Family Vacation Safety Guide: Disaster Prep Tips for Hurricanes, Tsunamis, and Wildfires

Vacations are a time to relax and reconnect—but what happens when nature throws a curveball? From powerful hurricanes and tsunamis to fast-moving wildfires and unexpected earthquakes, natural disasters can strike while you're far from home.

With a bit of planning and practical know-how, you can turn fear into confidence. This guide breaks down how to prepare before, during, and after a vacation emergency—so your family stays safe and your memories stay joyful. 🧳🌴

1️⃣ Know Before You Go: Smart Research = Smart Safety

Disaster readiness starts before you even pack your bags. It’s critical to understand the risks of your destination—especially during seasons known for hurricanes or wildfires. Research recent weather events, historical patterns, and local hazard maps. Learn which disasters are common in the area and how often they occur.

Check out:

• Emergency evacuation routes (many cities have online maps)

• Local emergency response apps

• The area’s seasonal weather trends (e.g., June–November for hurricanes)

🌐 Visit official sites like weather.gov or tsunami.gov for reliable, up-to-date info.

2️⃣ Pack with a Plan: Your Emergency Vacation Go-Bag

Just like at home, an emergency kit can make a massive difference in a crisis. Pack a compact version of your at-home go-bag, tailored to your family and your trip.

Must-haves include:

• Phone power bank & cords

• Flashlight, batteries, emergency whistle

• First-aid kit, water pouches, granola bars

• Photocopies (and digital backups) of your IDs, passports, medical info

• Local emergency contacts + hotel/host info in print

👶 For kids: Include medications, formula, and a favorite toy for comfort during stress.

Make sure everything fits in a small backpack so it’s easy to grab and go.

3️⃣ Stay Informed: Download Alerts Before You Leave

You can’t prepare if you don’t know what’s coming. These apps send real-time alerts:

• FEMA App – Custom alerts nationwide

• NOAA Radar Live – Storm tracking with precision

• Red Cross Emergency App – Multi-disaster alerts and instructions

• MyShake – Earthquake early warning system (especially for CA, OR, WA)

✅ Enable push notifications and location tracking. Make it a habit to check for updates

every morning on vacation.

4️⃣ Know Your Lodging’s Emergency Procedures

Hotels, resorts, and Airbnbs may all handle disasters differently. Before your trip—or as soon as you arrive—ask your host or front desk:

• Do you have a shelter plan in case of a storm or quake?

• Where are exits and safety zones located?

• Do you have supplies like flashlights or bottled water?

Many international resorts post safety instructions inside rooms. If yours doesn’t, request them.

5️⃣ What to Do During a Hurricane on Vacation

Hurricanes give you some advance warning. Don’t ignore it. If one is approaching:

• Evacuate before mandatory orders begin—traffic will be lighter

• Move away from coastal areas and low-lying zones

• Fill your bathtub and sinks with water in case water service is disrupted

• Secure valuables and unplug electronics

🌀 Stay away from windows, monitor local news, and follow government advisories—not just social media.

6️⃣ Tsunami Prep for Tourists: Seconds Matter

Tsunamis are rare—but extremely dangerous. They often follow strong offshore earthquakes.

• If you feel shaking and you're on the coast, don't wait—head inland and uphill

• Look for tsunami evacuation signs (common in Hawaii, Japan, and West Coast cities)

• Know if your hotel is within a hazard zone

• Don’t wait for an official warning; use instinct and act fast

📸 The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami showed how quickly conditions can go from calm to catastrophic.

7️⃣ Wildfire Readiness: It’s Not Just the Flames

Even if you're not near a blaze, wildfires can cause dangerous air quality and disrupt travel.

• Check the AirNow app daily if traveling in dry areas

• Pack N95 masks for everyone in your group

• Choose lodging away from canyons and forests during peak fire months

• Know the nearest evacuation route and alternate roads

🔥 Pro Tip: Keep car gas tanks at least half full during wildfire season. Fuel shortages can happen.

8️⃣ Earthquake Safety for Travelers

Earthquakes come without warning. If one hits:

• Drop to the ground, cover your head and neck, and hold on under sturdy furniture

• Stay away from windows and tall furniture that could fall

• Do not use elevators; stairwells are safer if evacuation is needed later

• Prepare for aftershocks

🧠 Save local numbers and directions offline in case phone service is lost.

9️⃣ Family-Specific Planning: Traveling with Children

Families must prepare differently. Talk to kids before the trip:

• Explain what might happen, calmly and simply

• Practice walking to exits or shelters

• Keep child-specific items in your go-bag: wipes, formula, meds, small toys

• Use ID wristbands or cards for young children in case of separation

• 
  

📋 Let your children know your contact number and what to do if you're separated.

🔟 Cancel or Continue? Deciding When to Change Plans

Here’s what to weigh:

• Severity and path of the threat

• Local emergency declarations

• Airline and hotel flexibility on changes or refunds

• Whether your insurance covers weather cancellations

💳 Tip: If your destination is under an official warning, many airlines and hotels allow free rescheduling.

💬 Final Word: Confident, Not Fearful Travel

You don’t have to cancel your trip to be safe—you just need a plan.

Disaster readiness on vacation may sound extreme, but it’s a practical act of love. Protecting your family, preparing calmly, and teaching kids what to do during an emergency can turn the worst-case scenario into a well-handled inconvenience.

✅ Know the risks ✅ Pack smart ✅ Stay alert ✅ Keep your family calm and informed

Enjoy your vacation. Just be ready for the unexpected. 🌎🧳❤️

🔗 Related Articles on FamilyFinanceWarriors.com:

• 👉 Emergency Fund Basics for Families

• 👉 Top Affordable Vacation Spots for Families

• 👉 Smart Packing Tips for Frugal Travelers