How I and My Family Are Prepared for a Natural Disaster

I live in North Texas, just on the southern edge of "Tornado Alley". One of the most threatening natural disasters here is the specter of a tornado. But, also, and more likely, is the possibility of flood (we live on the banks of a local lake) or fire - there is always the threat of fire. In the winter, snow and ice are a big deal, normally, the highway department is not prepared, so many people get stranded at work on snow days. So, with the North Texas weather it is a necessity that we are prepared.

Our emergency plan consists of three levels.
1) what we have on our person
2) that which is in our car
3) what we have at home

The first level is what we carry on our persons at all times. It's not that much, a pocket knife, a phone - all cell phones will dial 9-1-1 even if they don't have minutes, and rope (it's a survival bracelet). These three items will save your life, in any emergency.

The second level is what we carry in the car. This consists of two blankets, a flashlight, a change of clothes, fresh shoes, a first aide kit, granola bars, and several doses of daily medication. These items will allow you to spend the night away from home, or at the worse case, stay in your car.

Also, part of the second level is a well stocked first aide kit and tool box. If you find yourself on the road with a bunch of other people, say fleeing a disaster, first aide is essential. The tool box, that's just something everyone should have in their car - it should include road flares, jumper cables, a "fix-a-flat", electrical tape, and a tow cable (or more rope). Of course don't forget the screwdriver, hammer and wrenches in various sizes.

Does all of this take up space in my trunk? Yep, but not as much as you would think. I have all of the above in a small plastic tub that fits up under the back deck.

The third level of preparedness for us is in the house. We have several candles, with matches nearby, within reach of the adults. We have flashlights with fresh batteries placed strategically around the house. A "wind-up" weather radio, a gas powered lantern, and three days worth of non-perishable food are in an easily transportable plastic tub in the coat closet. So are several gallons of bottled water.

Lastly, I have scanned all of the important documents, i.e. Birth certificates, marriage license, deeds, insurance papers, and the will, and placed them on a thumb drive that resides in a fireproof box in the tub in the closet. This is in case the house burns down, these items are protected and can be reprinted at will. Other things you can put on this thumb drive is scans of all of your favorite pictures, these are irreplaceable, and, like the documents, can be printed at anytime if need be.

The last and most important part of our emergency plan is that everyone in the house knows where everything is, and knows what to do in case of any emergency. For instance, in the case of a tornado, we head to the center of the house, away from the windows and "shelter" under a blanket with the animals. In case of a fire, I grab the dog and a computer, while my husband grabs the cat and the tub from the closet and we have a predetermined meeting place.

All of this only works if you practice, and everyone has to know what to do. If not, that's what turns an emergency into a disaster.