50 Survival Prep Questions from the Japan Disaster

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As you are preparing to survive the next disaster that hits your area, ask yourself these questions (inspired from the Japan disaster):

1. What kind of natural disasters are common in your area?
2. What kinds of natural disasters are uncommon in your area but could still happen?
3. What are potential man-made disasters could happen in your area (ie: chemical plant, nuclear plant, dam that could burst, etc)?
4. Are there disaster warning signals in your area (ie: sirens, reverse 911 calls, etc)?
5. Do you know where your local evacuation routes and evacuation centers are located?
6. Is your bug out bag (BOB) ready to go at a moment's notice?
7. If you've had your BOB at the ready for a while, have you emptied it and made sure everything in it (food, batteries, etc) is up to date?
8. Do you always keep your car's gas tank at least half full?
9. Do you have extra gasoline safely stored in case you need to evacuate and gas is unavailable?
10. Do you have an evacuation plan?
11. Are you able to evacuate both via car and on foot (or maybe on a bicycle/motorcycle)?
12. Can you navigate even if there are no more landmarks left in your town?
13. Where would you evacuate to (near, further, and furthest locations)?
14. How will you obtain water after a disaster?
15. How will you obtain food after a disaster?
16. How will you contact friends and family after a disaster to let them know you are OK?
17. How will you obtain news and information after the disaster?
18. Have you determined additional sources of news and information apart from the regular media?
19. Do you have a comprehensive first aid kit?
20. Do you have a broad base of first aid knowledge?
21. How will you get specialized products that you need after a disaster (baby formula, diapers, oxygen and medications for yourself or others in your home who need it, etc)?
22. Are there specialized medications that you may need after a disaster and how will you obtain them (ie: iodine pills, etc)?
23. How will you care for/transport your ill or elderly relative after a disaster if they live with or near you?
24. Do you have the proper gear to survive outdoors if the disaster happens during the winter?
25. Do you have the proper gear to set up your own shelter in case your home is unlivable?
26. How will you protect your things from looters and others who will want what you have after a disaster?
27. How will you handle unprepared friends and loved ones who show up at your door with nothing after a disaster?
28. Are you in good enough shape to be able to do the physical work required after a disaster (lifting, climbing, moving stuff, etc)?
29. Do you have connections who you will be able to call on after a disaster (doctor, grocery store owner, politician, construction people, etc)?
30. Do you have special skills that will be useful to yourself and others after a disaster?
31. Do you have cash on hand that can be used right after a disaster to purchase available items?
32. Do you have a significant emergency fund in the bank that you would eventually be able to access after a disaster?
33. Are you debt free?
34. Do you need very little money to support your lifestyle (if not, are you easily able to ratchet back your lifestyle on short notice)?
35. Do you have items that would be useful for bartering after a disaster?
36. Do you know how to barter (from experience, not from a book)?
37. Do you have a plan for where to meet with your family if you are all separated during a disaster?
38. Do you have important information in written form (phone numbers, medications, etc) in case you can't access your computer or cell phone?
39. Do you regularly back up your computer files and keep a copy of this in your BOB, at your office, in your safe deposit box, etc?
40. Do you have copies of all of your important documents (including scanned copies on your computer)?
41. Do you have insurance (including specialized insurance such as flood insurance, earthquake insurance, etc)?
42. Do you have a cell phone that allows text messaging as well as access to the internet (this is how most people communicated during the Japan disaster)?
43. Do you have a plan for powering your phone and other electronic devices in the event of a prolonged blackout?
44. What will you do for entertainment after a disaster (there is usually a lot of waiting after the fact)?
45. Do you hold regular fire/lockdown/earthquake/evacuation drills so that your family will know what to do during and after a disaster?
46. Do you have any search and rescue knowledge/experience?
47. Have you considered that you may have to store your own dead, at least temporarily?
48. Do you know what your city, county, state, and federal disaster plans are (so you will know what to expect)?
49. Do you share your disaster preparedness knowledge and skills with others?
50. Do you continue to educate yourself in order to keep up with the latest in disaster prep skills/gear/knowledge?