Keep Safe with AARP's Tips for Disaster Preparedness

Natural disasters can occur anywhere and anytime, sometimes without warning. If a tornado, hurricane, wildfire or severe flooding were to threaten you and your loved ones, would you be prepared?

Your chances of surviving a natural disaster are greater if you have an emergency plan and provisions in place ahead of time. You may not have enough time to prepare for an emergency when disaster strikes.

Create an Emergency Plan

Creating and being familiar with your emergency plan is essential. Key components of your plan should include:

Assemble Your Emergency Provisions

Consider what items you'll need on a daily basis in the event that they're not available or are in limited supply. Assemble enough provisions to last for three days at a minimum. Keep one supply at home and a smaller supply you could take with you if needed. Here are some suggestions:

Additional resources are available at www.ready.gov, www.fema.org and www.redcross.org. AARP has information on emergency preparedness at www.aarp.org/createthegood (click on "How-To Guides" then scroll down to Operation Emergency Prepare and Operation Hurricane Prepare).

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David Shotwell is Senior Director of Livable Communities at AARP. He leads the Association's educational and outreach efforts related to housing options, including universal design and living in place, as well as broader mobility options, including expanding transportation choices for older Americans.