How to Prepare for Natural Disasters: Protecting Your Home and Family

Your home is likely your largest investment and protecting it from natural disasters should be a priority. While we can’t control when disasters strike, we can control how prepared we are. Here’s your comprehensive guide to safeguarding your property and your loved ones.

Common Natural Disasters and Their Impact on Homes

Natural disasters can strike anywhere across the United States, each posing unique threats to your home and property: wildfires, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes and severe weather can all lead to structural damage. Understanding these risks in your area is the first step toward effective preparation.

Creating Your Emergency Action Plan

A solid emergency plan ensures your family knows exactly what to do when disaster strikes:

• Communication Plan: Designate an out-of-state contact person and establish meeting locations near your home and outside your neighborhood
• Evacuation Routes: Identify multiple routes out of your neighborhood, know where local emergency shelters are located, and keep your vehicle fueled
• Home Preparation: Know how to shut off utilities (gas, water, electricity), secure heavy furniture and appliances, and install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Practice your plan regularly with all family members so everyone knows their role.

Building Your Emergency Kit

Your emergency kit should sustain your family for at least 72 hours, though experts recommend supplies for up to two weeks.

Essential Supplies

• Water (1 gallon per person per day)
• Nonperishable food
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Medications and medical supplies
• Personal hygiene items
• Cash and credit cards
• Important documents (copies stored in a waterproof container)
• Emergency contact information
• Supplies for pets

Staying Alert: Local Emergency Systems

Sign Up for Alerts

• Register for your local emergency notification system
• Download weather apps and enable notifications
• Follow local emergency management on social media
• Consider a weather radio for overnight alerts

Protecting Important Documents

What to Safeguard

• Insurance policies (homeowner’s, auto, life, health)
• Property deeds and mortgage documents
• Birth certificates and Social Security cards
• Driver’s licenses and passports
• Bank account information
• Medical records and prescriptions
• Recent photos of your home and belongings

Storage Solutions

• Fireproof safe or safety deposit box for originals
• Digital copies stored in cloud storage
• Waterproof containers for emergency kits

Insurance Check-Up: Are You Really Covered?

Many homeowners discover gaps in their coverage only after a disaster strikes. Review your policies annually with your insurance agent.

• Review and update your emergency plan every six months
• Refresh emergency kit supplies annually
• Practice evacuation routes with your family
• Stay informed about local hazards and community preparedness efforts

Resources for Homeowners

• Local Emergency Management: Contact your local emergency management office for area-specific resources
• American Red Cross: Disaster preparedness resources and local training nationwide
• National Weather Service: Weather alerts and preparedness information for your region
• FEMA: Ready.gov for comprehensive disaster preparedness guides
• Disaster Assistance: Provides disaster survivors with information, support, services, and a means to access and apply for disaster assistance through joint data-sharing efforts between federal, tribal, state, local, and private sector partners.

Your Home, Your Future

We understand that your home represents more than just a financial investment—it’s where your family builds memories and finds security. By creating an emergency plan, building a comprehensive kit, staying connected to local alerts, safeguarding important documents, and ensuring adequate insurance coverage, you’re taking control of what you can control.

While we can’t prevent natural disasters, we can make sure they don’t become personal disasters. The best time to prepare is now, when you’re not under pressure. Your future self—and your family—will thank you for taking these steps today.