What is a Disaster Preparedness Checklist and How to Make One

What is a Disaster Preparedness Checklist and How to Make One

Last Updated on September 15, 2022 by Ossian Muscad

Disasters can happen anywhere, at any time. That’s why it’s important to be prepared for them. One way to do that is by creating a disaster preparedness checklist. This will help ensure you have made all the necessary preparations for a natural disaster or other emergencies. In this article, we’ll discuss a disaster preparedness checklist, how to make one, and what should be included in it.

 

What is a Disaster Preparedness Kit?

A disaster preparedness kit is a collection of supplies you may need during a natural disaster or emergency. It should be stored in an easily accessible place, such as a closet or garage, and should be checked and updated regularly. The contents of your kit will depend on the types of disasters that are most likely to occur in your area. 

For example, if you live in an area that is prone to earthquakes, you will need to include supplies such as a first-aid kit, water, food, and a flashlight. Likewise, if you live in an area prone to hurricanes, you must include supplies such as a battery-operated radio, candles, and sturdy shoes.

 

What to Put in a Disaster Preparedness Kit?

As mentioned in the previous section, the contents of a disaster preparedness kit will depend on the types of disasters that tend to occur in your area. However, the following are essentials that should be on every disaster preparedness kit:

  • 2 Water Bottles (at least 500ml each)
  • Small battery-powered radio
  • Non-perishable snacks (e.g., dried fruit, jerky meat, salted pretzels, cereals, crackers, and applesauce)
  • Flashlight
  • First aid kit
  • Extra batteries for the flashlight and radio
  • Whistle
  • Disinfecting wipes
  • A laminated map of your location (including places and spots where one can seek shelter)
  • Identification card (should include the following information: name, blood type, workplace, current medications, emergency contact, and their numbers, known illnesses, home address, etc.)

 

Note that this disaster supply list is only for one person and should last at least 24 hours. For shared disaster preparedness kits that will last for more than 24 hours, there should be larger quantities of all the items mentioned above. 

 

How to Maintain a Disaster Preparedness Kit

One of the most crucial things about disaster preparedness is keeping their kids available and useful when needed. Here are some tips on how to maintain a disaster preparedness kit:

  1. Replace non-perishable snacks beyond their expiration date or if insects and ants have infested them.
  2. Change the batteries of the radio and flashlight—even if they’ve yet to expire.
  3. Sanitize and clean the whistle if not stored in a sealed container or plastic bag.
  4. Check the contents of the first aid kit; note down any missing supplies and replenish them as soon as possible.
  5. Update the laminated map with any changes in your location, such as new roads or construction.
  6. Replace moist disinfecting wipes that have expired or dried out.
  7. Regularly check the expiration dates of the medication in your disaster preparedness kit.
  8. Issue employees new identification cards if details change.
  9. Add extra items relevant to the current season (e.g., earmuffs and mittens during the winter season, portable fans, and extra water during the summer).
  10. Take advantage of a disaster preparedness checklist.

 

What is a Disaster Preparedness Checklist?

A disaster preparedness checklist lists all the supplies you need for your disaster preparedness kit. It is important to create a checklist to easily inventory your supplies and ensure you have everything you need. Additionally, a checklist will help you remember to restock your supplies as needed. 

 

Disaster Preparedness Steps

Protect your business and workers from unexpected disasters by planning ahead of time. Follow the steps below to ensure that your business is well-parped in the event of an emergency:

 

Identify Hazards

First, learn about the natural disasters in your area and assess the risks they pose to your business. Then, familiarize yourself with man-made hazards such as fire, chemical spills, and power outages.

 

Learn About Emergency Management

Be knowledgeable about the local emergency organizations that are present in your area. Learn how to reach out to them in an emergency and how they can assist you and your business. In addition, create an emergency plan for your business—read guides from government agencies and emergency organizations.

 

Prepare Supply Chain

Assess the company’s appetite for risk and determine what parts of the supply chain are most vulnerable to natural disasters. Then, find out how to protect your business by preparing your supply chain for natural disasters.

 

Create a Disaster Preparedness Kit

Create disaster preparedness kits to ensure that your employees are prepared for natural disasters. As mentioned earlier, these kits should have enough supplies to last each employee for at least 24 hours. Include all essential items mentioned above. 

Once your disaster preparedness kits are ready, store them in an easily accessible place so your employees can grab them quickly in an emergency.

 

Determine the Best Evacuation Plan

Study and familiarize your building design and site layout so that you can determine the best evacuation routes in case of an emergency. Post clear and concise evacuation maps in strategic locations around your workplace. In addition, conduct regular fire drills, so your employees know what to do in an emergency.

 

Train Employees on Basic First Aid

Another important aspect of disaster preparedness is first aid training. Train your employees on how to provide basic first aid in case of an emergency. This will help to ensure that your employees are prepared to handle minor injuries until professional medical help arrives.

 

Test Your Emergency Plan Through Practice

Last but not least, test your emergency plan through practice. This will help ensure that your employees know what to do in an emergency. Additionally, it will help to identify any weaknesses in your emergency plan so that you can make the necessary improvements.

By following the steps above, you can be sure that your business is prepared for any natural disasters. Additionally, you can protect your employees and customers in an emergency.

 

Create a Digital Disaster Preparedness Checklist Template Using DATAMYTE

A digital disaster preparedness checklist is the best tool to ensure that your business is prepared for natural disasters. A digital disaster preparedness checklist template from DATAMYTE will prove useful for this particular purpose.

The DataMyte Digital Clipboard is a workflow automation software that enables users to create a disaster preparedness checklist from scratch. Using our easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface, you can create relevant checklist items for your business and add them to the digital clipboard.

In addition, every disaster preparedness checklist template you create from the DataMyte Digital Clipboard will be customizable. That way, you can ensure that the checklist is tailored to your business needs.

Best of all, our digital disaster preparedness checklist template is suitable for any device. That way, you can access your checklist any time, anywhere. The DataMyte Digital Clipboard is the best solution to creating a digital disaster preparedness checklist to help you prepare for any potential disaster. Get started by booking a demo with our team.

 

Conclusion

No business can withstand a natural disaster without proper preparation. With a disaster preparedness checklist, you can be sure that your business is prepared for any natural disasters that might occur. By following the steps above, you can create a disaster preparedness checklist that will help protect your business and employees in an emergency.

 

 

Related Articles: