Master Disaster Checklist

If you want to keep your property, family, pets, and business safe during natural disasters, it’s important to be prepared. This master checklist gives you a good foundation for what to do, what to have, and what to plan for.

• Secure Contact Information: Make sure you have a printed out copy as the power may be out and you might not have access to your computer or documents. Include names and telephone numbers, as well as out-of-town friends or family who might be able to help you. It’s important to have an out-of-town friend listed because your friends who live in your town might not be able to help you if a disaster affected them, too. Additionally, prearrange a nearby meet-up place after the emergency. It could be the local high school, a relative’s home, or a grocery store.
• Have a Plan: Make sure that all of your family knows about your disaster plan (escape routes, where the emergency kit is stored, who to contact, and what to do in case of a natural disaster).
  • Identify a Safe Room: Point out which room is the safest room in your home. This should be an interior room without windows, if possible (maybe a closet or a bathroom). This is the place your family should seek shelter when storm warnings are issued.
• Stay Informed: Make sure that you have a portable radio with fully charged batteries so that you can get the latest up-to-date information about the disaster. If you are in the path of the disaster, go to your pre-designated shelter area immediately.
• Take Photos/Video of Your Property: If you have an inventory of your valuables and possessions you are likely to be able to claim up to 20% more insurance than if you don’t. Taking photos and videos with your cell phone is an easy way to document your items. Be sure to upload all the images to secure cloud backup and not just store on your property.
• Charge Electronic Devices: During a disaster, you may lose power. Ensure your cell phone is fully charged, along with other electronic devices like tablets and laptop computers. Also, think about purchasing a solar-powered backup charging device.
• Get Cash: When the power goes out, ATM machines won’t work. Get plenty of one dollar bills because not many people will have change for twenty and hundred dollar bills. Try to aim for ones, fives, and tens.
• Fill Up on Gas: Fill your gas tank. When the power goes out, gas pumps won’t work.
• Disaster Supplies Kit: A disaster supplies kit is essential to keeping you and your family safe. It should include non-perishable food, water, medical supplies, clothes, pet food and supplies, medications, batteries, flashlights, etc. Consider the following list: 
  • Flashlight
  • Batteries
  • First Aid Kits: For $20, you can have medical supply basics — all in one place — and ready to use. Minor as well as major injuries are possible during an earthquake and it’s possible that emergency services will be overwhelmed, so having a first aid kit is essential.
  • Solar Cell Phone Charger: Solar powered charges start in the mid-$20 range and go up from there. The best selling Amazon solar charger is $60 and is fast with “industrial-strength PET polymer faced solar panels sewn into a rugged polyester canvas offer weather-resistant outdoor durability.” If the power goes out, you might have no other way to charge your phone.
  • Crank-Powered Radio: You can pay upwards of $100 for a decent crank radio, but you don’t have to spend that much. The best-selling Amazon crank radio is only $20!
  • Emergency Water Filter: There’s no need for an expensive filtration system. The LifeStraw Personal Water Filter has 5,000 reviews and is only $20! The LifeStraw “removes minimum 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria, 99.9% of waterborne protozoan parasites, and filters to 0.2 microns; surpasses EPA filter standards.”
  • Bottled Water (minimum of three gallons for each member of your family)
  • Battery-Powered Radio
  • Battery-Powered Lantern
  • Emergency Food Supply
  • Can Opener
  • Basic Tools (utility knife, pliers, wrench, tape, compass)
  • Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, contact solution, toilet paper)
  • Pencils and Paper
  • Pet Supplies (food, litter)
  • Rain Gear
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Change of Clothes
  • Plastic Garbage Bags
  • Face Masks
  • Gloves
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Cleaning Wipes

• Have a “Go Bag”: Having an emergency bag packed with essentials (food, clothes, toiletries, cash, etc.) can save you time in a crisis. P.S. A little bit of toilet paper goes a long way…
• Gather Your Important Papers: Keep all special papers and photographs in a watertight container or plastic bag. You know, all of those important things like bank account papers, birth certificates, property deeds, medical cards, social security cards, etc. as well as photos and important keepsakes which can never be replaced. During a disaster, they could all be ruined and washed away forever in one whoosh!
  • Identification (copy of driver’s license or passport)
  • Insurance Policies
  • Birth Certificates
  • Marriage Certificates
  • Proof of Residence (copy of lease, mortgage documents)
  • Deeds or Wills
  • Tax Returns
  • Social Security Cards
• Plan for Your Pets: Many hotels and motels won’t accommodate your pets, so if your plan is to evacuate to a hotel, then you’ll need to find them a safe boarding kennels or cattery which is outside of the disaster’s impact zone. Be sure you have plenty of your pet’s preferred food and whatever medications they might need.
• Refill Your Medications: Make sure that you have plenty of your prescription medicines on hand. If a disaster hits your area, the last thing you want to worry about is a medical emergency. 
• Disaster Insurance: Check your insurance coverage as part of your disaster preparedness plan. Many home insurance policies do not cover hazards like flooding caused by hurricanes, for example. If you live in a disaster-prone area, consider getting insurance to cover damages.
• Have a Plan for After the Disaster: After a disaster, get out of town until emergency services and law enforcement have gotten control of the situation. Unfortunately, like many other disaster situations, there are people who will try to take advantage of the chaos. It’s best to avoid being in the disaster zone until things are under control.

Disaster Preppers and Survivalists: A Guide to Understanding Preppers and Prepper Mentality – Doomsday Survival

There is a growing number of people who are interested in prepping. They do not want to go into the wilderness, they don’t live on their own farm, but they believe that preparing for disaster could make them safe and secure when society falls apart or there is an apocalyptic event.

Many members of this community know very little about those outside it so I thought we would take a look at some common misconceptions about what Preppers and Survivalists are like based on my experience with this community.

 

What, Exactly, is a “Prepper”? (Made Famous by Nat Geo’s TV Show Doomsday Preppers)

A prepper is someone who takes active steps to prepare for disasters, both large and small.

A prepper might stock up on supplies and food, build a survival shelter, and learn self-sufficiency skills in case of an emergency.

Why Do People Become Preppers? Some people become preppers because they are concerned about the world’s possible collapse. They believe that being prepared will help them survive if society breaks down. Others simply enjoy the challenge of being prepared for anything that might come their way.

No matter what their reasons, preppers are usually passionate about their chosen lifestyle.

 

A Brief History of Survivalism

Survivalism is a term that refers to the preparation for, and response to, major disasters. It is a relatively new term, first coined in the 1970s in the wake of the Cold War. Survivalists were originally focused on practical concerns such as nuclear war, and tended to be distrustful of heavy-handed government and globalization.

However, over time the survivalist movement has changed and evolved. In the 1980s and 1990s, Timothy McVeigh and David Koresh were deeply invested in the practice of survivalism and led radicalized groups who advocated for armed revolution. This led to wider frustrations and militancy among survivalists, which resulted in increased surveillance from the government.

Today, preppers take a more defensive stance, trying to distance themselves from the politics of early survivalists. Media-driven perceptions often paint crude portraits of preppers as paranoid or isolated individuals stockpiling supplies in anticipation of an apocalyptic event. However, walking through the Survival Condo it is obvious that a lot has changed in a few short decades.

 

Doomsday Survival Preppers List

1. Water: It is important to have a supply of clean water, preferably from a natural source, in order to stay hydrated and healthy.

2. Food: Doomsday preppers need to have non-perishable food items that will last them for a long time. These can include canned goods, dried foods, and other shelf-stable items.

 

3. Shelter: A good shelter is essential for surviving any disaster, and this is especially true for a zombie apocalypse. Preppers need to have materials on hand to build a sturdy shelter that will protect them from the elements and zombies alike.

4. Weapons: In order to defend themselves against zombies or other threats, doomsday preppers need to have a good supply of weapons on hand. This can include firearms, knives, and other self-defense tools.

5. First Aid: A comprehensive first aid kit is essential for any disaster situation, as it can help preppers deal with injuries or illness until help arrives.

 

 

What are Some of the Stereotypes Associated with the Prepper Community?

1. Preppers are people who plan for the end of the world.

2. TV shows like Doomsday Preppers contribute to the stereotype that preppers are paranoid and only prepare for the end of the world.

3. Preppers are stereotyped as people who are paranoid and only prepare for the end of the world.

 

Which Generation Spends the Most Preparing for the Worst?

Generation Z:

Generation Z is the most prepared generation when it comes to prepping for disasters. They are more likely to purchase survival gear and have been preparing for doomsday scenarios for a long time.

Millennials:

Millennials are also quite prepared for doomsday scenarios. They are more likely to purchase survival materials due to recent natural disasters. However, they are less likely to spend money on emergencies than baby boomers.

Baby Boomers:

Baby boomers are the least-prepared generation when it comes to prepping for disasters. They have been less likely to purchase survival materials and donate money to charity. However, they are more likely to spend money on home renovations and insurance premiums.

 

How Many Americans are Prepared for Survival?

According to a recent survey, 45% of Americans are prepared for the end of the world. This means that they have either recently purchased survival gear or have some kind of plan in place.

Of those surveyed, 36.35% said that they had spent up to $400 on survival kits in the past 12 months. This suggests that preparing for the end of the world is becoming more popular, and people are willing to invest money in it.

There are many reasons why people might want to be prepared for a disaster, including natural disasters, political events, and other threats. More than half of respondents said they had purchased survival materials due to one or more of these reasons.

Content marketing offers a way to educate and inform potential consumers about survival preparation. It can help cut through the noise of competing messages and provide valuable information that can lead to sales.

 

Are Preppers Best-Prepared for a Disaster?

When it comes to preparing for a disaster, preppers are often thought of as being the best-prepared. This is because they typically have a stockpile of supplies and a plan for what to do in case of an emergency.

However, preppers can also be helpful in a disaster situation even if they don’t have a lot of supplies. This is because they often have skills and knowledge that can be useful in a crisis. For example, preppers who are familiar with first aid or who know how to start a fire can be invaluable in an emergency situation.

In addition, preppers often have experience dealing with difficult situations. This can come in handy during a disaster when things are chaotic and people are panicking. Preppers who are able to stay calm and think clearly can be a valuable asset in such situations.

So, while preppers may not always be the best-prepared for every eventuality, their skills and knowledge can still be helpful in a crisis situation.

 

How Likely is a Country-Wide or Global Disaster?

Preppers are people who stock up on supplies and equipment in case of a natural disaster or other calamity. They typically have a “bug-out plan” to evacuate to a safe location if their home becomes uninhabitable.

There is no way to know for sure when or if a disaster will strike, but preppers believe it is better to be prepared than not. By stockpiling supplies and having a plan, preppers hope to survive any catastrophe that comes their way.