Natural Disaster Prep

Natural Disaster Preparedness Guide

Disclaimer: This guide provides general disaster preparedness information. Always follow official guidance from local emergency management agencies, FEMA, the National Weather Service, and the Red Cross during actual emergencies. Risks vary significantly by geographic location. Know your specific local hazards.

When to Use

Use this skill when:

• User asks about natural disaster prep techniques or best practices
• User needs guidance on natural disaster prep concepts
• User wants to implement or improve their approach to natural disaster prep

Do NOT use when:

• The request falls outside the scope of natural disaster prep
• User needs a different specialized skill for their specific situation
• The topic requires professional consultation beyond general guidance

Questions to Ask First

1. What natural disasters are most likely in your geographic area?
2. Do you live in a designated flood zone, wildfire interface, earthquake zone, or hurricane/tornado corridor?
3. How many people are in your household (including pets and anyone with special needs)?
4. Do you have current emergency supplies (72-hour kit, water, food)?
5. Does your family have a communication and meeting plan?
6. When was the last time you reviewed your insurance coverage?
7. Do you know your evacuation routes and local shelter locations?
8. Is your home structurally prepared for your area's most likely disasters?
9. Do you have important documents backed up and accessible?
10. How would you receive emergency alerts (phone, radio, siren)?

Disaster Type 1: Earthquake Preparedness

Before an Earthquake

Home preparation:

• Secure heavy furniture to walls (bookshelves, dressers, water heaters)
• Install latches on cabinets (prevents contents from flying out)
• Secure overhead lights and ceiling fans
• Place heavy objects on lower shelves
• Know how to shut off gas, water, and electricity
• Store breakable items in low, closed cabinets
• Anchor water heater to wall studs
• Ensure home is bolted to its foundation (older homes may not be)
• Have a wrench near the gas meter for shutoff

Emergency supplies:

• 72-hour kit (minimum), ideally 2 weeks
• Water purification methods (pipes may break)
• Heavy-duty shoes near each bed (broken glass)
• Flashlight near each bed
• Whistle near each bed (for signaling if trapped)
• Fire extinguisher
• First aid kit with trauma supplies

During an Earthquake

If indoors:

• DROP to your hands and knees
• Take COVER under a sturdy desk or table
• HOLD ON until the shaking stops
• Stay away from windows, mirrors, and heavy objects that could fall
• Do NOT run outside during shaking
• Do NOT stand in a doorway (this is a myth for modern buildings)

If outdoors:

• Move to an open area away from buildings, trees, and power lines
• Drop to the ground and protect your head

If driving:

• Pull over to the side of the road away from overpasses, bridges, and buildings
• Stay in the car until shaking stops

After an Earthquake

• Expect aftershocks (can be nearly as strong as the main quake)
• Check for injuries and provide first aid
• Check for gas leaks (smell, hissing sound) -- if detected, leave immediately and do not use any flame or electrical switches
• Check for structural damage before re-entering buildings
• Do not use elevators
• Be cautious of downed power lines
• Listen to emergency broadcasts

Disaster Type 2: Hurricane Preparedness

Before Hurricane Season (June 1 - November 30)

Home preparation:

• Install or test hurricane shutters or have plywood cut to size for windows
• Trim trees and remove dead branches
• Reinforce garage doors (most vulnerable entry point)
• Clear gutters and drains
• Review and photograph home contents for insurance
• Secure outdoor furniture and loose items
• Know your evacuation zone (local emergency management website)
• Identify shelters and evacuation routes

Supply checklist (in addition to standard 72-hour kit):

• Plywood or storm shutters for all windows
• Generator (if used: NEVER run indoors or in garage)
• Fuel for generator (stored safely outside)
• Battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio
• Extra water (flooding can contaminate water supply)
• Plastic sheeting and tarps (for temporary roof repairs)
• Chainsaw and hand tools (for debris clearing)

Hurricane Watch vs. Warning

During a Hurricane (If Sheltering in Place)

• Stay indoors, away from windows
• Move to an interior room on the lowest floor
• Close all interior doors (adds structural support)
• Do not go outside during the eye of the storm (the second half is coming)
• Fill bathtubs with water (for flushing toilets if water is lost)
• Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings (food preservation during outage)

After a Hurricane

• Do not return home until authorities say it is safe
• Avoid floodwater (contaminated, may hide hazards, can be electrically charged)
• Document all damage with photos and video before cleanup
• Contact insurance company immediately
• Be cautious of carbon monoxide from generators (outdoor use only)
• Boil water until officials confirm water supply is safe

Disaster Type 3: Tornado Preparedness

Tornado Risk Assessment

• Know if you are in Tornado Alley or a tornado-prone area
• Tornado season varies by region (spring and summer in most areas)
• Tornadoes can happen at any time of day but are most common afternoon through evening
• Mobile homes are extremely vulnerable -- identify a nearby sturdy shelter

Preparation Checklist

• Identify your safe room (interior room, lowest floor, no windows)
• Basement, storm cellar, or reinforced interior room (bathroom, closet)
• If in a mobile home, identify the nearest sturdy building
• Have helmets or heavy blankets for head protection
• NOAA weather radio with battery backup and auto-alert
• Practice tornado drills with your family
• Know the difference between watch and warning

Tornado Watch vs. Warning

During a Tornado

• Go to your designated safe room immediately
• Get under a sturdy piece of furniture
• Cover yourself with a mattress, heavy blankets, or pillows
• Protect your head and neck
• If caught outside, lie flat in a ditch or low area, cover your head
• Do NOT seek shelter under highway overpasses
• Do NOT try to outrun a tornado in a car (if you can see it, seek shelter)

Disaster Type 4: Flood Preparedness

Flood Risk Assessment

• Check FEMA flood maps (msc.fema.gov) for your property's flood zone
• Understand that flood damage is NOT covered by standard homeowner's insurance
• National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policies have a 30-day waiting period

Preparation Checklist

• Know your flood zone designation
• Purchase flood insurance (do not wait until a storm is coming)
• Elevate electrical systems, water heaters, and appliances above flood level
• Install check valves in plumbing (prevents backup)
• Clear gutters and drains regularly
• Have sandbags available or know where to get them
• Know your property's elevation relative to nearby water sources
• Waterproof your basement (sump pump with battery backup)

Flash Flood Safety

The leading cause of weather-related death in the US is drowning in flash floods.

• NEVER drive through flooded roads ("Turn Around, Don't Drown")
• 6 inches of water can knock you off your feet
• 12 inches of water can carry away a small car
• 24 inches of water can carry away most vehicles
• Move to higher ground immediately if flooding is imminent
• Avoid walking through floodwater (hidden hazards, contamination, electrical danger)

After a Flood

• Do not return until authorities declare it safe
• Document all damage before cleanup
• Photograph everything for insurance claims
• Assume floodwater is contaminated (sewage, chemicals, debris)
• Discard food that contacted floodwater
• Disinfect everything that was submerged
• Watch for mold (begins growing within 24-48 hours)
• Have electrical system inspected before restoring power

Disaster Type 5: Wildfire Preparedness

Defensible Space (If You Live in a Wildfire Interface Area)

Zone 1 (0-5 feet from home):

• No combustible materials (mulch, plants, storage)
• Non-flammable ground cover (gravel, concrete)
• Clean roof and gutters of debris
• Screen vents with 1/8-inch metal mesh

Zone 2 (5-30 feet from home):

• Space trees so crowns are 10+ feet apart
• Remove dead vegetation and debris
• Keep grass mowed to 4 inches or shorter
• Remove tree branches within 6 feet of the ground
• Move firewood and propane tanks away from structures

Zone 3 (30-100 feet from home):

• Reduce density of trees and brush
• Remove dead trees and vegetation
• Create fuel breaks (driveways, gravel paths)

Wildfire Evacuation

When to go: If authorities issue an evacuation order, leave IMMEDIATELY. Do not wait. Wildfires move faster than you think, especially uphill and with wind.

Go-bag essentials for wildfire:

• Standard go-bag plus:
• N95 masks (smoke protection)
• Eye protection (goggles)
• Long-sleeved cotton clothing (not synthetic -- melts)
• Important documents and photos
• Charging cables and batteries

Before leaving:

• Close all windows and doors (do not lock -- firefighters may need access)
• Remove flammable curtains from windows
• Move combustible furniture to center of rooms
• Turn on exterior lights (makes house visible in smoke)
• Leave a ladder against the house for firefighter roof access
• Shut off gas at the meter

Disaster Type 6: Winter Storm Preparedness

Preparation Checklist

• Insulate pipes (especially in unheated areas)
• Service heating system before winter
• Stock heating fuel (propane, wood, heating oil)
• Have backup heating source (fireplace, space heater -- with safety features and ventilation)
• Insulate windows and doors (weatherstripping, plastic film)
• Stock winter driving supplies in vehicles
• Have rock salt or sand for walkways
• Stock extra medications (may not be able to get to pharmacy)

Winter storm supply additions:

• Extra blankets and warm clothing
• Hand and foot warmers
• High-calorie food that requires no cooking
• Extra water (pipes may freeze)
• Camp stove with fuel (for outdoor use or well-ventilated area only)
• Extra pet food and supplies

Vehicle Winter Emergency Kit

• Blanket or sleeping bag
• Extra warm clothing (hat, gloves, boots)
• Non-perishable snacks and water
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Ice scraper and small shovel
• Kitty litter or sand (for traction)
• Jumper cables
• Phone charger (car and portable)
• Emergency flares or reflective triangles

During a Winter Storm

• Stay indoors if possible
• If you must drive, tell someone your route and expected arrival time
• If stranded in your vehicle, stay with the car, run the engine 10 minutes per hour for heat (crack a window to prevent CO poisoning), tie a bright cloth to the antenna
• NEVER use a generator, grill, or camp stove indoors (carbon monoxide kills)
• Watch for signs of frostbite (numbness, white or grayish skin) and hypothermia (shivering, confusion, slurred speech)

Post-Disaster Recovery

Immediate Recovery Priorities

1. Account for all family members
2. Assess injuries and provide first aid
3. Check structural safety before entering buildings
4. Shut off utilities if damage is suspected
5. Document all damage with photos and video
6. Contact insurance company
7. Register with FEMA for disaster assistance (if a federal disaster is declared)
8. Apply for SBA disaster loans (if eligible)

Insurance Review Checklist (Do This Before a Disaster)

• Review homeowner's/renter's policy coverage and limits
• Understand what is and is not covered
• Purchase flood insurance if in or near a flood zone (not covered by standard policies)
• Consider earthquake insurance if in a seismic area (not covered by standard policies)
• Create a home inventory with photos/video of all rooms and contents
• Store insurance documents in the cloud and in your go-bag
• Know your deductibles (especially wind/hurricane deductibles, which can be percentage-based)
• Review annually and update after major purchases or renovations

Community Resilience

Building Community Preparedness

• Know your neighbors (especially vulnerable individuals -- elderly, disabled, those living alone)
• Join or start a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
• Participate in neighborhood watch and community groups
• Share resources and skills (someone may have a generator, another a chainsaw, another medical training)
• Establish a neighborhood communication plan
• Identify community meeting points and resources
• Participate in local emergency preparedness exercises and drills

Helping After a Disaster

• Donate cash to established organizations (not unsolicited goods)
• Volunteer through organized channels (Red Cross, local emergency management)
• Check on neighbors, especially vulnerable populations
• Share accurate information (do not spread rumors)
• Support local businesses during recovery

The time to prepare is before a disaster strikes. Know your risks, make a plan, build your supplies, and practice with your family. Even basic preparation dramatically improves outcomes for you and your community.

Process

1. Gather information. Ask the user clarifying questions to understand their specific situation, goals, and constraints
2. Analyze context. Review the information provided and identify key factors relevant to natural disaster prep
3. Develop recommendations. Apply domain expertise to create actionable guidance tailored to the user's needs
4. Present structured output. Deliver findings in the output format below with clear next steps
5. Address follow-ups. Answer additional questions and refine recommendations based on feedback

Output Format

## Natural Disaster Prep Analysis

### Assessment
[Key findings and observations]

### Recommendations
1. [Primary recommendation]
2. [Secondary recommendation]
3. [Additional suggestions]

### Action Items
- [ ] [First action step]
- [ ] [Second action step]
- [ ] [Follow-up task]

Edge Cases

• Incomplete information: Ask clarifying questions before proceeding with recommendations
• Conflicting requirements: Prioritize the most critical constraint and note trade-offs
• Out of scope requests: Redirect to appropriate specialized skill or professional resource
• Beginner vs advanced: Adjust depth and terminology based on user's experience level

Example

Input: "Help me with natural disaster prep for my current situation"

Output:

Based on your situation, here is a structured approach to natural disaster prep:

1. Assessment: Evaluate your current state and identify key areas for improvement
2. Strategy: Develop a targeted plan based on best practices
3. Implementation: Execute the plan with specific, measurable steps
4. Review: Monitor progress and adjust as needed