A person fills out an emergency kit checklist. (Photo courtesy of FEMA/Zachary Kittrie)

A natural disaster can happen at any time. That’s why it’s critical to create an emergency plan before disaster strikes. Here’s what you can do to prepare for a disaster before it happens:

1. Take small steps toward building your emergency supply. Pick up a couple of extra bottles of water and cans of non-perishable food the next time you’re at the grocery store. When you buy replacement batteries for the remote control, set aside a few extras along with a flashlight. Small purchases such as these will eventually help you create a robust emergency supply kit that could be vital to survive on your own after an emergency.
   

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2. Get and stay connected with the ones you love. If your family members aren’t together in an emergency and telephone circuits are jammed, does everyone know what to do? Identify a friend or relative who lives out-of-state for household members to notify they are safe and be sure your family members know the phone number. It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town.
   

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3. Make your smartphone a lifesaving tool. FEMA’s App can be downloaded to keep you aware of impending severe weather for up to five locations across the U.S., along with customized information to stay safe and other readiness resources to help you prepare for potential disasters
   

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4. Get smart… Everyone lives in a flood zone – but do you know whether your home is located in a high- or low- to moderate-flood risk area? If not, FEMA’s FloodSmart page has a One-Step Flood Risk Profile tool where you can enter your address and find out. Learn about all of the disaster risks unique to your community — and any location you may visit or spend time — so you’re not caught unaware if something were to occur.
   

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5. Then act the part! Once you know the type of disasters most common to your community, take steps to reduce your risk. Talk to your insurance agent and verify you’re fully covered. You can also mitigate disaster risks by taking other simple steps such as storing important papers in a safe place, elevating mechanicals off the floor of your basement to avoid potential flood damage and caulking exterior openings where electrical wires and cables enter your home to keep water from getting inside.

For more information on disaster preparedness visit www.Ready.gov.