Disaster Survival Planning Checklist,
Emergency Preparedness Checklist,
Disaster Planning Checklist, and
Disaster Survival Checklist, v32

After the initial creation of this checklist, the Lowe's Severe Weather / Natural Disaster Readiness Guide and the American Red Cross web page guides were used as references for content validation. By the way, this site holds up very well, perhaps presenting the most items and situational concerns, however, two issues exposed themselves over time: 1) There were, at one time, hypertext links to the Red Cross and Lowe's Emergency Planning Web Pages embedded in this checklist/web page, however both organizations kept changing their web page locations and names (URL's), so we stopped trying to track their shifting Web Site page URL's - their web pages are still good sources for information. 2) While the other sites list nearly the same checklist items, our site addresses big view issues and little situational issues and solutions that other sites don't write about.

As for personal experience: Dennis has been in several Hurricanes, a few Typhoons, Floods, Earthquakes, a Wild Fire, many Blizzards, and unknowingly survived driving near the edge of a Tornado during a dark and rainy night on a motorcycle (the same tornado that broke the back of Dennis' US Army Flight School Class Leader, Larry Rose, and destroyed three helicopters on the flight line). Dennis has also performed a few search and rescues (or recoveries) by Helicopter.

Some common events that result from natural disasters are:
1. Varying degrees of property loss/destruction:
   - Loss of shelter (from slight to complete)
   - Loss of land, vegetation, and/or resources
   - Loss of protection from weather, heat, environment 
     (infection, diseases)
   - Loss of Physical Security (human, creepy crawlers, and predators)
2. Loss of clean water:
   - No drinking
   - No bathing/shower
   - No flushing
   - No water for water heater
   - No water for sanitizing
   - No hot water
   - No water for cleaning
   - And maybe no water at all
3. Loss of food:
   - Access
   - Supply Contamination
   - Spoilage
4. Loss of medical care and sanitation capabilities.
5. Loss of power source (electrical, fuel, steam, natural gas):
   - Loss of light
   - Loss of heat 
   - Loss of cooling
   - Loss of ALL appliances
6. Loss of communication:
   - Loss of telephone (cell and cellular phones too)
   - Loss of TV
   - Loss of radio (transmit or receive signal) 
   - Loss of satellite (wind, cloud, lightning, power
     signal conversion, reception, or battery loss).

Disaster Survival Planning Checklist,
Emergency Preparedness Checklist:

--------------------------------------------------------------
         Prior Plans, Arrangements, and Actions
--------------------------------------------------------------
[ ] Short-Term and Long-Term plan for inadvertent separation,
    Escape route plan and alternate plans for:
[ ]   House Escape (e.g., meet at corner, church, school, ...)
[ ]   Location Escape (e.g., meet at uncle's house in X City)
[ ] Address and Phone Numbers:
[ ]   Pre Store:  - A List/Photocopy of Important Numbers
[ ]                 In a waterproof protector/container
[ ]               - Last year's Telephone Book 
[ ]   Make Handy and At Last Moment, Store: 
[ ]               - Personal/Family Address Book or List 
[ ]               - Current Local Telephone Book
[ ]               - Insurance Agent(s)
[ ]               - Insurance Company(ies)
[ ]               - Policy(ies) in known safe place
[ ] Important Home Documents (Kept in sealed water proof 
    box/containers/document-holders, which in turn are stored
    inside a fireproof safe, gun safe, or fireproof file cabinet): 
      Check Books, Birth Certificates,  Pass Ports, Visas, 
      Mortgages, Loans, Ownership, Cash, other small valuables
[ ] Computer backup system that is restorable -
    Computer/Data Information Disaster Recover Plan
[ ] Emergency Cash.  There is often a time frame when cash is
    unavailable, even if you have money in the bank and a dozen
    credit cards. When money systems are temporarily not 
    working, cash can become a scarce and valuable commodity.
--------------------------------------------------------------
                    Items and Issues
--------------------------------------------------------------
[ ] Large Plastic Trash Can(s), with Wheels and Cover
    used to store the Disaster Supplies,
    40 to 55 Gallon, No holes (leak proof / floatable).
    - If New and Clean, It may be lined and filled with water.
    - It is difficult to get liners larger than 55 gallon
      size (found in hardware stores) - Meaning that larger
      containers loose any water storage benefit.
[ ] Plastic Sheeting (NOT the super thin cheap stuff,
    big roles (found in paint supplies), 75 yards
[ ] Duct Tape, 150-175 yards (NOT masking tape)
[ ] Flashlight(s) and Batteries, Tested and Working.
    Observation 1: All family members feel tremendously more 
    secure if they have their own flashlight, even if its 
    an LCD light for a two year old. 
    Observation 2: Lately the expensive self contained 
    perpetual electric generation by motion or crank lights 
    seem to be worth consideration. There appear to be two
    versions, as some have very dull lighting and some are
    very bright - test before purchasing. Know the 
    usage instructions.
[ ] Matches/Lighter, Dry, with reserve Fuel, Water Proof 
    Container. Usually when these are needed there is 100% 
    humidity, everything is wet, and the wind is blowing. 
    Wind Proof Butane lighters work well below 7,000 Feet 
    Altitude. Magnesium Strikers work all the time, 
    anywhere (not cheap, makes ignition spark, not flame). 
    Matches and Waterproof Matches are less reliable in 
    bad weather conditions. A mix is best.
[ ] Oil burning Lamps/Lanterns. Extra oil, maybe a few spare wicks
    and/or glass bulbs. Oil wicks dry out and any un-used oil in the 
    lantern base will evaporate over time. Wicks may need to be 
    re-primed with a little oil - be careful, there is a reason
    that oil lamps are not used much any more - any oil-lamp
    mismanagement is a fire hazard.
    Warning: Do NOT leave kids, animals, or mentally 
    challenged people around burning lamps.
    Warning: Do NOT leave lamps on table cloths or 
    similar conveyances as they may be pulled off and start 
    a fire too easily.
[ ] Fire Extinguishers, quantity 2 x 10-20 Pound, 
    ABC Type Rating (only and always)
[ ] Candles, Many, Long Burn Time is Best. Learn to save 
    all candles accumulated over time in a candle (shoe) box.
    Warning: There are times when using candles/oil lamps
    is a safety hazard (presence of: natural gas, dust/small 
    particles, chemical agents, anything that can burn
    or explode; also kids, pets, and wind or loose materials
    create additional safety issues). 
    Warning: Do NOT leave candles unattended and 
    their benefit is for after the disaster,
    NOT during the disaster.
[ ] Batteries for all existing battery operated equipment
    (Look through this list for any reminders)
[ ] First Aid Kit, See First Aid (Group/Family) Kit
    Communication Considerations - Make reasonable choices:
[ ]   Device Batteries and Spares, Fully Charged,
[ ]   Gather the Battery Charging Units (House and Automobile)
      Note:-Sometimes people live off generator and automobile
            charged battery systems for weeks.
           -Sometimes the generator is located at a friends,
            church, business establishment.
      Two Way Communication Units:
[ ]     Cell Phone, Satellite Phone
[ ]     CB Radio and or base station (system)
[ ]     CB/2 Meter/Ham Transmitter (Requires Power System, 
        Antenna System, and prior knowledge/training/and 
        a License to operate) This may be a neighbor. 
        Don't forget the Internet (when available).
      One Way Communication Units:
[ ]     AM/FM portable radio, Short Wave Receiver      
[ ]     Radio (batery operated, also with AC is better) 
        with shortwave reception is best, digital and analog 
[ ]     TV (batery operated, also with AC is better) 
        analog and digital signal capable
[ ] Insect Repellent:
[ ]   DEET
      Permethrin (requires wash or spray application to clothing prior to use,
         not for human skin application, it is for Clothing ONLY, 
         will kill cats but not dogs, for example if cats
         lie on a shirt or coat that was dipped in a
         Permethrin solution
    Water & Container considerations:
[ ]   Fill Tubs (Most likely used for cleanup,
       but can be treated and drank. Assumes clean 
       environment to start and water boiled for 5 minutes
       and/or chemical treated [Read treatment instructions. 
       If Clorox, non scented and non soapy, 
       one drop per liter/quart or five drops per gallon, 
       mix and let set for at least five minutes]). 
       All water treatment requires boiling.
[ ]   Bottled Water: 
      - Refill sanitized bottles (grape, apple, water) over time.
      - Buy bottled water by the case (plastic or glass).
        Consider bottled/canned non refrigerated Juices too.
[ ]   Best: Large Construction Site Plastic Water Jugs
       with a side tap (not cheap, at least one, 
       20 to 30 gallon. Fill it where it will be stored 
       by hose, pitcher, or water cans.
[ ]   Plastic Water Bladders, Water Cans (3 to 5 gallon, 
       Many, Plan One Gallon per Person per Day minimum, 
       more if working or other known local situation)
[ ] Sustenance (NON Refrigerated):
      Canned:
[ ]     Stew, Beans, Meat, Fish, Peanut Butter, Other Protein
[ ]     Vegetables
[ ]     Milk
[ ]     Soup
[ ]     Juice
[ ]     Survival or Camping Prepackaged Meals
        Caution: Most Prepackaged Meals Require Water
      Plastic:
[ ]     Gatorade (powder or liquid form)
        Caution: Powdered mixes require water.
    Fuel:
[ ]  Vehicle(s) topped off, and Road Ready. Consider
      Evacuation, where/when appropriate. 
      See Vehicle & Travel Checklists
[ ]  Plastic Fuel Containers, Appropriate, Correct Fuel Type,
      Safely Stored. Fuel can be a hazard if not 
      properly protected, mostly used for your generator)
      (Metal cans rust, full cans prevent water condensation)
[ ]  Propane Fuel Bottle(s), Full
[ ]  Optional: Fuel Hose or Fuel Siphoning System
      Warning: Don't get yourself into a situation 
      where you may be considered to be a looter, 
      know your neighbors, work with friends
[ ] Generator, Topped off with Gasoline and Oil.
      Trade off exists between Size (Watts) and Fuel Use.
      Generally, the bigger the better, bigger units use 
      more fuel. Best Case: 1800 Watt and a 5000 Watt.
      5000W stays stationary, 1800W ported for tool use.
      Not to be used in a home or enclosed space, 
      Read the operators manual, know appliance Watt ratings. 
      DO NOT Connect to the house current, plug appliance
      into extension cord.  
    Note: Propane Generators also exist but are
      only worth consideration if you have access to a 
      very large propane fuel reserve source.
[ ] Extension Cords: 50 Ft, Heavy Duty, 4 to 8 count
[ ] Stove/Grill: White Gas, Propane, and/or Charcoal, 
      Camping type.  Propane seems more utilitous with 
      10 and 20 pound bottles (which can be used for other
      items). The system is most utilitous if it can also 
      function from the 1 pound bottles (which are commonly
      sold in "sporting goods" departments or stores).
    Caution Keep bottles current as they expire by 
      law (propane suppliers/dealers know the requirements).
[ ] Propane Lantern that can run from the same fuel tank 
      as stove cooking system and/or from little one pound
      fuel bottles. Use a "tree or gang" hose outlet 
      (mantels, wrench, hoses). See Propane (Cook Station) details.
[ ] Refrigeration/Cooler/Ice (mix solutions if possible):
      - Pre set all refrigerators or freezers to coldest setting.
      - Open as little as possible.
[ ]  Mini Electric or Propane Operated Refrigerator,
      Combination Electric and Propane is best.
[ ]  Cooler(s): Bigger is better, more than one if possible
      (coolers usually can float, if necessary)
[ ]  Ice: If you have a freezer, use the freezer as a cooler.
      Pre-Freeze blocks of ice in plastic bags and/or buy
      (Ice can be a very valuable commodity)
[ ] Bow Saws: One 3-4 Foot Blade, One 2 Foot Blade,
      Spare Blades.
[ ] Face Masks, Disposable
[ ] Trash Bags (2 boxes Kitchen size, and 1 box/roll 
      of Lawn/55 Gallon Drum sized)
[ ] Zip Lock type Plastic Baggies (Gallon and Quart)
[ ] Safety Goggles or Safety Eye Shield(s)
[ ] Plastic Buckets (5 gallon size, 3-5 count)
[ ] Sponges, Big (size of 2 fists of 1 big male, 3-5 count)
[ ] Bleach (pure bleach, NOT the color fast stuff),
      used for sanitizing.
[ ] Towels (Lots of Paper and Cloth)
[ ] Knives (HD Swiss Type & HD Survival Type)
[ ] Baby Needs
[ ] Baby Wipes / Handy Wipes, These are very utilitous for 
      individual cleanup (like a bath in a box)
[ ] Kids Fear Note: When I was a small kid, I don't ever remember 
      being scared of a natural disaster in the making. I can remember
      the family being huddled up together and sort of camping in the
      basement or living area.  What this really means is that my 
      parent(s) were acting calm and collected!
[ ] Kids:
[ ]   Coloring Books/Paper, Crayons
[ ]   Reading Books (parents too)
[ ]   Paper, Pencils, Color Pencils
[ ]   Little Job Responsibilities (putting pictures in 
      albums, Memorizing the States/Capitols/Presidents.
[ ] Can Opener, Manual (Knives and P38's get old in a hurry)
[ ] Camera, working, with Film (Disposable Camera can be stored)
      Take pictures of the immediate after disaster effects
      before restoration/clean up work begins, especially 
      for Insurance purposes.
[ ] Soap (bar and dish liquid). Personal Hygiene is Very 
      Important. Soap is the #1 Bacteria Killer. It
      usually only takes three days for anciently known 
      germs and diseases to make an appearance somewhere.
[ ] Disinfectant
[ ] Toiletry Kit(s): See Toiletry
[ ]   Including Sewing Kit
[ ] Work Gloves, Enough for Family and Friends (wink)
    Clothing:
[ ]   Good Heavy Duty Work Clothes, Changes of Clothing  
[ ]   Undies and Good Work Socks
[ ]   Heavy Duty Boots
[ ]   Wide brim hat(s)
[ ] Eating Ware (the idea is sanitation disposability 
     in an area where water is not readily available, 
     otherwise use your regular eating ware):
[ ]   Paper Plates
[ ]   Paper Cups
[ ]   Plastic Eating Ware / Cutlery
      Review Basic Foods and/or 
      Cooking Ware
[ ] Aluminum Foil, Heavy Duty, Wide (quite utilitous)   
[ ] Medications: It is wise to have a list and schedule
      of medications for each person.  Some Meds require
      special cooling or handling. 
[ ]   Use plastic bags and mark them as needed
[ ] Paper and Pencils 
[ ] Water Proof Markers, Lots
[ ] Toilet Paper, Lots
[ ] Paper Towels, Lots
[ ] Pet Food and Water Considerations
    Camping Equipment (See Camping as reminder):
[ ]   Tent and associated gear
[ ]   Sleeping Bags
[ ]   Stove, Working with all Pieces present, Fuel
[ ]   Blankets / Space Blankets
[ ]   Matress/Pads
[ ] Chain Saw, Spare Chains, Oil, Lube Grease, Keys/Wrenches, Spark Plug,
    Gasoline (in container). See Chain Saw
[ ] Axe(s)
[ ] Cordless Drills (charged, spare battery), 
      Drill Bits, Screw Bits (+ & -), Hex Bits,
      (Torx bits if needed)
[ ] Screws: Assortment (boxes) of Phillips (+) Round Head
      size 8, 10, & 12 at lengths of 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 
      and a few 4 inches.
[ ] Hammer, Nails (boxes of flat heads, 1, 2, 3, and 4 inch)
[ ] Wrenches, Large, Medium, and Small 
      (for 1/4 inch to 3 inch nuts)
[ ] Pliers (Large & Medium)
[ ] Scissors, Big (Box Cutter in a pinch)
    Levers (Heavy Duty blown down work - AVOID Electrical Lines):
[ ]   Crow Bar, Long (3 foot)
[ ]   6 foot long, 2 inch wide steel pipe 
[ ]   Wood 6 foot 2x4 or 4x4 inch post, no knots
      (does not conduct electricity or transmit heat)
    Ladders (AVOID power lines! - Read Safety Instructions):
[ ]   6 Foot Step Ladder
[ ]   24-34 Foot Extension Ladder
    Wood: 
[ ]   Minimum of 8 to a bundle: 8 foot long knot free 2x4's, 
[ ]   Minimum of 2: 4x8 foot sheets, 3/8 inch thick
[ ]   Other lumber as needed/desired
[ ] Nylon Rope and Tow straps, for Dragging and other Heavy 
    Duty work, (Strength measured in Tons, not Pounds)
    Shovels: 
[ ]   1 Long Flat Blade
[ ]   1 Long Spade (pointed) Blade
[ ]   1 Snow Shovel (with a long tine rake, works surprisingly 
                     well for muddy and wind blown debris.
                     Like a huge dust pan!)
[ ] Mops, Brooms
    Rakes:
      1 Metal (Heavy Duty)
      1 Long Tine (Plastic or Metal)
[ ] Cleaning supplies (buckets, soap, sponges, towels, 
      Heavy Duty Rubber or Latex Gloves)
[ ] Wet/Dry Vac
[ ] Wheelbarrow, Big, Working, Airless Tires best for this
      situation.  If pneumatic front Tire, then fill with 
      correct air pressure. Tire Pump, Flat Tire Repair Kit, Tube
[ ]

--------------------------------------------------------------
                   Other Considerations
--------------------------------------------------------------
[ ] The second most common disaster regret (after life 
      and death issues) is the loss of Pictures and 
      Photo Albums. Consider a storage/relocation plan.
      This is a good responsibility for kids.
[ ] Neighbor/Family Check/Support/Report System
[ ] Livestock Safety
[ ] Pet ID, vaccination, photos, papers, carrier,
      Keep close for evacuation
[ ] Consider investing in a total propane backup system
      (4+ propane bottles [20 pound], stove, lamp, 
      mini refrigerator [about .5 bottle used per day
      with mini-refrigerator])
[ ] House Standby Generator
[ ] Pipe Heaters, Wood Burning Stove, HD Hair Dryers
[ ] People Shelter - Safe Area Creation/Designation 
      and Reinforcement
[ ] Safe Fire Clearing Around House (including 
      firewood storage way away from house or 
      building), ability to seal up a house, 
      Fireproof a house
[ ] Waterproof a house, Earth dam walls, 
      Dwelling Elevation.
[ ] Sand Bags (a temporary solution), 
      Landscaping (a permanent solution)
[ ] Water Purifier. Hand operated, expedition type,
      Typically available through better camping
      supply stores, read instructions, have extra
      filter cartridges.
[ ] Windproof/Stormproof a house (pre made window
      coverings with fast connect/disconnect bolt
      system)
[ ] Emergency fire fighting system (small trailer 
      with water tank, generator, pump, hose
      fire suppressant chemical <- they work!!!)
[ ] Big Fans
[ ] One way sewage flow valve
[ ] Plan for gathering and storing loose
      outdoor/lawn items - a good responsibility for kids.
[ ] Document Storage (Waterproof/Fireproof containers,
      Complete Offsite Way Away Remote Digital Storage)
[ ] Plan for shutting down utilities, quickly
[ ] Earthquake Proofing (lots to do here, research online)
      Also see Earthquake Survival, the Next Checklist.
[ ] Spare Circuit Breakers
    Alternate Transportation:
[ ]   Bicycles, See Bicycle
[ ]   Small Boat, Canoe, Inflatable Raft 
      with oars/paddles & gear. See Boat
[ ]   ATV, See ATV
[ ]   Snow Mobile (Slang: Sled)
[ ] Various Sized, Stackable, Sealable Plastic Storage Boxes
[ ]