Okay people. We need to be prepared ourselves, because obviously the Federal, State and Local governments will not be able to help us for a significant period of time during and after a disaster for whatever the reason.
We can argue later about whether or not this is playing into the hands of Grover Norquist and his bathtub Republicans, but FIRST we need to get ready.
So Be Prepared. This includes creating plans, practicing those plans, and having the necessary equipment and supplies. Details below the flip.
Planning
The most important plan is getting everyone out of the house, school or office quickly and safely and then meeting up.
If you are at home:
Create and practice an exit plan with alternate routes in case one is blocked. Be sure to practice this during the day and at night.
Have a set meeting place with at least one fall-back in case that meeting place is unobtainable. Remember, you aren't going to evacuate your property during a rainstorm - you are going to leave during a catastrophic incident to your home and/or neighborhood so that tree or fence or garbage can may not be there when you go looking for it.
Have one out-of-state relative or friend be your check-in contact for your family. They can use a second line to let other relatives and friends know your status.
Have a set place to go if you can't go home. Arrange with a friend or relative that is out of the area, to have a place for you, your family and your pets to go for a period of time.
Ensure that you and your family know the location of the nearest police, fire station and hospital.
Know which neighbors have medical experience, which have special needs, which are alone and may need help in evacuating.
If your child is at school:
Know the schools evacuation plan and location to pick up your child after the evacuation. If the school doesn't have a plan, get them to create one. Make sure your child has their name, your name, their home address and phone number on them along with a family photo.
Make sure you and/or your child know where the emergency exits are.
Have a plan with family members about who is responsible for picking up your child with backups in case the first person can't.
If you are at the office:
Know the company's evacuation plan and location to meet after evacuating. If the company doesn't have a plan, get them to create one.
Know where the emergency exit, fire extinguishers and first-aid kits are located.
Have a plan with family members on where to meet if it's a neighborhood incident.
Preparing your home:
You know best what natural disaster is more likely to hit your home and neighborhood so I won't go into details here but will give some basics for all homes.
Strap gas appliances to walls or floor - especially the water heater.
Have you and your family members know how and where to shut off the water, power and gas and have the appropriate tools at each location.
Ensure your house is bolted to the foundation.
Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections.
Replace solid gas lines with flexible lines on stoves, water heaters and dryers.
If you have a brick chimney, nail plywood on top of ceiling joists inside the attic to protect people from bricks falling through the ceiling. This could also be used as an area for sitting or sleeping if you have to stay in your attic.
Check for loose or damaged shingles and seal around flashings, chimneys or vent pipes if necessary. A roof in good repair is much better able to stand up against winds and rain in a storm and sparks from fires that may be caused by earthquakes.
Secure any object that might tip over (bookshelves) or fall from the wall (mirrors, pictures).
Install emergency lighting in strategic locations.
If you have bikes, make sure they are in good condition including the tires.
Preparing your car:
As it is possible that at some point you may have to spend an extended period of time in your car, you will need to keep some supplies in your car and ensure that it is in good mechanical condition.
First, always keep your gas tank full. Fill it up when it reaches 1/2 tank. Not only will you not be riding on fumes during an emergency, but when the power is out - gas tanks can't pump. A car may be the only way you can leave an area.
Keep your trunk clear so there is room to put survival supplies. Have located in your trunk addtional tools, jumper cables, spare tire, and gas cans. Some recommend replacing your car battery every 2-3 years as during an emergency your battery will need to run the radio and heater for long periods of time.
Supplies
If the emergency requires and/or allows you to stay in your home - be prepared for staying at least a week. Make sure you are stocked with plenty of food, water and supplies. Lots of people get stocked up right before or after a disaster, then let it slide. Make a list, put it on the refrigerator, tack it on the cupboard or tape it in the closet where you keep the supplies and make sure you always have those items in stock and that they are within their expiration date. Know how to purify water and keep the ingredients and instructions with your supplies.
Here is a very short list of basics that you will need. Know your family's special needs and ensure they are added to this list. These are items such as baby food, diapers, prescription medicines, extra contacts with saline solution, pet food, etc.
Water:
Minimum of 2 gallons per person per day for 1 week.
Food: (Just some ideas as the list can be quite large depending on what you and your family need and like to eat. I suggest it not all be cans as you might need to take some of this with you and with cans being heavy, you may want to reserve that weight for water)
MRE's - last for years
Freeze dried foods
Instant cereal, oatmeal
Crackers
Instant soup cups
Cookies
Hard candy
Canned foods: fruit, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish - include a manual can opener
Pre-made tuna, pudding, jello, popcorn, etc.
Cooking Tools:
Pot and pan
Knife
Silverware
Styrofoam cups
Paper plates, bowls, napkins
Water proof matches or lighter
Zip lock bags
Aluminum foil
Shelter:
Minimum two-person tent
Blanket or sleeping bag
Space blanket
Instant hand/body warming pads
Propane powered heater
First Aid Kit:
Be sure to include extra prescription medications, aspirin or ibuprofen
Tools:
Crow bar
Leather gloves
Axe
Hammer
Multifunction pocket tool or knife
Plastic tarp
Duct tape (you knew it was coming)
Portable generator - for what you really need: light, radio, refrigerator. If you have a generator, be sure you run it before the disaster hits so 1) you know how, 2) you know it works, 3) you have all the necessary supplies to ensure it's operation.
Sanitation:
Bucket
Garbage bags
Toilet paper
Towelettes
Soap
Toothbrush and paste
Disposable razors
Feminine hygiene products
Plastic/latex gloves
Disinfectant
Misc:
Flashlight with two sets of spare batteries, one spare bulb
Emergency light
Long-life candles
AM/FM radio with at least 3 set of batteries
Pen, pencil, notepad stored in zip-lock bag
Fire extinguisher
One change clothing
Thick soled shoes, socks
Cash, spare change
Duplicate credit cards
Photo ID
Spare keys
Games/cards
Links
Below are some links for you to research for your own personal use. Please note that all of this is just to give you an idea of what is out there, what you can do, and provide suggestions for supplies. Where you live and what natural disasters are more likely to affect you means that you will have to tailor your plans and supplies to your own needs.
Earthquake:
Preparedness.com
SFGate Special
Cusec.org
Flood:
Flood Safety
NOAA
Aces.edu
Hurricane:
Home Safety Council
USA Today
Red Cross
Tornado:
NOAA
Red Cross
OU.EDU
Emergency Kits
Safe Solutions
Preparedness.com
Car Emergency Kits
I am not promoting any of these particular sites of emergency kits, they are for "example only" of what you can purchase or create for yourself.