DC is lucky enough to get all four seasons, but with that can come natural disasters of all kinds, from blizzards to hurricanes to a “derecho.” Although many of these events are unpredictable, you can take a few steps to help you prepare for whichever natural disaster comes our way.

Do Your Research

  • Does your apartment building have a generator? If it does, what will it power? It may only power minimal things to keep the building in operation, and not cover your apartment’s appliances.
  • Does your water heater run on gas? If so, you will still have warm water if the power is out. That is a definite plus during cold winter months.
  • Do you have a gas stove? You can still cook sans electricity too.
  • Does your renter’s insurance cover your fridge contents during a power outage? If so, you could file a claim if your power goes out for several days to replace your contents. This can be very helpful, as it isn’t just your milk and meats you need to replace, but all your condiments and extras, which can add up quickly. If you don’t have that coverage, see if you can add it for a few bucks a month.

Stock Up

  • At a minimum, review the Red Cross Survival Kit basics (non-perishable food, water, medications, cash, batteries and so on).
  • Also check out the Red Cross Store for some handy other items:
    • Blackout Buddy ($9.99) — a small LED light that is charged in water.
    • Emergency Bivvy ($17.00) — Emergency blanket that keeps you warm and reflects 90 percent of your body heat back to you. This is good to keep in your apartment and even in your car in the event you are without heat for several days.
    • Emergency Radio ($60) — This particular one is multipurpose. It has a light, a USB port to charge a phone, and also has a solar panel and hand crank in the event you run out of battery power.
  • At a slightly higher price point, you could also get a battery-powered generator which enables you to charge your apartment’s electronics Don’t forget to make sure this is fully charged ahead of time.
  • Hands and feet get cold easily? Grab some hand warmers at your local outdoor store or ski shop to keep on hand.

Plan for Your Pets

  • Depending on the disaster, you don’t want to forget to make some preparations for your pet. If it is a cold weather issue, just be sure to have enough food, water, and medications on hand in the event you are stuck somewhere for a few days.
  • If you have to evacuate, remember most shelters will not allow pets. Your best bet is to either find a hotel, or go to a family or friend’s house that will let you bring your fuzzy friend. The Humane Society provides resources and checklists for disaster plans for your pet. One thing you don’t want to do is leave your pet behind.

Develop a Communication Plan

  • Unexpected disasters do happen every so often — remember the earthquake that hit the DC area a few years ago? Fortunately, it didn’t cause too much trouble other than slowing commutes home and overloading cell lines. It could have been worse. Have a plan on how to communicate with your loved ones, but keep in mind other people need to communicate too. Stay off your cell as much as possible.
  • Establish a location to meet loved ones in the event of emergency. See more tips on creating a

Talking about disasters is never enjoyable. But some simple preparation can help you sail through the many events Mother Nature throws at us. Have a good plan in place with your family for communication and meeting places.

Most importantly, don’t wait until the last minute when you do have time to prepare. It is always better to be safe than sorry. The time is now to start prepping, building your emergency kits, and learning what your apartment or home has in place for emergencies.