Natural Disaster Prep/Survival Supplies
I live in a hurricane zone. So every year, I go through my supplies and make sure I have everything we need just in case. I prep for loss of power and loss of clean water. This can apply to any natural disaster like tornadoes, flooding, earthquakes. Along with everything on this list- make sure you have everyone's medications up to date and secure. Any important documents together and secure. Pets medications and food. Shelf stable food products. AND WATER- ENOUGH FOR EVERYONE (+PETS) TO DRINK, ...
Emergency Alert
These are suggestions for what you need to alert someone of an emergency or stay connected to what is going on with the situation.
Always have a weather radio that is battery operated. This can also be charged with electricity.
Depending on the situation, having a way to signal to rescue services of your whereabouts is vital.
An everyday weather alert is important, especially if you live in tornado or flood prone areas where you don't have several days to prepare for the worst.
Portable weather radio.
Power
Everything you might need in order to have power (whether battery or electric) for your basic needs.
An easy way to organize/carry your battery supply.
Just an extra lighter that is chargeable and easy/safer to use.
If you can afford it- get a heavy duty generator for your home.
A smaller generator option.
A little more expensive solar power battery option.
A good thing to have for your generators.
AA Batteries for your equipment that needs them.
D Batteries for any equipment that may need them.
Try to have a charger for everyone's phone. You don't know when you will get cell service back and you will want to be ready.
AAA batteries for any equipment that may need it.
If you are lucky enough to know when disaster will strike, you will need backup battery for your phones. When fully charged, this provides at least 3 full charges on my Iphone.
If you need to make sure you have back up gas- these safety gas cans are a necessity.
First Aid
You never know if a medical emergency will arise. These are options to have in your first aid kit to help with any injuries or sickness.
Very important. Always have a first aid kit. You should have one in your home already honestly.
I am putting this under necessities because it has a lot of survival tools and basic first aid.
You never know when you are going to need to repair a piece of clothing vital for shielding you from the elements. Or if you will need to sew a wound in an emergency.
Sanitize everything. Period.
If you are left without shelter, you will need a bug repellent to minimize any health risks associated with bug bites…and just plain annoyance as well.
If you are exposed to the sun, you need sunscreen. Preferably a higher SPF that is water resistant. Protect your skin.
Some disasters may cause fires in your home. Have these on hand.
Waterproof to keep track of any injuries or illnesses. Or event that need to be documented.
If you wear glasses, have a repair kit. You will need it.
Help maintain a clean environment.
Have buckets on hand just in case. I have these because they are collapsible for easier storage.
Emergency packs of pain relievers, fever reducers, and anti-inflammatory.
In case of fire, have burn cream on hand until you can reach medical help.
A great addition to supplement your first aid kit.
Protection from the Elements
Whether securing documents or yourself, look at what you might need to survive if you are stranded or you lose safe shelter.
You want to make sure any important documents are in a waterproof/fireproof container.
Rain accompanies the majority of natural disasters. Make sure you are covered if you have to brave the elements.
Multipurpose in any emergency. Collect debris. Cover anything that needs to be protected from water, including your body or feet if needed.
Protect your hands when dealing with storm debris.
In case of flooding, protect your feet.
I am putting this under necessities because you may end up needing shelter and these are inexpensive.
Protect yourself from the sun. Always.
Protect your eyes if you are around damage and debris.
Have these to protect yourself in case of loss of shelter and warmth.
This will help you organize any important documents that need to be kept safe. You can have a folder for each member of your family. Gov documents, medical documents, etc.
If flooding is an issue, you will want to keep your feet dry if possible.
A larger, more efficient survival kit for those that want the extra security.
If you need light but also need hands free.
Without electricity, cash is king. Protect your cash.
Water
You will need CLEAN water. Period.
Another great option for storing water.
If you are able, these are a really good option to have clean water ready for any emergency.
I am adding this to remind you to make sure you stock up on bottled water. I know it isn't eco-friendly but in terms of survival, you need it.
Have a cooler on hand to store anything that may need to be cooked right away. You can also store water.
A great option if you run out of clean water.
Everyone having their own personal water bottle will help maintain control of the clean water situation.
Just in case you have to filter water from a natural source while on the go.
This allows you to utilize gravity to help filter water outdoors.
Cooking
You may need to cook off whatever is left over in your fridge. You should also have some shelf stable food products in case of emergency.
These will help a lot with keeping your hands and face clean and you won't be using the precious water supply.
A small cooking set to keep in your supplies.
Butane is important to have in your supplies for any cookware that may require it.
You never know what you will need to save/secure. Have a variety size pack.
Have a standard kettle available in case you absolutely need to boil water.
Have eco-friendly plates and utensils.
You can always buy your own shelf stable food but if you do not get any prior warning of a natural disaster, it doesn't hurt to have an emergency food kit on hand.
Another extra that doesn't hurt to have on hand in case you need to be cooking a lot without power.
Another option for cooking.
Visibility/Hygiene/Comfort/Warmth
Lanterns for visibility. Lighter for fire starters and staying warm. Fan for cooling down. Hygiene products to stay clean. Etc.
No power means no air conditioning. This will help keep things cooler.
For cooking and warmth, you will want lighters that are easy to use and refillable.
The light that these things emit is great. You don't want to be in the dark in a dangerous situation.
Everyone should have their own high quality flashlight in case of emergency.
For cleaning. Reusable. Easy to clean.
It says for teens. Whatever. In a pinch, anyone menstruating can use it and you never know when you are going to need it.
Anti-bacterial soap. Need I say more?
Always have backup. Remember early Covid days? Just be prepared.
Just in case your emergency requires a fire for warmth. Great tool for starting fires.
Hopefully you won't have to sleep outside of your home but if you do, it is worth having something between you and the ground.
If you have to sleep in cold temperatures.
If you can, have a hygiene kit. It will make you feel better in a bad situation.
This way you won't use precious clean water to clean your hair but also keep a little bit of your sanity by being able to take care of your hair.
Pets
Don't forget pet food and medications.
I am a furmom so this is a necessity. Your pets may be injured or sick as well. This is also good for travelling.
If you have a pet and you don't have a carrier- get one. Minimize chances of pets getting lost or hurt.
To help organize your pets needs.
If you have a cat, this would save a lot of hassle if you want.
These will come in handy if you dog cannot go outside due to weather.
Securing Property
Some useful products to cover and help secure the house from water damage and wind damage. Nothing is definite but you can at least try.
This is the first line of flood barrier defense. Check with your local government for sand pick ups.
In case of hurricane or tropical storm- secure outdoor furniture with these. Minimize possible projectiles in high wind situations.
Use this to cover anything exposed to the elements or temporarily repair things destroyed such as your roof.
Another multipurpose necessity.
Rope comes in handy in many situations. Try to always have some in your kit.
It never hurts to have a survival knife.
In case you want to take pictures of any damage to report later.
An upgraded option for flood defense. I have some for every entryway in my home.