How to Prepare for Any Disaster

Take an all-hazards approach to disaster preparedness

Depending on where you live in Colorado, your community could be affected by a variety of disasters or emergencies, including:

heatwave
forest fire
flood
mudslide or landslide
tornado
blizzard or severe winter storm
avalanche

Although these events can be devastating, preparation can make a big difference. For this reason, both CSU and the federal government recommend an “all hazards” approach to disaster planning and preparedness. By planning for a range of possible emergencies, you’ll be more prepared to respond quickly and effectively.

The Four Phases of Emergency Management

emergency management cycle

Emergency management requires thinking about hazards that may threaten your safety at home or in your community and developing a plan. For many people, animals are an important part of their families and should be included in your preparedness plan.

Current thinking defines four phases of emergency management:

Mitigation includes activities that prevent an emergency, reduce the likelihood of an emergency occurring, or reduce the damaging effects of unavoidable emergencies. Buying flood and fire insurance for your home is one example. Removing dry shrubs, brush, and other ignition sources near your home is another.

Preparedness occurs before a disaster and includes planning and preparations made with the intent of saving lives and helping response/rescue operations. Creating an evacuation plan and stocking food/water are two examples of preparedness.

Response occurs during an emergency or disaster and includes taking actions to save lives and prevent further property damage. Seeking shelter from a tornado or evacuating to a safe location during a fire are two examples of response.

Recovery takes place after an emergency or disaster, when your community works to rebuild, repair, and return things to normal. Recovery often includes getting financial assistance and resources to help repair damaged property.

Tips for individuals and families

It’s important to prepare both your home and vehicle for an emergency, and have a plan to evacuate if necessary.

Have “Go Bags” Ready

It’s a good idea to have “go bags” (sometimes called bugout bags) for each family member that include essential items, in case you need to evacuate on short notice. These bags should contain:

Phone and charger
Wallet with ID, cash, and credit cards
Copy of power of attorney and will
Passport
Extra pair of glasses or contacts
Medical records
Prescription medications
Pain medication
Stomach medication
Small first aid kit
Change of clothing
Small toys and games for children
Pet items
Small toiletry kit
Water bottle
Non-perishable snacks

Prep Your Home

Maintain working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in all bedrooms and living areas. Talk with your family about how to quickly and safely exit various areas of your home during a fire, and where to meet after evacuating. Keep a first aid kit at home and one in your car. Consider adding a portable power generator to your home emergency supplies or a battery power bank. Keep a map of your area available, in case web-based applications like Google Maps are no longer accessible.

Ensure that all firearms are safely secured (gun safe or locker). Store important documents in a fireproof safe.

Prep Your Vehicle

Keep a car emergency kit, including jumper cables, a flashlight or headlamp, and work gloves. Ensure that you have a functional spare tire, jack, and lug wrench. If temperatures drop below freezing in winter, include winter boots, jacket, hat, gloves, and a sleeping bag or wool blanket.

Prep for Your Pets

Have portable crates or carry containers ready for all animals. Make a plan to safely evacuate pets.

Tips for businesses

Provide a first aid kit, automated external defibrillator (AED), and basic emergency supplies for on-site employees. Install and maintain emergency lightning (in case of power outage) and illuminated exit signs with battery backup. Properly store all hazardous materials according to OSHA guidelines. Maintain and test your building’s fire alarm system. If your facility is located in an area prone to tornadoes, provide information to staff on the safest place to remain inside (away from windows).

Tips for communities

Work with your local government and/or Extension office to develop a comprehensive emergency plan for your community with guidelines and resources for implementing a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), coordinating with groups like FEMA and the Red Cross, sheltering displaced people, and providing other types of aid.

Knowledge is your greatest resource

Disaster preparedness doesn’t just include stockpiling supplies, it also includes gathering knowledge. The more you learn about how to prepare for and respond to a variety of disasters, the better your potential outcome will be. Visit the Ready.gov Disasters and Emergencies website for more information.