Thankfully, most of us will never have to deal with the unimaginable devastation that some areas have experienced over the past several years., and certainly the past several months. This doesn’t mean that we should not try to be as prepared as we can for disasters. When we think about disaster preparedness, many people may think about the structure of their home and their property. Some may consider vehicles and other large investments. These are very important, yet there are other areas to consider when developing a comprehensive disaster plan, like important documents, medications and medical equipment, adequate insurance coverage, income replacement or supplementation, pets and livestock, and most importantly, your own physical safety.

Disasters are often caused naturally (floods, fires, storms, tornadoes, earthquakes, landslides, etc.) though they may be caused by humans (fires, riots, wars, power outages, etc.). If you do not know which disasters the area you live in or may be visiting is prone to, you can use this interactive map to determine for which ones you might want to prepare. It is important to know which disasters are most likely so you prepare your disaster plan accordingly. For instance, here in Ohio, tornadoes are one of the most likely natural disasters. Since there have been several tornadoes of varying intensity spread across the Buckeye State the past few years, this is definitely a natural disaster you want to include in your disaster preparedness and planning. Other disasters you might consider when making your plan listed below.

According to the map, everyone should prepare for the following disasters:

Flood: NEVER walk, swim, or drive through flood water.

Home Fire: Test smoke alarms monthly and practice your fire escape plan.

Extreme Heat: Stay aware of the heat index, drink plenty of fluids, stay inside and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day. Check on neighbors and family.

Power Outages: Keep battery powered lamps and flashlights handy. Do NOT use candles. Know how to properly use a generator and NEVER use one indoors or in other enclosed spaces.

Thunderstorm: Seek shelter inside. Designate a safe place to gather away from windows or glass doors.

Winter Storm:  Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle. Avoid driving when possible. Stay indoors. Dress in layers and cover your extremities if you must be outside.

In October, the most common emergencies across the nation are hurricanes, home fires, and floods. SE Ohio is currently experiencing extreme drought conditions and almost the entire county I live in is still experiencing the highest drought level. So, the last thing on anyone’s mind around here right now is flooding! Which highlights the importance of knowing the current risks wherever you are and doing what you can to be prepared for the unexpected and possibly the unimaginable.

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, January 27). Preparedness & Planning. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://emergency.cdc.gov/planning/index.asp

Common natural disasters across US. The Most Common Natural Disasters Across The U.S. | Red Cross. (n.d.). https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/common-natural-disasters-across-us.html#all

FEMA. (2018, July). Document and insure your property. DOCUMENT AND INSURE YOUR PROPERTY. https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/ready_document-and-insure-your-property.pdf

FEMA. (2019, September). Emergency financial first aid kit (EFFAK). Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK). https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_effak-toolkit.pdf

FEMA. (n.d.). Safeguard critical documents and valuables. Safeguard Critical Documents and Valuables. https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/fema_safeguard-critical-documents-and-valuables.pdf

Pet disaster preparedness & recovery. American Red Cross. (n.d.). https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/pet-disaster-preparedness.html

Protect your home with Flood Insurance. FEMA.gov. (n.d.). https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/protect-your-home-flood-insurance

Tornadoes. Tornadoes | Ready.gov. (2024, June 24). https://www.ready.gov/tornadoes

Turner, T. (2024, October 9). Ohio State assists farmers as drought, rain create challenges for soybean crops. https://news.osu.edu/ohio-state-assists-farmers-as-drought-rain-create-challenges-for-soybean-crops/

Types of emergencies. Types of Disasters | American Red Cross. (n.d.). https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies.html

Winter Weather. Winter Weather | Ready.gov. (n.d.). https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather

Written by: Misty Harmon, Assistant Professor and Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Perry County, harmon.416@osu.edu

Reviewed by: Ryan Kline, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Ross County, kline.375@osu.edu