When you enter college, you start living an adult life and take responsibility for yourself. And that “responsibility” goes beyond the cooking, bill paying, house chores, and upkeep – it also includes preparing and disaster planning.
Since you are going to live far from your parents, you can’t expect them to come and save you in case of an emergency. You should be ready to deal with disasters and other unpredictable events on your own.
Is it a completely new thing for you? No worries! We’ve got you covered. Here is a complete guide for college students to preparing and disaster planning.
Join the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program (if available)
The first thing you should do is to check whether Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is available in your area. Visit the FEMA’s CERT page, enter your neighborhood or city, and browse the list of the 20 closest CERTs.
What is the CERT program? It’s a program that educates volunteers like you about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may impact the area you live and study in. If you enter this program, you will learn basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, team organization, light search and rescue, and disaster medical operations.
The best thing about this program is that it will allow you to join the preparedness community and meet like-minded people. These people will help you learn preparing tips and tricks and motivate you to keep developing your skills.
Take a first-aid course on disaster planning
Can you tell the difference between a venous and arterial bleed? Do you know how to put on a tourniquet correctly? If your answers are “no”, we highly encourage you to take a first-aid course. You need to learn the basics of first aid to be able to save your life and life of other people.
This knowledge will be helpful not only in case of disaster but also in case of car incidents, incidents on campus, and other emergencies. Modern life is unpredictable, and you never know how and where you may get injured. So it will be wise of you to learn what you should do in an emergency before the ambulance arrives.
Make a first aid kit
A first aid kit is essential. You should keep one kit in your room, and one kit in your car. Find a place where it can be securely stored and easily reachable. For instance, don’t store your first aid kit in a spare tire storage compartment – it will be difficult for you to access it in an emergency.
You may buy an assembled first aid kit online, or you may make your own personalized kit. The Red Cross recommends preppers have the following items:
- Roller bandage, triangular bandages, gauze roll (roller) bandage, adhesive bandages
- Absorbent compress dressings
- Antibiotic ointment packets
- Antiseptic wipe packets
- Hydrocortisone ointment packets
- Adhesive cloth tape
- Packets of aspirin
- Emergency blanket
- Breathing barrier
- Instant cold compress
- Non-latex gloves
- Sterile gauze pads
- Oral thermometer (non-mercury/nonglass)
- Tweezers
- Comprehensive Home and Car Emergency Kit: Includes adhesive fabric and plastic bandages, antibiotic ointments, BZK antiseptic towelettes, burn cream packets, gauze roll and pads, wound closures, cold pack, and other first aid items; HSA/FSA eligible
- Easy Access: An ideal workplace and home first aid kit, this complete basic first aid kit comes in a soft-sided zippered case, featuring 2 separate layers with individual compartments and clear plastic pockets, so first aid supplies are easy to locate
- HSA Eligible and FSA Eligible First Aid Kit: Stay prepared and prioritize your safety with this convenient FSA and HSA eligible first aid kit, ready with the emergency supplies you need to handle cuts, scrapes, and burns
- Fits In A Glove Box or Backpack: Small enough to fit nicely into a backpack, vehicle compartment, or desk drawer, this travel-size first aid kit for car helps you keep peace of mind in easy reach when at home, college, the office, or while on the go
- Be Prepared Everywhere: Whether you need a camping first aid kit, backpacking first aid kit, first aid travel kit, college first aid kit for dorm, or first aid kits for vehicles, our first aid kits have the supplies you need for minor emergencies anywhere
Since the COVID pandemic endgame isn’t here yet, you can also add hand sanitizer and face masks to this list. If you use some medications on a regular basis, for instance, if you are asthmatic and use inhalers, make sure to include this medication in your personalized first aid kit.
Don’t forget to check expiration dates regularly and replace out-of-date items with new ones.
Get ready for a power outage
Storms and hurricanes cause massive power outages. It means if a disaster takes place, you will be unable to charge your phone, call your parents, watch the news on TV, or connect with other people online. You will be kept home alone in the dark. To be prepared for a power outage, you should get equipped with the following items.
Flashlight
A flashlight is an essential tool for surviving power outages. Choose a flashlight that comes with both a wall and car charger, so you can charge it from anywhere. Also, you can opt for a flashlight that comes with spare batteries.
Headlamp
A headlamp is another lighting tool you need in case the power goes out. You can wear it indoors and outdoors to light your way and signal an emergency. Choose water- and drop-resistant headlamp to ensure that it will work in whatever weather conditions.
Radio
Many college students don’t understand how radio can help them survive a disaster. But we can assure you that it’s a useful thing and you will greatly benefit from having it.
- 【𝗡𝗢𝗔𝗔 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗪𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗼】Officially approved by NOAA, the Mesqool emergency radio provides real-time alerts for hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and more. Rotate the BAND to WB and tune to your local NOAA station from 7 pre-set channels—no complicated setup, just fast, life-saving warnings when every second counts.
- 【𝗔𝗠/𝗙𝗠/𝗦𝗪 𝗥𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗼 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴】Enjoy strong, clear reception on local AM/FM stations for music, sports, and more. Switch to the SW band for news and emergency information from other regions. Easy to operate with smooth analog control—no screen, no menus, turn the dial and listen instantly.
- 【𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆】Unlike many 2000–4000mAh models, this survival radio features a 5000mAh (18500mWh) Li-ion battery—ideal for daily emergencies. It delivers up to 13 hours of listening at 50% volume and charges more than one phone. For extra peace of mind, use solar panel, hand crank, USB-C, or 3 AAA batteries to recharge anytime, anywhere.
- 【𝟰 𝗟𝗘𝗗 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀】Features a high-powered 3W flashlight—while many radios offer just 1W—great for navigating dark paths or shelters. Flip up the solar panel to reveal a 2.5W warm reading lamp for cozy evenings. Both lights offer dual brightness settings for visibility or comfort as needed.
- 【𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗥𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗼 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝗢𝗦 𝗔𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗺】Compact at 6.8 × 3.7 × 2.9 inches and only 0.93lb, this all-in-one device includes a strap, carabiner, and compass for easy carrying. When out of reach or stranded, press the SOS button to trigger a 116dB siren and flashing red beacon. A dependable companion for go-bags, survival kits, and outdoor trips.
Using radio, you can get relevant, locally customized information, such as information about aftershocks. Local authorities utilize FM radio to inform citizens about where they can get food and water and how they get medical or other help.
Solar charger
Using a solar charger, you can charge your phone and potentially more.
Well, it’s highly likely that the mobile phone network will also fail, and you will not be able to use your phone to make calls for a few hours or even a few days. But still, a solar charger will allow you to use your gadgets for entertainment (you can read an eBook, listen to favorite music, etc.) or for a practical purpose (for instance, you may use your phone as an additional flashlight).
Add more items to your “emergency kit”
A first aid kit and flashlights are not the only things you may need in case of a natural or technological disaster. There are some other tools you should add to your “emergency kits”.
Multi-tool
A disaster may bring you to a situation where you need to cut the wire or cloth, open a can, or use a screwdriver. To complete these tasks, you need to use lots of different tools or one emergency multi-tool.
- A Leatherman for Everyone: For the last 40 years, Leatherman has been empowering millions to conquer the expected and unexpected, transforming everyday challenges into triumphant moments
- Engineered to Withstand: From our Portland, Oregon factory and backed by our 25-year warranty, our multi-tools are built to last a lifetime, embodying the innovation and perseverance of our founder, Tim Leatherman
- Best of Both Worlds: A great pick for anyone new to multi-tools, the Skeletool is a pocketknife with extra capabilities; Includes a sharp blade, pliers, bit driver, wire cutters and a bottle opener
- Everyday Companion: Weighing just 5 ounces, this slim and ultra-portable tool is perfect for everyday carry; A lightweight day-tripper, the Skeletool is easy to bring with you on camping and hiking adventures
- For Home & Garden: From opening a beverage can with the bottle opener to tightening a loose screw or cutting open a bag of mulch in your garden, this multi-tool comes in handy in multiple ways every single day
Don’t have a multi-tool yet? Here is advice for you: opt for an item of higher quality rather than an item with more tools included. You need to buy a reliable multi-tool that will not get easily broken in an emergency situation.
Signaling whistle
Whistles provide an excellent way for close-distance signaling. The whistle cuts through the noise and alerts people that someone is in danger or distress. Whistles saved lots of lives, so make sure to get one while in college.
Duct tape
Using duct tape, you can fix a broken window in your room or temporarily repair other things you urgently need to use. Just make sure to choose a high-quality duct tape that can stick to rough and uneven indoor and outdoor surfaces, including stone, plaster, wood, brick, and metal.
Have non-perishable food in stock
If a natural or technological disaster takes place, you may get locked in your room for a few days or even a few weeks. To survive, you need to have enough non-perishable food in stock. Here is a list of food items you may want to buy:
- Canned meats
- Canned tuna and salmon
- Canned or dry soups
- Canned stews and chili
- Canned gravy
- Canned vegetables and fruit
- Rice and pasta
- Tea and coffee
- Sugar
- Peanut butter
- Cake and pancake mixes
- Powdered milk
- Condensed milk
- Juice in boxes or cans
- Granola and protein bars
How much food should you have in stock? You should keep a three-day supply (minimum) or seven-day supply (preferably). If you have pets, you should have pet food in stock as well.
Stock up on water
Naturally, you need to stock up not only on non-perishable food but also water. You need to store at least one gallon per day for drinking and cooking—the more water you store, the better.
You can buy bottled water, or you can use clean containers to collect and store your water. Just make sure to follow these simple rules:
- Replace stored non-store-bought water every six months
- Check the expiration date for store-bought water.
- Do not store water containers in direct sunlight and places with a hot temperature (70°F+).
- Sanitize the water container with a solution made of unscented liquid household chlorine bleach and water.
Well, it might be challenging for you to find enough storage space in your room, especially if you live in a dorm. But there is always a spare you can use, even if you live in a tiny place and share it with a roommate. You can keep water bottles under your bed, or any other “vacant spot”.
Final words
Preparing and disaster planning will help you to develop skills that you will use throughout your lifetime. New skills will boost your self-confidence, improve your self-efficiency, and help you to survive in whatever dangerous situation.
We hope you will use this article as a guide and become a true prepper. Wish you good luck with study and enjoy disaster-free college life!
About the Author: Jessica Fender is a researcher and academic content creator. Her job is to facilitate student learning – she creates educational content that aligns with search queries “write my research paper” and “hire writer”. When Jessica has free time, she enjoys reading, blogging, and hiking.
