Disaster Planning 101
What’s Your Disaster Plan?
What are the odds you’ll experience a natural disaster? Considering all the types of natural disasters – floods, blizzards, earthquakes – and everything in between, it may be more likely than you think. As for the type of disaster you should plan for. Well, that depends on where you live.
Disaster Planning by Region
Many people who have experienced a devastating flood, earthquake, wildfire or blizzard thought those events could not happen in their area. It’s important to know what types of disasters are likely where you live so that you can prepare for them. While the list below doesn’t encompass all the disasters a particularly area may encounter, it should give you an ideas as to the types of disasters you should actively plan for.
Disaster Planning in the Northeast
- Winter Storms - Winter storms are notorious in the northeast and can be quite severe – sometimes accompanied by ice and white-out conditions. Many consider winter storms to be the most likely type of disaster Northeasterners should plan for. Learn more about winter storm preparation.
- Floods – In the spring, the Northeast can experience heavy rainfall. This rain, combined with snowmelt, can cause severe flooding in many low-lying areas throughout the region. Learn about flood preparation.
- Hurricanes & Tropical Storms – While hurricanes are less common in the northeast than in the southeast, they do sometimes hit and can be particularly devastating to the coast. Learn about hurricane preparation tips.
Disaster Planning in the Mid-Atlantic Region
- Hurricanes & Tropical Storms – The entire east coast is susceptible to hurricane activity, with coastal towns being the most vulnerable. Learn about hurricane preparation tips.
- Winter Storms - Winter storms in the mid-Atlantic region sometimes strike unexpectedly – and many residents are unprepared when they happen. But this area of the country is far from free of major snow and ice storms. Learn more about winter storm preparation.
- Floods – The mid-Atlantic states feature numerous rivers, lakes and streams that can overflow after prolonged rainfall, sometimes causing local evacuations. Learn about flood preparation.
Disaster Planning in the South
- Hurricanes & Tropical Storms – The southeast is certainly no stranger to these types of storms and the devastation they can leave behind. If you live in the south – particularly in a low-lying coastal area – you can’t afford not to create a disaster plan for hurricane season. Learn hurricane preparation tips.
- Tornadoes – These short-lived yet dangerous storms can pop up virtually anywhere and are most common during the spring and summer months. Learn how to spot tornado warnings.
- Floods – The most common natural disaster in the United States, floods are certainly worth of careful disaster planning. Learn about flood preparation.
Disaster Planning in the Midwest
- Tornadoes – These dangerous storms are notorious in the Midwest – particularly in the states that make up Tornado alley. Learn how to prepare for a tornado.
- Wildfires – Drought in the Midwest can bring more than a loss of crops. Lack of rain and heavy wind can generate and quickly spread brush fires throughout the region. Learn about the disaster planning for wildfires.
- Floods – From the Great Lakes to the Central Plains, this area of the country has experienced many deadly floods over the years. Learn about flood preparation.
Disaster Planning in the Southwest
- Wildfires – A hot, dry climate makes this area of the country susceptible to drought…and susceptible to wildfires. Learn how to make a disaster plan for wildfires.
- Floods – Despite the Southwest’s arid climate, rivers and streams are not immune to overflow. Many residents of this area are not prepared for a flash flood and do not have a disaster plan for such an event. Learn about flood preparation.
- Tornadoes – While these storms aren’t traditionally associated with the southwest, they have been known to occur in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and other areas across the region. Learn how to prepare for a tornado.
Disaster Planning in the West
- Wildfires – A hot, dry climate makes California and the western United States particularly susceptible to wildfires. Learn how to make a disaster plan for wildfires.
- Earthquakes – Residents of the western states are often familiar with occasional tremors – but may not know the best way to make a disaster plan for a major earthquake. Learn how to prepare for an earthquake.
- Winter Storms – Though rare along the west coast, the mountainous areas of the west can fall victim to highly dangerous winter storms. Learn more about winter storm preparation.
