Urban Preppers with Kids, Pets &Parents

1. Prepare for disasters with a comprehensive emergency kit and plan

"Store a four week supply of water and food. During a pandemic, if you cannot get to a store, or if stores are out of supplies, it will be important for you to have extra supplies on hand."

Build a 72-hour kit. This should include non-perishable food, water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, and medications. Extend this to a 2-week or 30-day supply if possible. Include items specific to your family's needs, such as pet supplies, infant formula, or medical equipment.

Create a family emergency plan. Designate meeting places both within and outside your neighborhood. Establish an out-of-area contact person who can relay messages between separated family members. Practice your plan regularly, including evacuation routes and communication procedures.

Essential documents to include in your emergency kit:

• Copies of identification
• Insurance policies
• Bank account records
• Prescriptions
• Family contact information

2. Understand and mitigate risks specific to your location

"Familiarity may save your life. Be able to follow your escape route at night and during inclement weather. You should be able to reach your safe location on foot within 15 minutes."

Assess local hazards. Research the most likely natural disasters in your area, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, or wildfires. Understand the specific risks associated with your home's location, such as proximity to flood zones, fault lines, or wildfire-prone areas.

Implement mitigation strategies. Based on your local risks, take steps to protect your property. This may include:

• Installing hurricane shutters or impact-resistant windows
• Reinforcing your roof and garage doors
• Clearing brush and creating defensible space for wildfire protection
• Elevating important items in flood-prone areas
• Securing heavy furniture and appliances to prevent tipping during earthquakes

3. Secure your home against various hazards and intruders

"Hardening your home to discourage burglars."

Exterior security measures. Install sturdy doors with deadbolts, reinforce windows, and consider security cameras or motion-activated lights. Create the appearance of occupancy when you're away by using timers on lights and radios.

Interior safety precautions. Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home. Keep fire extinguishers accessible and know how to use them. Consider creating a safe room or designating a secure area within your home for emergencies.

Additional home security steps:

• Trim bushes and trees near windows and doors
• Use sturdy locks on all entry points, including garage doors
• Install a security system and display signs prominently
• Get to know your neighbors and establish a neighborhood watch program

4. Learn essential survival skills for different disaster scenarios

"If you can't get out, close the door and cover vents and cracks around doors with cloth or tape to keep smoke out. Call 9-1-1 or your fire department. Say where you are and signal for help at the window with a light-colored cloth or a flashlight."

Basic survival techniques. Learn how to purify water, start a fire, and provide first aid. Understand the principles of shelter construction and how to signal for help in various environments.

Scenario-specific skills. Develop skills tailored to likely disaster scenarios in your area. This may include:

• Learning to swim and perform water rescues for flood-prone areas
• Understanding earthquake safety procedures, such as "Drop, Cover, and Hold On"
• Practicing wildfire evacuation drills and creating go-bags
• Learning how to shut off utilities in case of gas leaks or other hazards

5. Develop a family communication strategy for emergencies

"It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members."

Establish communication protocols. Agree on primary and backup methods of communication, such as texting, social media, or using a specific app designed for emergency communication.

Designate an out-of-area contact. Choose someone who lives far enough away to be unaffected by the local disaster. Ensure all family members know this person's contact information and understand the plan to check in with them.

Key elements of a family communication plan:

• List of important phone numbers and addresses
• Designated meeting places (both local and out-of-town)
• School and workplace emergency procedures
• Plan for reuniting with pets if separated
• Regular practice and updates of the plan

6. Know how to respond to natural disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes

"Drop, cover and hold on. Minimize your movements to a few steps to a nearby safe place and if you are indoors, stay there until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe."

Earthquake response. Identify safe spots in each room, such as under sturdy tables or against interior walls. Stay away from windows, bookcases, and heavy objects that could fall.

Hurricane preparedness. Board up windows, secure outdoor objects, and be ready to evacuate if ordered. Have a battery-powered radio to stay informed about the storm's progress and official instructions.

General natural disaster tips:

• Follow evacuation orders promptly
• Stay informed through official channels
• Avoid floodwaters and downed power lines
• Be prepared for power outages and disruptions to normal services

7. Be prepared for man-made threats such as nuclear incidents and terrorism

"If you are told to evacuate, keep car windows and vents closed; use re-circulating air."

Nuclear incident response. Understand the concepts of time, distance, and shielding. Minimize exposure time, maximize distance from the source, and use dense materials as shielding.

Terrorism awareness. Be vigilant in public spaces and report suspicious activities. Know emergency exits and have a plan for various scenarios, such as active shooter situations.

Key actions for man-made threats:

• Follow official instructions for sheltering or evacuation
• Have a supply of potassium iodide tablets for nuclear incidents (if recommended by authorities)
• Create an emergency communication plan with family and coworkers
• Stay informed through reliable news sources

8. Prioritize personal safety and health during and after disasters

"If you have come in to contact with or have been exposed to hazardous chemicals, follow decontamination instructions from local authorities."

Health precautions. Stock up on necessary medications and first aid supplies. Learn basic first aid and CPR. Be aware of potential health risks specific to different types of disasters, such as waterborne illnesses after floods or respiratory issues from wildfire smoke.

Mental health considerations. Recognize the psychological impact of disasters and have strategies to cope with stress and anxiety. This may include:

• Staying connected with loved ones
• Practicing relaxation techniques
• Seeking professional help when needed
• Limiting exposure to distressing news coverage

9. Protect your finances and important documents in case of emergencies

"Keep food in covered containers or in the refrigerator. Food not previously covered should be washed before being put into containers."

Financial preparedness. Maintain an emergency fund with enough cash to cover several months of expenses. Keep some cash on hand in case ATMs and electronic payment systems are unavailable.

Document protection. Store important documents in a waterproof, portable container or a secure digital format. This should include:

• Identification documents (passports, birth certificates, etc.)
• Insurance policies and contact information
• Financial records and account numbers
• Medical information and prescriptions
• Property records (deeds, titles, etc.)

10. Foster community resilience and support networks

"Help a neighbor who may require special assistance - infants, elderly people and people with access and functional needs may require additional assistance."

Build local connections. Get to know your neighbors and participate in community emergency preparedness efforts. Join or form a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) to learn valuable skills and contribute to local resilience.

Support vulnerable populations. Identify and assist those who may need extra help during emergencies, such as elderly neighbors, people with disabilities, or families with young children.

Ways to foster community resilience:

• Participate in local emergency drills and exercises
• Share resources and information with neighbors
• Volunteer with local disaster relief organizations
• Advocate for community-wide preparedness initiatives

Last updated: November 20, 2024