Not all disasters are created equal—and neither is the way we prepare for them. The risks you face depend on where you live, work, and travel. Floods, wildfire season, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, blizzards, or even extended power outages each bring their own challenges.

The first step in preparedness is awareness. Take time this month to learn which hazards are most likely in your area, then build your emergency plan and supplies around those risks. By knowing your risks, you can minimize damage, protect your family, and recover faster when disaster strikes.

Preparedness starts with knowledge—and it starts at home. We also have a blog on this Survival - A State of Mind - PackFreshUSA - Survival starts at home, but it also starts with the right mindset!

Know Your Disaster Risks by Region

Coastal Areas (East & Gulf Coasts)

• Hurricanes & Tropical Storms
• The Calm Before the Storm: Is Your Home Hurricane-Ready? - PackFreshUSA
• When Storms Arise: Preparing for Hurricane Season - PackFreshUSA
• Hurricane Preparedness for Pets: Essential Tips and Checklist - PackFreshUSA
  
  
• Flooding from storm surge & heavy rain
• Lightning Safety Awareness Week: A Shocking Reminder - PackFreshUSA
  
  

Midwest & Central U.S. (Tornado Alley)

• Tornadoes
  • Survival - A State of Mind - PackFreshUSA
  • 72 Hour Emergency Supply List
    
    
• Severe thunderstorms & hail
  • Learn about the lightning safety Lightning Safety Awareness Week: A Shocking Reminder - PackFreshUSA

Western States (California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, etc.)

• Wildfires

• Making a Preparedness Plan - Fire Evacuation - PackFreshUSA
• 72 Hour Emergency Supply List

• Earthquakes (especially California, Alaska, but they happen everywhere)

• Shake It Off: 10 Must-Have Earthquake Preparedness Tips - PackFreshUSA
• 72 Hour Emergency Supply List

• Drought conditions

• Storing water - if you store mason jars, simply store water in them instead of empty. 
• When Every Drop Counts: Emergency Water Purification Techniques - PackFreshUSA
• Emergency Preparedness: Water - PackFreshUSA

• Building a "Get Home" Bag - CAR EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS / GRAB-N-GO BAGS Checklist - PackFreshUSA also can serve as a grab-n-go bag. For quick evacuations.
  
  

Northern States & Mountain Regions

• Blizzards & Extreme Winter Storms

• Keeping Warm in Freezing Weather - PackFreshUSA

• Power outages from snow/ice

• Having solar generator, gas or diesel (do not use these indoors) 
• Learn how to stay warm in your cold home 

• Avalanche risk in mountain zones 

•  if you're a skier or snowboarder, take in avalanche, risk safety course
• Check weather before going out, and check regularly for changes. 
• Stay on paths, don’t go out of ski/snowboarders

• Check the avalanche forecast before heading out

• Carry essential rescue equipment like beacon, shovels and probes 
• Building a "Get Home" Bag - CAR EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS / GRAB-N-GO BAGS Checklist - PackFreshUSA
• 72 Hour Emergency Supply List

• Be aware of your surroundings and recognize the signs of unstable snow or cracks in snow.

Southern States (including Texas & surrounding areas)

• Hurricanes (Gulf & Atlantic regions)

• The Calm Before the Storm: Is Your Home Hurricane-Ready? - PackFreshUSA
• When Storms Arise: Preparing for Hurricane Season - PackFreshUSA
• Hurricane Preparedness for Pets: Essential Tips and Checklist - PackFreshUSA
• 72 Hour Emergency Supply List

• Heat waves / droughts

• Water tips - if you store mason jars, simply store water in them instead of empty. 
• When Every Drop Counts: Emergency Water Purification Techniques - PackFreshUSA
• Emergency Preparedness: Water - PackFreshUSA
  

• Occasional tornadoes

• Severe Winter Weather (freezing rain, ice storms, & hard freezes that disrupt power & water)

• Keeping Warm in Freezing Weather - PackFreshUSA
  
  

Desert & Arid Regions (Southwest U.S., Nevada, Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, parts of Texas)

• Flash Floods (sudden, dangerous, often after heavy rain)

• Lightning Safety Awareness Week: A Shocking Reminder - PackFreshUSA
• Stay alert: Listen to local weather alerts and never ignore flood warnings.
• Turn around, don’t drown: Never attempt to drive or walk through floodwaters — even 6 inches of moving water can knock you over.
• Have a go-bag: Keep an emergency kit ready with food, water, PackFreshUSA pouches of shelf-stable items, and first aid in case you must evacuate quickly.
• Know your terrain: If you live in a flood-prone area, identify higher ground and practice evacuation routes.
  

• Extreme heat / drought

• Hydrate often: Drink water frequently, even before you feel thirsty.
• Stay cool: Limit outdoor activity during peak heat (10 AM – 4 PM). Use fans, shade, or cooling cloths.
• Protect pets & plants: Keep extra water on hand; drought impacts the whole household.
• Plan for power outages: having backup power for refrigerator and freezers.
• Dust storms (Haboobs)
• Avoid driving: If caught on the road, pull over, turn off lights, and wait until visibility improves.
• Seal indoors: Close windows, doors, and vents to keep dust out.
• Protect your lungs: Wear masks or cloth coverings over your mouth and nose.
• Keep essentials stocked: Water, nonperishable food in PackFreshUSA pouches, and air filters make recovery easier.
  
  

Nationwide / Anywhere

• Floods (most common U.S. disaster)
  most home insurance do not cover flood damage would want to get additional flood damage insurance 
• House fires
  
• Extended power outages
  
• Pandemics or public health emergencies
  

Preparedness Tip for Texans & Southern States: Cold snaps and ice storms can shut down power grids and freeze water lines. Store extra water, insulate pipes, and keep alternative heat sources (safe indoors) ready. 72 Hour Emergency Supply List

Preparedness isn’t about living in fear—it’s about living with confidence. When you understand the risks in your region, you can take the right steps to safeguard your home, protect your loved ones, and respond wisely when the unexpected happens. From hurricanes to blizzards, wildfires to earthquakes, every hazard requires a unique plan, but the foundation is the same: awareness, supplies, and readiness. At PackFreshUSA, we believe survival starts at home—and with the right mindset, tools, and storage solutions, you can face any disaster with peace of mind. Don’t wait until an emergency strikes—start preparing today.

Happy Prepping!


Ola D Griffin
Long-term Food Storage Expert
Customer Service, Safeguard Brands, Inc. dba PackFreshUSA
YouTuber Pandemic Prepsters - YouTube 
Instagram - Ola Dee Griffin (@Preparedness101) • Instagram Photos And Videos 
Tiktok - Oladeegriffin (@Oladeegriffin) | TikTok 

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