How to Prepare for Emergencies and Survival (Made Simple)

Benjamin Franklin once said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”

It’s a simple truth, but one that holds especially true when it comes to emergencies. 

We all know that life can be unpredictable. One minute everything’s normal, and the next, you’re facing a situation you never saw coming.

While we can’t control everything that might happen, we can take a few practical steps now to make sure we’re ready when things go wrong.

In this article, I will break down simple, practical steps you can take to be ready for whatever comes your way.

Why Preparedness Matters?

Preparedness is crucial because emergencies can happen at any time when we least expect them, so it’s essential to have all the necessary supplies ready in a designated, easily accessible area of your home for when disaster strikes.

When you're prepared, you can respond quickly and effectively, reducing stress and ensuring the safety of yourself and above all else, your loved ones.

Not only is it important to have your emergency kits ready, but being mentally and emotionally prepared is just as important.

You don’t want to be scrambling or panicking when an emergency occurs. Instead, you want to be ready and stay ahead of the situation.

When an emergency happens, staying calm and collected can really help you respond better and make smart choices.

What Kinds of Emergencies Should You Be Ready For?

The first step in getting prepared is to consider the types of emergencies that could occur in your area. If you live in a region prone to hurricanes or wildfires, your supplies and plans will differ from someone living in an urban environment.

Think about the most likely risks in your location and take practical steps now to prepare.

Here are some common emergencies that might come your way, and later on I will give a step-by-step guide on how to prepare for survival.

1. Natural Disasters

Natural disasters can happen without warning, and they often bring chaos and uncertainty. But with a little planning and preparation, you can reduce the impact they have on your life and keep yourself and your family safe.

You may want to check out these actions I’ve outlined for various types of emergencies to help you prepare effectively for natural disasters.

Floods

• Discuss and establish a flood response plan with all household members.
• Make sure your pets are part of the plan to keep them safe.
• Get to know the local evacuation routes.
• Understand how to respond to flash floods quickly and safely.
• Make sure each family member knows their responsibilities during a flood emergency.
• Stockpile non-perishable food items sufficient for several days.
• Store clean drinking water for household and pet needs.
• Include essential cleaning supplies for post-flood sanitation.
• Prepare to evacuate your home quickly if needed.
• Pack an emergency bag for each family member, including your pets.
• Gather necessities in case utilities, transportation, or communication are cut off.
• Ensure medications and important documents are easily accessible.

Hurricanes, Tornadoes, and Cyclones

• Clear gutters and drains of debris to prevent flooding.
• Move outdoor furniture indoors.
• Consider installing hurricane-resistant shutters or reinforcements.
• Gather essentials, including medications, hygiene products, and pet supplies.
• Ensure all household members are familiar with your hurricane strategy.
• Map out evacuation routes and practice using them with your family and pets.
• Identify a safe place to stay during an evacuation.
• Rely on local emergency management for the latest safety recommendations.
• For tornadoes, ensure your home has a designated safe space, like a basement or storm cellar, where you can take cover.
• Use multiple channels to receive emergency notifications (e.g., FEMA app, weather alerts).
• Plan for limited access to resources for several days or more after the storm.

Earthquakes & Tsunamis

• Learn to recognize warning signs, such as an earthquake, loud ocean noises, or sudden changes in the water level.
• Practice “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” drills to help everyone in your family know what to do during an earthquake.
• Plan multiple evacuation paths from your home, workplace, and common locations.
• Make a family communication plan with someone who lives out of state.
• Decide on a meeting place if family members are separated.
• Pack a kit with food, water, a flashlight, a fire extinguisher, and a whistle to last for several days.
• Follow local emergency alerts and evacuation instructions without delay.

Wildfires

If you live in a dry region, especially one prone to drought, these steps can help:

• Ensure everyone in your household knows what to do in case of an evacuation, including a plan for work, daycare, and frequent locations.
• Assemble emergency supplies.
• Choose a safe location to go to if you need to evacuate.
• Use fire-resistant materials for building, renovations, or repairs.
• Set up an outdoor water source with a hose that can reach all areas of your property.
• Create a fire-resistant zone at least 30 feet around your home by removing leaves, debris, and flammable materials.
• Designate a room in your home that can be sealed from outdoor air with a portable air cleaner to minimize smoke pollution indoors.
• Be prepared to leave quickly if ordered to evacuate by local authorities.
• Adhere to the official directions and advice regarding wildfire dangers.

2. Health Emergencies

Health emergencies can have a serious impact on our lives and communities. These situations can lead to illness, stress, and disruptions in our daily routines so being prepared is crucial for keeping ourselves and our loved ones safe.

Here's what you can do to prepare before and during a health crisis.

Pandemics & Epidemics

• Keep your hands clean with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds.
• Use hand sanitizer containing 60% alcohol if soap and water are inaccessible.
• Refrain from touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay a minimum of six feet apart from those outside your household.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a mask when you're in public.
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces regularly.
• Limit your time outside the home to help prevent the spread of illness.
• Follow up-to-date guidelines from the CDC and local health authorities.
• Be vaccinated to boost your immunity and keep yourself and others safe.
• Learn how diseases spread, including transmission through direct contact, surfaces, and asymptomatic individuals.
• Prepare for possible closures of schools, workplaces, and community spaces by exploring virtual options for learning, work, and social activities.
• Stock up on essentials like cleaning supplies, non-perishable foods, prescriptions, and bottled water, purchasing gradually to avoid shortages.
• Develop a family emergency plan to address potential pandemic-related disruptions.

Infectious Diseases

• Regularly wash your hands and encourage others to do the same, especially before eating and after touching public surfaces.
• Keep a first-aid kit with essential items like band-aids, antiseptic, and any personal medications.
• Consider getting vaccines that may be recommended for your area, like the flu vaccine, to help prevent illness.
• Keep your home clean, disinfect high-touch areas like doorknobs, and avoid crowded places if possible.

3. Man-Made Emergencies

Man-made emergencies are situations caused by human actions, whether accidental or intentional. These can include things like chemical spills, power outages, or even acts of violence.

So, in case of these types of emergencies. Here are things you can do be prepared:

Power Outages

• Identify essential items that rely on electricity and plan for alternatives.
• Keep batteries, portable chargers, or power banks on hand.
• Ensure each household member has access to a flashlight.
• Check if your phone will work during an outage and also the battery backup duration.
• Place carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup on each floor of your home.
• Disconnect appliances, electronics, and equipment to avoid damage from power surges when electricity returns.

Public Attacks

• Prioritize escaping the attacker and moving to safety.
• Leave belongings behind and focus on getting away quickly.
• If escape isn’t possible, find a secure hiding spot out of the attacker’s view.
• If possible, place a strong barrier between yourself and the threat.
• Secure doors by locking and blocking them, close the blinds, and turn off the lights.
• Stay silent to avoid detection.
• Only fight as a last resort when you cannot run or hide.
• Act quickly and firmly to stop the attacker.
• Use objects like chairs, fire extinguishers, or scissors, or for self-defense.
• Enlist others to help in ambushing the attacker if possible.
• Be prepared to take strong action to stop the threat if needed.
• Prioritize your own safety before helping others.
• Help injured individuals move to safety and provide basic care if possible.
• Dial 911 as soon as it is safe.

Chemical Spills

• Store household chemicals in locations out of children’s reach.
• Use locks or childproofing for cabinets and storage areas if children are present.
• Keep hazardous products in their original containers with labels intact unless the container is corroding.
• Repackage corroded containers in clearly labeled, safe alternatives.
• Avoid storing hazardous chemicals in food containers.
• Do not mix household chemicals; some combinations (e.g., bleach and ammonia) can cause dangerous reactions.
• Avoid using products like hair spray, cleaning solutions, paint, or pesticides near open flames.
• Immediately clean up chemical spills and allow fumes from used rags to dissipate outdoors.
• Dispose of contaminated rags by wrapping them in newspaper, sealing them in a plastic bag, and placing them in the trash.

Step-by-Step Guide on How To Prepare for Emergencies

You don’t have to feel overwhelmed when preparing and it doesn’t have to be hard either. Just a few basic steps can help you feel more confident and ready for whatever comes your way. 

Here are the things that you can basically do together with your family or loved ones.

#1. Assemble Your Survival Kit

Your survival kit is a must-have for your home. As I mentioned, you never know what might come your way, so it’s always better to have your kit ready for any incident or emergency.

I recommend placing it in a specific area of your home, such as the living room or storage room, where you can easily grab it in case you need to evacuate or respond quickly.

But most importantly, what should you include in your survival kit?

Here are important items that you must include in your survival kit:

Water

Make sure to have at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. Water is crucial for staying hydrated, especially in emergencies when you might not have access to clean water.

Non-Perishable Food

Stock up on enough food that won’t go bad for a few days. Good options include canned goods, energy bars, dried fruits, and nuts. These foods don’t need refrigeration and can provide the energy you need during an emergency.

First Aid Kit

Your first aid kit should have basic supplies to treat minor injuries. Include items like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, gauze pads, and any personal medications you or your family members may need.

It’s also a good idea to have a manual that explains how to use the supplies.

Flashlight

A reliable flashlight is very important for providing light during power outages. Make sure to pack extra batteries so you won’t be left in the dark. You might also consider a headlamp for hands-free lighting.

Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Radio

A battery-powered or hand-crank radio will help you stay informed about emergency updates and weather alerts. This is especially important if the power goes out and you can’t use your phone.

Whistle

A whistle can be a lifesaver if you need to signal for help. It’s much louder than yelling and can help rescuers locate you more easily.

Dust Mask

A dust mask can help filter out contaminated air, which is especially useful during wildfires or other situations where air quality may be poor. It’s a simple way to protect your lungs.

Multi-tool or Knife

A multi-tool or knife is handy for various tasks, from opening cans to making repairs. Go for one that packs a few tools into a small, easy-to-carry size.

Local Maps

Having local maps on hand is important in case you need to navigate without GPS. In an emergency, phone signals may be down, so having a physical map can guide you safely.

Personal Hygiene Items

Of course, don’t forget personal hygiene items like soap, hand sanitizer, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and feminine supplies. Staying clean is important for your health and comfort during stressful times.

Other Things to Keep on Hand for Emergencies

• Portable Phone Charger: In case of power loss.
• Extra Clothing: Layers to stay warm or dry, including rain gear.
• Fire Extinguisher: Especially important in areas prone to wildfires or other fire risks.
• Sleeping Bag or Warm Blankets: To ensure comfort during cold nights.
• Important Documents: Keep copies of IDs, insurance policies, and medical records in a waterproof container.

By packing these items in your survival kit, you’ll be ready to tackle emergencies more effectively and ensure the safety and well-being of yourself and your loved ones.

#2. Make a Plan With Your Family

If you’ve gathered all the necessary items for your survival kit, the next step is to sit down, talk, and plan with your family.

It’s essential that every family member knows the answers to these questions:

• Who will you call if you’re separated? Ensure everyone knows how to contact each other.
• Where will you go if you can’t stay at home? Identify safe locations, whether it’s a friend’s house, a relative’s place, or a designated shelter.
• What is your meeting point? Choose a specific spot where everyone can reunite if separated.
• What should you do with pets? Plan how to care for your pets during an emergency and make sure everyone understands their responsibilities.
• What are the evacuation routes? Familiarize yourselves with the best routes to take in case you need to leave quickly.

If you address these questions together with your family, you’ll definitely create a solid plan that helps everyone feel more secure and prepared for any situation.

You don’t want any member of your family to be left behind so planning with them is simple yet very crucial for survival.

#3. Stay Safe & Secure

Staying safe and secure is an important part of being prepared, especially when things feel uncertain. 

You don’t need a lot of weapons to protect yourself, but having some basic safety measures can really help.

If you live in an area where there might be civil unrest or break-ins, it’s a good idea to have a simple self-defense plan. 

Make sure your doors and windows are locked and secure to keep unwanted visitors out.

Is there a back door or window that might be easy to overlook? Double-check your locks, and if possible, install extra security measures, like motion-sensor lights or security cameras.

If you have a garage or basement, make sure those are secure, too.

It’s also important to know when to stay put and when to leave. If there’s danger nearby, trust your instincts. If the situation gets bad, have an emergency exit plan so you can get out fast if you need to.

Again, don’t forget to talk about it with your family. Everyone should know where to go and what to do if things take a turn.

#4. Keep Some Cash

In emergencies, credit cards and digital payments might not work, especially if there’s a power outage or system failure. That’s why it’s a smart idea to keep some cash on hand.

Having cash can be incredibly helpful for purchasing food, gas, or supplies you may have overlooked.

Small bills are particularly useful since they’re easier to use for making exact payments or trading.

It’s also a good idea to have some coins on hand in case you need to pay for things like parking or public transportation.

#5. Learn Some Basic Survival Skills

If you want to ensure you can survive, it’s essential to learn some basic survival skills.

Skills like starting a fire, purifying water, administering basic first aid, navigating with a map or compass, and setting up a shelter are all invaluable when the need arises.

It’s also helpful to know how to find food in the wild, whether through foraging or fishing, and how to signal for help if you’re in trouble.

And, of course, don’t forget self-defense. Knowing how to protect yourself can help ensure not only your safety but also the safety of those around you.

#6. Stay Calm

I mentioned earlier in the article that to be fully prepared, you must also develop mental fortitude.

What I mean by this is that during stressful and challenging situations—when panic and chaos start to take over—you need to be able to collect yourself, stay calm, and think clearly when an emergency arises.

As Marcus Aurelius once said, “You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”

By controlling your reactions and staying calm, you’ll make smarter decisions and avoid becoming overwhelmed by the situation.

#7. Think Long-Term

Emergencies and disasters don’t always get resolved in a few days. Sometimes, they can stretch on for weeks or even months.

That’s why it’s a good idea to think about how you’d manage in the long run, especially if you’re cut off from regular services like stores, water, or power.

If you have the space, consider growing a small garden or setting up a system to collect rainwater. You don’t need to go full-on homesteading, but even having a few plants that provide fresh vegetables or herbs could be a lifesaver.

Plants like tomatoes, lettuce, carrots, or microgreens can thrive in small spaces and help supplement your food supply when stores are out of stock or difficult to access.

These aren’t things you need to tackle all at once, but taking a longer-term view can make life much easier if an unexpected situation lasts longer than anticipated.

To Wrap It Up…

The more prepared you are, the more at ease you’ll feel when the unexpected happens.

Start with a simple survival kit, learn a few basic skills, and create an emergency plan with your family.

Even if you just take a few steps toward being ready, you’ll be in a much better position if something unexpected happens.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)