The natural disasters in California over this past New Year remind us that we are all at risk of losing our home or business due to fires, flooding or weather-related disasters.   

There are different types of issues to plan for depending on where you live, whether urban or rural. Consider, for instance, what type of support system you have in your area to offer temporary shelter in case your home is compromised, and what potential health issues may arise from exposure to heat or cold ambient temperatures.   

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends simple steps to prepare for and to respond to potential emergencies, including natural disasters and terrorist attacks.

To prepare, individuals need to decide on three important things: prepare an emergency supply kit, formulate a family emergency plan, and be informed about the different types of emergencies that could occur in your area and their appropriate responses.   

AARP also publishes a comprehensive list of contents for a bug-out bag. It includes priority lists of the types of bags to pack, food and water considerations, personnel essentials, COVID needs, medication considerations, electronics that can assist you in an emergency and what type of paperwork you need to take with you.  There are commercial emergency packages available, but these can be more expensive than creating your own.

Most of the decisions on what to include depend on where you live, the potential disasters that could affect your area, and considerations about your family’s size, ages involved and health care issues.

Consider using backpacks as storage containers (excluding water).  Each backpack should not exceed 25 pounds, so that all members of the family, including older children, can take turns carrying them.  

In addition, take basic first aid and CPR classes offered in your community.

Finally, develop a family plan that details individual responsibilities if you have to vacate your home. If the family members are separated, there should be an agreement on where to meet. There should be a plan for where to evacuate if there is a regional emergency.

FEMA-recommended items to include in a basic emergency supply kit

• Water: one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation.
• Food: at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA weather radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both.  
• Flashlight and extra batteries stored in waterproof containers.
• First aid kit (see “A basic first aid kit” for contents).
• Whistle to signal for help.
• Face masks to help filter contaminated air and to filter water.
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation.
• Tool kit, including a wrench or pliers to turn off utilities. Also include knives of different sizes. Consider a small hatchet in car for cutting brush to start a fire, plus a small shovel.
• Matches in waterproof container.
• Can opener for food if kit contains canned food, but most experts recommend dehydrated food and meal packs found in camping stores. They are much more portable than canned goods.
• Local map.

In your car  

• Store sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.  
• Complete change of clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.  
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper—nine parts water to one part bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Do not use scented or color-safe bleaches, or those with added cleaners. Sixteen drops of chloride to a gallon of water will disinfect potentially contaminated water enough to drink.  
• Lightweight tent or tarp with grommets and nylon rope to create shelter.
• Fire extinguisher.
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste,   shaving equipment, etc.)
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels  
• Paper and pencil books, games, puzzles or other activities for children.

Additional items to consider adding to an emergency supply kit

• Prescription medications, glasses, batteries for hearing aids.
• Infant formula and diapers.  
• Dry pet food, extra water and collapsible bowl for your pet.  
• Important family documents, such as copies of insurance policies, passports and other forms of identification, and bank-account records in a waterproof, portable container. Empty your home safe.
• Cash and change.  Bring enough to last for at least a week, because ATMs do not work if there is no power.  Travelers’ checks are usually not accepted.
• Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information.