Do you know what to do when disaster strikes?

Few people know exactly how to respond when faced with a hurricane, long-term power outage or sudden pandemic. Even those who have experienced these events in the past might not be ready to face them again tomorrow. According to FEMA’s 2024 National Household Survey on Disaster Preparedness Findings, 57% of respondents did not feel prepared for a natural disaster.

At the Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems (IRIS), we consider ourselves experts in this kind of planning. That means we’re working on improving infrastructure systems around the world to be more resilient to disasters… and we’re really enthusiastic about resilience and preparation. Because September is National Preparedness Month (and this year’s theme is all about “preparedness at home”), we’re bringing you advice from IRIS researchers and staff about what they keep in their emergency kids, and what they think you should include in yours.

Anthropology research professional Katie Foster sent a full protocol: several gallons per person of drinking water as well as distilled (sterile) water; water purification supplies, first aid supplies, a camping stove, an axe in case of downed tree limbs, extra coffee (“a much-needed luxury”), shelf-stable foods and even seeds for planting in case of long-term food system disruptions. Foster noted that this last tip was particularly effective during the COVID-19 pandemic when fresh produce became scarce and grocery stores could be difficult to get to. 

This advice also depends on location. Here in inland Georgia, the main hazard risk is storm damage that could disrupt water or power services. However, a person living in a coastal zone with higher risk of hurricanes and tsunamis may require more supplies for flooding, while someone living in a tornado-prone area may instead prioritize a bag of supplies to take into a sheltered area.

“The kit I use the most is my tornado basket,” said Managing Director Gin Bacon Talati. “When we have a tornado watch, we put it by the basement stairs so we can grab it if we must go down for a warning…the kids know how to prep it now so that if a tornado watch is issued, they start putting it together. Now they add their tablets–any excuse for screen time!”

“As a Floridian, the emergency box isn’t a theoretical, or an ‘if,’ it gets used every year. I do have some favorite items, and I try to find the newest fun thing each year, especially when it comes to lighting,” said Elizabeth King from the Odum School of Ecology. “I also have my favorite power outage meals.”

“In hurricane-prone areas, functional window shutters are a useful home investment,” noted Foster.

These actions aren’t always easy. “The hardest part is prescription drugs. Insurance doesn’t support the purchasing of additional medications, but life-saving prescription drugs should very much be in your bag if you can make it happen,” added Bacon Talati.

Additionally, these supplies are only useful if you have a plan for them. Every IRIS member that responded noted the importance of having a plan:

“Everyone needs a night plan and a NOAA weather radio,” said Marshall Shepherd, Director of the Atmospheric Sciences Program. 

“Our plan tries to account for disruptions of short, medium and long duration,” said Foster’s plan. Many respondents noted the importance of backups: in addition to bottled water, filling the bathtub before a weather event can provide additional supplies, or having a solar-charged flashlight in addition to a battery-operated one.

The FEMA survey shows that disasters are a growing concern in the American public. Few respondents (34%) were confident that they possessed emergency supplies to last more than two weeks. However, trends from previous FEMA surveys show an increasing interest in taking action towards disaster preparation.

Are you prepared for disaster? Here are the key items our affiliates recommend including in an emergency kit:

• Potable water or a way to purify water.
• Flashlights, headlamps, candles, matches, and extra batteries (better yet, find a battery-free light!)
• Shelf-stable food with a long shelf life: canned soups, dried beans, dried fruit, nuts, dried grains, jerky
• First aid supplies with comprehensive supplies: multiple sizes of bandages, antibiotic ointment, antihistamines, pain relievers, anti-diarrheal medications, prescription medications, alcohol wipes and hand sanitizer, tweezers, etc
• Your important documents in a waterproof container
• Extra glasses or contact lenses
• Fire extinguisher
• Axe or serrated pocket knife
• Whistle
• Extra clothes and waterproof shoes
• Fire starters

Important notes across this advice:

• Keep your kit updated: keep electronic supplies fully charged, replace food and medicines before they expire, and make sure it stays in a safe, accessible place
• Be aware of what the most likely hazards for your area are and prioritize those for preparation. In Georgia, this is usually road flooding and power outages.
• Personalize your kit to those who may need it- it’s only useful to you if your prescription medications, personal documents, and other specific items are included!

If you’re curious about how your knowledge stacks up against weather disasters, check out this recent quiz at NYTimes.com.

Georgia Public Broadcasting also recently published an article on the three types of emergency kits you should pack; advice you can read here.