Becoming personally prepared by region

Know what disasters, like fires, happen in your region.
(By GomezDavid, courtesy iStockphoto)

Emergencies tend to catch us when we’re not looking. So we need to plan for them. But being prepared isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.  Preparedness looks different based on where you live.

Natural disasters and disease outbreak can happen anywhere. But not every state is affected the same way. The Federal Emergency Management Agency keeps track of disasters for every state. Since 1953, California has had the most fire emergencies with 227. People in New York and Virginia experience more snow emergencies. Those in Georgia and Arkansas get the most tornadoes.  Florida and North Carolina are more likely to be impacted by hurricanes. Every state is different.

Luckily, we can predict when and where some disasters will happen. They tend to repeat in the same location. But sometimes we don’t get a warning, so it’s important to prepare for your area.

The first step toward becoming personally prepared is identifying the disasters in your community. Hurricanes, earthquakes and winter storms will require different emergency steps and supplies. Read the fact sheets most relevant to you carefully. If you don’t see a link for a disaster common in your region, we have more tips online.

After you’ve figured out the disasters common in your area, make a plan. Ask yourself what you should include in your emergency stockpile.  How much water will you need? Talk about an emergency evacuation route with your friends and family. 

Once you’ve put together a personalized plan, practice it. If you have kids, practice with them too. You need emergency drills at home like in school. While preparedness isn’t a one-size-fits-all, everyone can prepare for likely disasters. That can make them a little less disastrous!