No matter where you live in the world, your area can encounter a natural disaster of some kind. From floods to earthquakes, few places are completely immune from the destructive forces of nature. When natural disasters strike, many people are left unprepared and vulnerable to disease, hunger and injury.

Many people agree with leading government agencies that recommend preparing an emergency survival kit to endure natural disasters better. Natural disasters include floods, tornados, hurricanes, tsunamis, forest fires, earthquakes, volcano eruptions, snow storms, ice storms, drought, and mudslides, among others. When you know what the most likely natural disasters are for your area, you can customize your emergency kits to be ready for anything.

Location and Geography

Certain parts of the country are more susceptible to certain kinds of natural disasters. By understanding where you live and the potential disasters there, you can better equip yourself. For example, Florida residents are not likely to face earthquakes or ice storms, but may encounter a hurricane or tropical storm that can affect supply trucks and trains, plus knock out power, for days or even weeks. Your city and state government agencies often have recommendations for citizens on how to respond in the event of a disaster, so use those resources to start planning.

Start With Basics

There are many online resources you can use about how to create an emergency preparedness kit. The general rule of thumb is to plan for food and supplies for three days, to start with. Once you’ve gotten an emergency kit for everyone in the family, you can then work on increasing your supply to three months’ worth. Think beyond food and water to include clothes, medicines, first aid, and even pet supplies. You don’t need to rush out and buy everything at once—instead, add a little bit each week or month until you’ve built up a nice emergency reserve of what you’d need to make it through a natural disaster.

Think Specifics

Consider the specifics of what it would take to survive and thrive during a natural disaster in your area. For example, if your state is a candidate for ice storms and blizzards, have a few extra snow shovels on hand and make sure you have a self-sufficient way to stay warm and cook food. People who live in areas with high risk for forest fires should think about creating self-contained and portable emergency kits that can be grabbed at a moment’s notice in the event of an evacuation.

Preparation means Peace of Mind

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, anxious and even afraid of all the potential problems a natural disaster could bring to your area. However, when you plan for these exceptional events, you’ll experience a greater peace of mind knowing that you have what you need for you and your family to stay warm, sheltered, fed and safe.

Author Bio: Chett Wright enjoys writing about camping, outdoor living and emergency preparedness. His most recent articles cover food storage ideas, survival gardening and natural disaster emergency prep.