Being Prepared for Natural Disasters as a Military Family

Life as a military family often means stepping into the unknown - new homes, new schools, and sometimes entirely new environments with challenges you may have never faced before. One move might place you in the path of hurricanes, while the next could bring you to earthquake country or an area prone to wildfires. Each PCS comes with its own learning curve, and unlike civilian families who may live in one region their whole lives, military families rarely have the luxury of long-term familiarity with local risks. That's why disaster preparedness isn't just a good idea for us - it's a necessity. Having a plan, an emergency kit, and the confidence to act quickly can make all the difference, especially when one parent may be deployed.

The Unique Challenges Military Families Face

When you live in one place for decades, you get to know the rhythms of the seasons - the hurricane sirens, the flood zones, the fire evacuation routes. Military families don't often have that kind of stability. Instead, we're packing up and learning on the fly:

• Frequent Moves: Each PCS brings new risks, and sometimes we don't even have a full season to learn what the local hazards look like before we're in the middle of them.

• Unfamiliar Climates: Going from California wildfires to North Carolina hurricanes - or even from Arizona's desert storms to the icy Midwest - requires a quick crash course in survival

• Deployment Gaps: When one parent is deployed, the weight of preparation and response often falls entirely on the spouse at home.

• Limited Support Networks: Starting fresh in a new town means not always knowing who you can call or where you can go when disaster strikes. Family is sometimes far away - too far to rely on for immediate help.

These challenges can feel overwhelming, but they also make military families some of the most resilient and adaptable people out there.

Understanding Local Risks Quickly

The first step after every PCS should be learning your area's natural disaster risks. When we moved to the East Coast, I quickly discovered support groups on Facebook for hurricane prep and recovery - a resource I never would've thought to look for in California.

Here's how you can get ahead fast:

• Check FEMA's disaster maps and your states emergency management website.

• Talk with neighbors, school staff, or your spouse's unit family readiness officer.

• Identify evacuation routes, shelters and safe zones right away - even if you never need them, the peace of mind is priceless.

Building a Family Emergency Plan

Preparedness starts with a plan your whole family can follow:

• Communication Plan: Kids should know who to call if lines are down and where to meet if separated. Always list one out-of-town contact who can coordinate updates.

• Meeting Points: Pick a safe spot inside the home, outside the home, somewhere in the community and somewhere in the state to go if things go bad. Make sure your last resort place is far enough to get away from the path of whatever disaster you would be running from.

• Deployment Considerations: Make sure the spouse at home has copies of power of attorney, military IDs, medical readiness files, and PCS paperwork. Having these accessible can eliminate red tape during stressful times.

Essential Emergency Kits & Go Bags

Every household should have an emergency kit, but for military families, it's worth tailoring them to both your region and your lifestyle.

Basic Supplies: Non-perishable food, water, first aid, flashlights, batteries, clothing, hygiene items, pet supplies.

Military Family Additions:

• PCS and legal documents (copies on USB drive & hard copies).

• Emergency medical overviews for each family member.

• Comfort Items for kids (stuffed animals, favorite snacks, books).

• Back up copies of deployment letters, orders and contact numbers.

Region-Specific Supplies:

• Hurricanes: Sandbags, bug spray, water purification tablets.

• Earthquakes: Dust masks, furniture straps, extra water.

• Wildfires: N95 masks, air filters, fireproof storage for documents.

Pro tip: Keep smaller "go-bags" for each family member in case you have to evacuate quickly.

Involving Kids in Preparedness

Children can feel scared when they hear adults talk about disasters, but involving them in small, age-appropriate ways makes them feel empowered instead of anxious.

• Let younger kids help pack a small "comfort kit" with snacks and toys.

• Teach school-aged kids how to call your emergency contact.

• Practice short drills like "grab your bag and meet at the mailbox" as a game.

Preparedness becomes part of family life when kids see it as normal - not just scary.

This is a topic that will get a post all it's own, so keep an eye out! There are so many ways to involve your kiddos!

Leveraging Military and Community Resources

One of the advantages of military life is that we do have built-in networks - sometimes we just forget to use them.

• Base Family Readiness Centers often host emergency planning workshops.

• American Red Cross offers resources and volunteer opportunities that double as preparedness training.

• Unit Spouse Networks are a goldmine of local wisdom - someone has already been through the storm, fire or quake you're preparing for.

Staying Flexible and Resilient

If there is one thing military families know, it's how to adapt. Even the best-laid plans may need to change in the moment, but preparation gives you a foundation to work from. Each move is a chance to strengthen your family's readiness and resilience.

Think of preparedness not as a checklist you cross off once, but as a lifestyle - one that grows with your family and evolves with every duty station.

Start Small Today

Being prepared for natural disasters as a military family is about more than flashlights and canned goods - it's about peace of mind, confidence, and resilience in the face of the unknown. Every PCS brings new risks, but it also brings new opportunities to practice adaptability and courage. Start small today: make a plan, pack a bag, and talk to your kids. Preparedness empowers your family to not just survive emergencies, but to face them with the strength and unity that define military life.