Emergency Preparedness for the Eastern Region

When most people think of the eastern part of the United States, they think of the beach, Disney World, New York City, and the breathtaking mountains of North Carolina.

But not everything is all sunshine, peaches, and oranges in the eastern United States. Every year the residents of the east face threats that could disrupt their way of life in seconds -- and that's why so many of them are always ready for emergencies to happen at the drop of a hat.

In 2013, and even into 2014, a cold wave hit the eastern part of the United States. Nearly 100 snowfall records were broken over that freezing winter, and that's not to mention the numerous storms and power outages. The abnormally cold weather left thousands to suffer.

Emergency Threats in Eastern United States

But potentially freezing temperatures aren't the only hazard that nature has to throw at the citizens of the United States -- if you live to the East, you can expect Freezing temperatures, scorching weather, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, and landslides.

Preparing for various emergencies can seem a little overwhelming -- but there's no reason to believe that you can't be ready for anything nature has to throw your way.

Hand Crank/Solar Rechargeable AM/FM/SW Radio, LED Flashlight, Power Bank - Rugged

Emergency hand crank/solar powered energy source, radio, LED flashlight

Buy on Amazon

2-Way Radio - Durable

High powered, durable, dual-band, 2-way radio and walkie talkie

Buy On Amazon

Ultra Bright Headlamp

Ultra bright, rechargeable 6000 lumen LED head lamp for hands free survival

Buy on Amazon

Rechargeable LED Headlamp 300 Lumens

Durable, rechargeable 300 lumen LED head lamp for hands free survival

Buy on Amazon

Portable 5-Gallon Water Container

Portable, durable 5 gallon water containers for potable water transport

Buy on Amazon

Multi-Fuel Generator

Dual fuel porable generator with electric start for emergency power

Buy on Amazon

Winter storms

Winter storms can roll in and bring along the bitter cold. Feet upon feet of snow can fall, trapping people in their homes, killing the homeless, and even causing power outages.

Prepare for winter storms before the cold arrives by knowing how to stay safe when the snow begins to fall. Have a radio or some other way to listen to updates on the storm, and remain indoors. Try to stay as warm as possible, and know what to do if your power goes out. It's important to keep an emergency kit nearby.

• Enough drinking water for each member of your household
• Non-perishable food items
• A manual can opener
• Blankets
• Heavy clothing
• Flashlights
• Batteries
• A battery powered radio
• A lighter or waterproof matches
• A first aid kit

Hurricanes

Hurricanes are storms that build up more and more power as they move over the ocean, wreaking havoc when they hit land, tearing trees from the ground, leveling homes, and even causing flooding before they finally die down.

There are a couple of different ways to ready yourself for hurricane season. It boils down to whether you decide to evacuate the area or not. If you do, it's important to have an evacuation route ready -- and a physical copy of a map on hand. If you decide to stay for the storm, it's important that you ready your home while you can.

Protect your windows and doors by covering glass with wood and placing sandbags at the base of doors. No matter where you are during the hurricane, you should have an emergency kit at the ready. Tailor your kit to fit the needs of your family, and keep your supplies in an easy-to-carry bag just in case you have to evacuate the area at the last minute.

• Enough water for each member of your family -- including pets
• Non-perishable canned goods
• A manual can opener
• Flashlights
• Batteries
• Maps
• A compass
• Flares
• A whistle
• A first-aid kit

Tornados

Tornadoes are very frightening natural disasters -- when cold, dry air meets humid, warm air, the air moves around one another, forming a tornado. Tornadoes can touch down just about anywhere, which is why it's so important to begin to prepare today.

The first step to preparing yourself for a tornado is identifying a safe place to take shelter. Get in a windowless room -- preferably underground. If you are unable to get underground, get as low as you can, and stay away from windows. Be sure to keep an emergency kit in your tornado shelter.

• Enough water for each member of your family
• Non-perishable food items
• A manual can opener
• A whistle
• Flashlights
• Batteries
• Dust masks
• A battery-powered radio
• A first-aid kit

Landslides

Landslides often accompany other disasters -- such as earthquakes and common storms. A landslide is when large amounts of rocks and debris move quickly, often covering roads, campsites, and even communities.

The best way to get started on preparing for landslides include educating yourself and knowing the signs of a landslide. It's also important to be ready to leave your home at a moment's notice. Keep an emergency kit ready for those times where you have to leave immediately.

• Enough water for each member of your household
• Non-perishable food items
• A manual can opener
• Flashlights
• Heavy-duty boots
• Batteries
• A battery powered radio
• A whistle
• A first-aid kit

Earthquakes

Earthquakes are among the most common disasters to take place across the entirety of the United States. Earthquakes happen when plates shift beneath the earth and cause the ground beneath your feet to shake -- which can level buildings.

Since there won't be much of a warning before an earthquake happens, that means you have to be prepared for anything to happen at any time. Have a conversation with your family on how to stay safe and where to hide when an earthquake happens. 

Try to make sure everyone in your family carries a whistle on them at all times, and everyone has their own emergency kit. Keep your kits somewhere easily accessible -- just in case you have to get out of your home at a moment's notice.

• Enough water for each member of your household
• Non-perishable food items
• A manual can opener
• Flashlights
• Batteries
• A whistle
• A mask to protect your lungs from debris

Last but Not East

While a beautiful and exciting part of the United States, living to the East comes with a set of its own unique dangers. While it can be frightening to think about, it's important that you educate yourself, rather than be caught off guard.

No matter what emergency you prepare for, we've got all the gear you need to build a kit for everyone in your family. Share your knowledge about the dangers of living in the eastern US, or send them our way!

Rain or shine, heatwave or snowstorm, know that we're here with all the information you need on natural disasters, and the kits that can get you through them safely. Start building your own today!

Family Sized Water Filter

Affordable, long lasting multi-person water filter and purifier

Buy on Amazon

Stackable 5-Gallon Water Containers

Stackable, portable, durable 5 gallon water containers for potable water storage and transport

Buy on Amazon

First Aid Kit - Compact

Standard, Portable IFAK First Aid Kit

Buy on Amazon

Trauma Kit - Large

Advanced First Aid Gear and Supplies

Buy on Amazon