The best thing you can do when a natural disaster threatens your safety is be prepared for the effects whether they are direct or indirect. The sever storm or flood may not have directly hit your area, but it may knock out power or contaminate drinking water over a large area. Know your priorities in a natural disaster: water, food, and shelter are your top three in that order.
Consider different options for water supplies. Have about three liters per person in easy to carry containers should you need to evacuate the area. You may also want chemical or mechanical means of purifying local supplies of water. Make sure you know how to use your water purification systems and test them before a disaster situation.
High energy ready to eat food is ideal. Canned food, energy bars, and dried food that do not need to be cooked are good choices. Remember to replace food and water supplies once per year.
Warm, dry, safe shelter is an important part of dealing with a natural disaster. If evacuation is not required staying in your home is likely the best option. As part of your preparedness plan you should have out of the area options for shelter, such as homes of friends and family. As a last resort emergency shelters are available commercially and can be added to your kit.
Regardless of where you live, the threat of a natural disaster affecting you is always present. Your best defense against the affects is being prepared to respond.
