The natural disaster preparation supplies you need for wildfires, earthquakes, hurricanes and tornadoes, according to experts

 

Extreme weather is inevitable. It can occur at any time and affects different parts of the country in different ways, as some areas experience hurricanes or tornadoes while others face wildfires and earthquakes (to name a few). Because these weather patterns are so common, it’s vital to have natural disaster preparation supplies on hand in the event of an emergency.

While our team at CNN Underscored has tested first-aid kits, bug out bags and other emergency supplies, it’s time we got organized based on the needs specific to certain natural disasters.

Below is a collection of emergency supplies and preparation resources, including recommendations from experts and a selection of gear we’ve product-tested ourselves. While many of the recommended supplies are similar, we’ve consulted experts on specific natural disasters such as wildfires, earthquakes, hurricanes, and tornadoes to provide advice tailored to those events.

Above all, preparation is key. It helps you feel confident in your response to natural disasters, and depending on the extreme weather your area is prone to, there are different ways to stay ready. Here’s what to keep on hand when facing weather emergencies.

General emergency supplies

A unifying thread when preparing for these (and other) natural disasters is having various emergency supplies ready.

“Having supplies thought-out well before a disaster arrives, or hits you, is gonna save you lots of time,” said Tom Heneghan, Program Manager of Community Preparedness Education and Youth Preparedness at the American Red Cross. “It just brings down your stress level and makes you so much more ready, because the worst time to think about a disaster is … when you realize ‘Oh gosh, we got one and I’m not ready.’”

Heneghan stresses the importance of customizing emergency supplies to fit your specific needs. “You cannot buy a kit that’s ready for you,” he said.

We referenced informational resources from Ready.gov and The Red Cross, spoke with subject-matter experts and revisited our previous testing to provide an organized list of product recommendations that one might need during a natural disaster. For those just beginning to assemble their supplies or looking to update their kits, use this as a template to build what you’ll need in an emergency.

Walkie-talkies

While many experts stress the importance of keeping your phone with you and charged during natural disasters, a walkie-talkie can serve as a backup communication alternative.

Emergency radios

“For short-notice events and things like that, I think it’s helpful to have something that can alarm you,” Heneghan said.

Along with being mindful of emergency alerts on your phone and downloading warning apps (like the Red Cross app), include a battery-powered radio with NOAA Weather Radio and tone alerts to receive warnings and information.