Being prepared for a natural disaster can make the difference between life and death. Yet most people spend almost no time preparing for such an event. Here are a few simple things you can do to help increase both your survival during and comfort after a natural disaster.

First, check your house for any top-heavy items, such as water heaters, book shelves, etc., and strap or bolt them down to prevent them from tipping over. If you store heavy objects in cabinets or shelves, put them on the bottom shelf, along with other objects that might break if they fall. Keep flammable material properly labeled and away from matches or other ignition sources.

Your home should have at least one fire extinguisher. Make sure it is properly rated and tagged, and that each family member knows how and when to use it properly. You should, of course, have properly functioning smoke detectors on all levels of your home and carbon monoxide detectors if you have a fire place or wood burning stove.

You’ll potentially save yourself a lot of trouble if you store copies of all important documents in a location away from your home. Records such as birth certificates, insurance policies, deeds, etc., are items you should consider for storing a copy off-site.

You should also educate yourself about certain things before a disaster strikes. For example, your family should have a clear evacuation plan that includes what to do if an evacuation needs to happen while the family is split up. This should include a relocation plan that outlines how family members will get back together if separated during a disaster.

Finally, having a first aid kit is always a good idea. Become familiar with its contents and how to take care of common injuries. Doing these few simple things can make a huge difference for you and your family should a natural disaster or emergency occur. It’s a great investment of your time that you’ll hope you’ll never need!