5 Simple Steps to Prepare Before Disaster Strikes

A Santa Clarita Valley Signal article outlines five zero-cost steps for disaster preparedness, addressing a gap between public concern and actual readiness. Research from United Way Worldwide and Verizon found that while 60% of U.S. adults worry a natural disaster could affect their household within a year, only 15% feel very prepared, with cost, time constraints and lack of knowledge cited as primary barriers.

The recommended steps include designating an out-of-area emergency contact, enabling wireless alerts and identifying trusted local news sources, coordinating with neighbors on mutual aid plans, documenting special needs and contingencies before crisis strikes, and creating digital copies of critical documents and property records. The article emphasizes that preparedness requires minimal expense and can be completed incrementally.