Disasters can occur at anytime, anywhere, and in any location. Are you prepared for any disaster ranging from a hurricane or tornado to an earthquake to a blizzard to a car accident? If not, get the right disaster kit for the situation before the emergency occurs.

Kits for natural disasters cover a similar group of components: food rations, water, first aid supplies, lighting and signaling devices, a radio, a blanket, and basic tools. Because a disaster may involve evacuation, such kits are made for grab-and-go instances. With all of these supplies, an individual is able to survive self-sufficiently for three days, maintain contact with the outside world, find his or her way through the dark, stay warm, address any injuries, and signal for help.

Outdoor disaster kits cover a similar set of supplies, although all items are geared toward wilderness survival. Along with a food bar, an outdoor disaster kit may include supplies for gathering food. With standard lighting and signaling devices and a radio, an outdoor disaster kit may additionally include navigational tools. In addition to a blanket, such a disaster kit may also include shelter and supplies for warmth.

If you have an accident or breakdown on the side of a road, do you have the right supplies to address the damage? Disaster car kits have all tools and signaling devices for such instances. Although components vary, each kit may have jumper cables, a towing rope, or a tire repair kit, and a flashlight, lantern, reflective triangles, a banner, and light sticks.

A standard disaster kit contains enough supplies to last three days, but what if more emergency items are needed? Be prepared for any long-term power or water shortage with your own disaster kit of food, first aid, and water. Over time, both water and food can be gathered in large quantities, and in the event of a disaster, and you will have enough to sustain yourself for the next few weeks.

For building up water, use a storage tank or purchase cans of emergency water, which can last up to 30 years. For food, aim for having a year's supply before a disaster. Although your food storage should cover basic items like rice, beans, sugar, oil, and powdered milk, an emergency food kit provides you with variety, including various freeze-dried entrees, vegetables, dairy, fruits, protein, and carbohydrates that just need water. For long-term storage, most items in emergency food kits last five to 25 years in dark, dry, and cool conditions and, in the event of an evacuation, are easily portable.