Seasons are always changing but are you ready for the next Emergency? What if a Fire sparks close to your home? What if a Hurricane is coming closer and picking up wind speed? ARE YOU PREPARED? Do you live in an area with Tornadoes that twist with a vengeance or Earthquakes strike when you are least prepared? We live in a time where natural disasters happen frequently no matter what part of the world you live in. Unfortunately, when we aren’t affected directly we don’t even think about it. Should you wait for a calamity to hit your area before you even think to have a plan?
Here are our top 10 Tips on how to prepare for the next natural disaster.
1. Create a Plan and Know the Risks You Might Be Facing
Know your area and what disasters you might encounter – this will help you plan appropriately. Create a plan that includes knowing all exit routes, local emergency numbers and make sure that all your family members know them. It’s also important to create a meet-up plan if family members become separated or if the house is uninhabitable. Finally, generate a printed or written contact list and include at least one out of town contact.
2. Food and Water is a Must
Have at least one gallon of drinking water per person per day for at least 3 days. Have at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food and a can opener (that’s a must have tool). If you have pets make sure you have food and water for them too. Here is a great check list for pets from the ASPCA https://www.aspca.org/sites/default/files/preparedness_for_pets_sep_2015.pdf. Speaking of our furry friends, one recommendation from a C. Crane team member that lived through hurricanes Irma and Maria, is that you make sure you keep your pets up to date on their vaccinations and obtain the proper paperwork from their vet in case evacuation is necessary.
3. Emergency Radio with extra batteries.
A reliable way to stay informed at all times during an emergency is with an all hazards weather radio. Radio communication will always stay in operation, with reliable sources like Ham Operators. Ham Operators are local and have equipment ready to help coordinate local emergency efforts and aid. The CC Radio 2E is C. Crane’s all hazards AM, FM, Weather and Weather Alert with the 2 Meter Ham Band Radio. (4 “D” size NiMH or alkaline batteries can be used in lieu of the AC adapter if the power goes out).
The CCRadio Solar is a small digital portable radio that is not just a good emergency radio but it’s style, form and format function invite you to use it daily. Place it on a sunny window so it stays charged for use anytime. The CCRadio Solar comes with AM, FM the Weather band plus Weather Alert. The included lithium-ion battery can be recharged by wind-up, solar panel, your USB port, or optional AC power adapter (not included). The radio can also be powered by (3) “AA” alkaline batteries (not included). Also comes with a built-in flashlight, can charge a cell phone, comes with five memory presets per band and clock and alarm.
The CC Solar Observer is also a fantastic emergency radio. It covers AM, FM and the Weather band, and can be powered by using the built-in hand crank, by the built-in solar panel or by using 3 “AA”alkaline batteries. It comes with a built-in flashlight, and in an emergency, it can charge cell phones. Also make sure you have plenty of extra batteries on hand.
4. The perfect light to add to your Preparedness Kit
Do you have the right light so you can see in a power outage? The CC Power Vivid® LED Pocket Flashlight is a small high-quality LED flashlight made of aluminum that is lightweight and delivers an intense beam of light from a single LED. It runs on four hours on one “AA” alkaline battery. It’s small size makes it perfect to keep around your house. Keep a flashlight in a kitchen drawer and one in each bedroom for easy access when the power goes out.
Also, the Unity Plus LED Flashlight is a reliable flashlight to have in your emergency kit. It’s light weight, runs on 2 “C” batteries and will give you up to 22 hours of usable light. The Unity Plus is rugged and is the perfect combination of power, size and weight.
5. First Aid Kit
Keep it simple. Nothing big, but make sure you have Band-Aids, a bandage wrap, antiseptic, moist and dry towelettes, bug spray & bug bite ointment and tweezers in your emergency kit.
6. Emergency Tool Kit
Create a 72-hour emergency kit with the essentials for each family member including cash, duct tape (really – you’ll never be sorry you included duct tape), toilet paper, wet wipes, personal hygiene items, blankets or sleeping bags, children/Infant Items (if applicable – think diapers, wipes, formula, etc.), prescription medications including inhalers or allergy medication, clothing, bleach to clean mold as a result of a disaster, a fire starter that will help to start a fire to help keep you warm and large garbage bags that will serve a multitude of purposes such as a makeshift parka in the rain to actual shelter if necessary. Keep a wrench and pliers in your kit to turn off utilities like gas and water and know how to turn off the main power to your home. If it’s in the budget, a heavy-duty chainsaw and generator can also be useful.
7. Important Documents
Create copies of important documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, insurance policies, etc. and store them in a secure location, such as a fire proof safe, a safety deposit box or with a trusted family member.
8. PRACTICE Your Plan
Nothing beats a real live drill especially if you have any kind of special needs or young children or grandchildren.
9. Check your Emergency Kit
Put a reminder in your calendar for twice a year to check your kit and your plan and update or modify as necessary.
10. Stay Calm
If you’ve followed the steps above you have a plan and a kit. You’re in GREAT shape to survive a disaster.
Fail to Plan, Plan to Fail! Whether you have experienced any, all or none of these Natural Disasters, we all have the opportunity now to prepare for those “What if” chain of events.
C.Crane is dedicated to helping you have the equipment necessary to communicate and function in times of emergency. Check out our complete line of emergency supplies by clicking here.
I’m a full-time RV or so a lot of things are already taken care of always have a couple weeks worth of water and I already have my own off-grid power system and my own off grid bathroom facilities I even have a fairly large propane tank to keep my refrigerator running I have a lot of Mountain House meals and a CC EP radio. Lots of canned and freeze-dried foods. I try to always keep at least a half a tank of gas if I had to abandon the RV though I’m not quite sure what I’d do.
I have several radios , including CCRANE. Ease of use ,long battery life. Quality radio ,great tone ,”HOT” reception. My CCRADIO is a main part of my emergency preparedness.
In addition to all your mentioned preparations I also have water purifiers and portable gas burners to cook on
Your C Crane list pretty much covers it. Staying in touch via radio is critical. Depending on the nature of the emergency, getting around may be a challenge if highways are blocked so having good walking shoes and/or a bike with storage capability is a plus. Cell Towers can be damaged so a HAM radio is is good or a scanner. Saying some prayers is always a good idea. Watch out for your elderly or disabled neighbors and family members. We are not in this alone.
My father, an Eagle Scout, taught me to be brave, think ahead logically, and be prepared essentially to confront whatever challenges arise in life. A cardinal rule is to have faith in God and use the brain he gave you.
Sounds like amazing advice for Life he gave you. Principles to live and survive by. Good man. Thanks for sharing!
When storms are predicted for your area that involve nightime activity a very smart preparation can perhaps save you and your family unneccesary injuries.
At bedtime be sure to wear your comfortable sneakers or tennis shoes to bed which can protect your feet should you need a quick exit from the room or house if storm damage occurs. Be sure to have all family members ready to run without the time it takes to find their shoes.
Excellent reminder Thomas! One of our team members did just this the day of Irma. Knees bent and ready for anything. Thank you for sharing this for others to see & learn.
I have been listening to the “Freeplay Plus” since 2003. Time to win a new replacement.
Portable power packs (2) , outside natural gas generator, extra batteries, water, wind up radio and wind up flashlights, wood stove with temperature regulated fan (where food and water can be cooked on top), packaged food, dog food, flashlights and keep autos always at least 1/2 filled with gas. We live in snow country and you have to be prepared.
MY GO BAG BACKPACK: [1] COMMUNICATION: Phone charger, flashlight-batteries separated; hand crank C. Crane radio-batteries separated; metal signal mirror; whistle; important paper copies; notepad, pen & contact numbers; extra keys; send help sign. [2] CLOTHES: pants; long-sleeve shirt; walking shoes, socks- $ tucked in; bandana; hat. [3] FOOD: multi-eating utensil; energy bars; coffee packets; water; magnifying glass. [3] MEDICAL: complete kit-with antibacterial wipes, nitrile gloves; prescriptions-one week; sunblock; earplugs. [4] TOILETRIES: tp paper; waste bags; sanitizer. [5] SHELTER: duct tape; leather gloves; knife; trash bags-large; playing cards; harmonica; thumb drive backup; compass; space blanket. [6] SECURITY: Let’s just say, I’m more than prepared.
Remember, your “Go Bag” is to help you until you can reach more supplies kept in your vehicle or home, or wherever. Don’t forget your pets. Oh yeah, and the spouse and kids. You probably have most of what you need around the house already. Need more motivation? We’re 100+ years overdue for a 7.8 or greater. And remember, don’t be surprised if no one comes to help you, or responders race past your burning home to answer a life or death call first. You can choose to be a victim, or choose to help yourself so you can help others. Yeah, I know, “Nag, nag, nag.” # # #
Your preparation is astounding James! Thank you so much for sharing. These tips are on point! You are spot on with your last 2 sentences. No nagging, just honest real advice. Community for the most part does pitch in naturally but when something so fierce strikes, most likely we will have to figure most of it on our own, thus being prepared takes lots of decision making out of the equation. Kudos to you on your GO BACKPACK!
I keep my emergency supplies in a rolling suitcase. Easy to transport, should I ever need it.
Good idea, I didn’t think of it, or hear of it.-Stacy Strout.
Nice list, great advice
Being prepared is important through out the whole world.
C crane thank you for those wonderful tips.
My children are now grown out of my city into their own homes with their emergency plain.
We decided phone, mail service, friends etc unreasonable we would stay put help our local community.
Unless a large wave, flooding that’s our plans.
However we do have a spot on the local mountain to stay put and help with anything in that local community.
Know your place to help around the reachable area.
Loads of people shut in alway needs help.
No one left behind, no one goes hungry, no one should be alone.
Keep that mind set and everything lost won’t cripple your ability to move forward.
Love your tips C crane.
Those wonderful pets also can use everything as well.
Thank you again C crane for reminding us.
We own 2 cc crane radios and they are helpful during storm weather in Iowa
I live in Honolulu, Hawaii. In 2018, we have had flooding and currently the lava and volcano is exploding on one of our islands. I bought 3 radios from c crane for my disaster kit. I’m April 2018 i completed the local emergency response training offered by the local government which included simulated disasters. I created a home plan, bought water storage and filled it up, bought emergency food and installed a back up generator supplied first by the main gas line and able to adapt propane tanks as a back up. My family has been given a plan to follow and all family with dog have go bags ready. I appreciate the information from c crane and thank you for my emergency radios.
Hi Robert, We’ve been following the Lava story in Hawaii. Good for you for completing training. It is invaluable information to help folks understand what is needed in times of crisis. A team member here lived through Irma and Maria so she knows fully the importance of radio. 3pm daily the Governor would announce when meals, water, ice and other necessities would arrive to the island as well as town meetings. She didn’t have a radio unfortunately and neither did many other islanders. People crowded around cars that weren’t totaled and listened through the car radio while others were left in the dark with no capability at all to know what was going on in the outside world. We value you as a customer and wish you all the very best!
Yes, the volcano is active and destroying everything in its path. Late in 2017 we also had the nuclear missle launch from North Korea which put a lot of people in a panic. My wife just said she was going to lock down the house and we would talk after the missile exploded. No cries, but a simple I love you and will talk to you soon. She brought the dog in locked down the house. Roll down the hurricane rolling shutters and waited for the all clear.
So have a plan. Review the plan. Stick to the plan and execute. Stand by the radio and pay attention to announcements.
When that nuclear missile siren went off and the announcement was made ” this is not a drill, a nuclear missile has been launched from North Korea and is headed toward Hawaii..” well it was easy to see who was prepared and who wasn’t.
Your story is chilling Robert but thank you so much for sharing so people read and learn that in this day and age, anything can happen at any given time. We are so grateful it was a false alarm in the end but good for you for being strong and prepared through it all!
I have more CC Crane radios than I can count but still don’t have enough. Gotta get the mini sw/ with sideband (Skywave). If it’s as good as it’s predecessor it’s gonna be an awesome radio !!!
A good radio is a must!
Always have a battery or hand powered or solar powered CCrane radio. You have to know what is going on and how long it will last. Also have plenty of gasoline for generators and vehicles. Plenty of fresh drinking water and cash money comes in handy as well. Probably the most important thing is to pray the worst will not come your way.
Where do I register for the drawing
Good Day Dan, when you make a comment about the blog’s questions at the bottom – this is considered an entry. Simply answer the question and type in this forum again like you did here and we will consider that your entry 😉 Good luck and thanks for playing!
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR EXCELLENT INFO, YOU COVERED ALL THE
BASES AND MORE, BETTER THAN I COULD, PERSONALLY I JUST KEEP
IT SIMPLE, I LISTEN TO THE WEATHER CHANNEL, KEEP ALL MY GOODIES HANDY, & HUNKER DOWN IN THE CLOSET WITH MY KITTY
WITH MY LAP TOP, CELL PHONE, TABLET, KEEP EVERYTHING CHARGED
UP STAY ALERT & AS CALM AS POSSIBLE, & OF COURSE PRAY 🙏
PS :
I HOPE YOU CHOSE ME, I COULD REALLY USE THE EXTRA EYES & EARS.
We were without power last September for 3.5 days. A neighbor loaned us a generator so that our freezer and refrigerator stayed on and kept our frozen and perishable items safe. I’m getting ready to buy my own generator and more non-perishable items for such emergencies.
My first disaster step was to purchase a radio but in my effort to save money I regret to say that now I have to buy a better one!! Lesson learned.
I am a ham radio operator which helps to know, in case of storms, what is happening on the front lines. I keep storable food, an emergency kit with towels, tarps, first aid supplies, etc. I also have animals that I have a plan for in case…the cat’s kennel close by and enclosures for the tortoises. Just watching the skies and taking forecasts seriously is what I do for safety.
great help. thanks
I have about a month of food and water in my under ground shelter.
Have a back pack filled with a water filtering bottle,, knife, rope, rain ware, freeze dried food, matches, flash light, spare shoes, radio device, money, at least one light weight cooking utensil, blanket or small sleeping bag, bug repellent, small basic first aid supplies…
Living in Southern California, an Earthquake event is always at the back of my mind. Like several folks above, I too keep a stocked RV at the ready….just in case. Preparing for an ’emergency’ is easily done.
What surprises me is that more people don’t do it.
Since C.Crane Tech Jeff Justice fixed my scanner for only the $20.00 send in fee, C.Crane has never done me wrong. Art Bell’s show brought me to them and glad he did. Bought several of their radios throughout the years = need to buy more 🙂 🙂
Watts Factor, One critical thing most nobody prepares for with stand alone off grid solar power is what will happen if an E.M.P. takes place in the U.S. or other Countries in our small World. There are 3 things that can take down our power grid. 1. Coronal mass ejection from our Sun that is directed towards Earth. 2. Cyber terrorism to take down our power grid. 3. A nuclear bomb that explodes around 30,000 feet in our atmosphere that will take down our power grid. If/when this happens all the space satellite’s electronics will be fried, all cell towers and communications for the public will fail. All the electric transmission lines will fry. All solar will fail except only one to my knowledge available to the public that is hardened against an E.M.P. event. The company out of the Lone Star State of Texas has our electric survival answer, sold to the public. Sol-Ark is the company, please protect your selves and go to YouTube and type in Sol-Ark and watch the videos. Knowledge is the key to survival!
I have been in yearly Flash Floods and so scary. Evacuated three days with my Elder Aunt, 2 small dogs, and bird. I have a plan for the year. I have a rocking chair in the cellar if a Tornado Warning comes. Flash Floods have a month supply of Medications on hand. Cases of water, food, on upper level. Have mylar bag of dog food and treats and bird food too. Important documents ready to go as well as the extra external hard drive with all pictures, docs, etc. Another is off location. GPS system and local road maps keep in car as well as copy of dogs vac. records.Tall rubber heavy duty boots a must as well as good shoes near the bed. Carry old fashion phone directory in purse and on 2 cell phones with extra batteries. Lots of batteries, flash lights, radio a must. Have 24 hr safety candles for added light or heat. Fire extinguisher a must. Bear spray good for defense just in case. Leatherman tool kit fits my needs. Twine, rope, duck tape, and first aid kit sit nice in my new fishing box as well as waterproof matches and many lighters. I put a few safety pins, thread, small bottle of rubbing alcohol, fishing tackle line wrapped around a sharpie marker or waterproof ink pen. Just in case I have to write vital signs down or directions etc.I carry water purification tablets in my bag as well as 2 one liter bottles for water if I have to purify it. I have fire starter in bag for, manual can do, or if lucky have 1 lb propane tanks and a portable camping stove as well as a bottle top stove to perform this. a metal small water boiling pot and metal cups good too. Trash bags, toilet paper, paper plates, straws, and small shovel for car good to have. I have a 2 5 gallon container with locking covers to put all in. Canned goods come in handy. Emergency food is ok for a few days meals. A few mixed money bills a must. Never keep less than a half tank of gas in car because if you have too go you can’t get gas for your car. I have large handle flashlights for my aunt in each room, and on each floor of the home. LED best to get as bright. Have a chain saw and generator but the generator will go for a week or so. It depends on the risk at hand. Have to prepare for everything no matter where you live because the weather has been changing and going thru another weird cycle.
radio helped me in two tornados In Kentucky. the weather alert is fantastic, and gave me time to take shelter. your radios are the best. I recommended your products to my friends. would not be without it. thank you!!
After experiencing the results of Hurricane Harvey. Remember that without electrity, things are a whole lot different and difficult. You always need drinkable water, a first aid kit, food and communications, using a radio, cell phone and plenty of batteries.
Have an emergency preparedness kit…a C.Crane radio will make it complete.
Preparedness begins in your heart and soul. Training like CERT and Ham radio skills go a long way to instill the confidence needed to be prepared. You’re post enumerated the essentials of personal preparation. My experience has been to consider situational awareness and personalize the needs based upon your surroundings in order to successfully get past the crisis.
And then associate yourself with quality organizations like Samaritans Purse to respond to the needs of your neighbors.
This post help me alot! Thank for sharing mr ridingonfumes
CCRANE has some fine products to keep alert to storms and other emergencies.
I would love to have another C.Crane radio for my shack.
Another good idea is to remember to have a map of your area and state. A good topo map of elevation is not a bad idea either. The map should show road types, so you know whether or not the road is gravel or hard ball. What if you have to bail out? Have a few destinations picked out, and scouted. What is available in your destination? Will there be enough water, shelter, etc. Try to train your children as well. Do they know how to meet up if you are separated? Do you have planned spots to leave messages? Have a plan for your elderly neighbors, as well.
Great suggestions Pat! Thank you for sharing.
Stay calm. Be alert. Think clearly. Act decisively. And carry a CC Pocket radio!
Not to be too dramatic how about searching out an all purpose budget geiger counter in case of nuclear power station emergency or attack by ICBM. We cannot see, smell or taste radioactivity and if we ever went to war we’d need that detector. Also for you radio buffs dont forget a spare antenna in case the storm took your last one and especially if you’re using short wave.
Nice list! I would also stress redundancy. Once you’ve done your whole kit, then as you get the opportunity, double up on things like flashlights, emergency radios, etc. I would also add one or more multitool, one that’s always on you. Good luck to Florida with Ian!