to do, and who to contact, if we are separated during a crisis?”
A little pre-planning now, and taking steps to prepare, will put your mind at ease and help you and your family make it through any situation.
Discuss how you will respond, stay informed, and contact one another during different situations. Practice your plan at least annually. A family emergency plan should include:
Assemble an emergency supply kit for your home, workplace, and vehicle. It doesn't have to be difficult or expensive.
Know your neighbors and discuss how you might share resources during a disaster. People helping each other in a crisis can make a significant difference in how well, and how quickly, you recover. Ways you can get more involved include: