Ready For Unsteady

Ready For Unsteady logo – emergency preparedness for everyday life
Ready For Unsteady logo – emergency preparedness for everyday life

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Student Dorm Resilience

Living in a dorm means limited space — but emergencies don’t wait for ideal conditions. From building a small but effective emergency kit to knowing what steps to take when disaster strikes, see below to see what you need to stay safe and ready on campus.

  • Vertical Storage: Utilize wall space for hanging shelves to store non-perishable food, first aid supplies, or other essentials.
  • Multi-Purpose Items: Opt for items with multiple uses, such as a solar-powered phone charger that also doubles as a flashlight.
  • Compact Equipment: Invest in compact and lightweight gear, such as a mini first aid kit or a collapsible water container.
  • Knowledge is Power: Learn basic first aid, CPR, and fire safety.
  • Mental Preparedness: Practice stress management techniques and develop a support network within your dorm.
  • Community Engagement: Participate in campus emergency response training or volunteer for disaster relief organizations.
  • Know Your Neighbors: Build a rapport with your dorm mates, so you can support each other in times of need.
  • Digital Backup: Store important documents and contact information digitally in a secure cloud-based platform.
  • Emergency Apps: Download emergency alert apps and weather apps for real-time updates.
  • Power Banks: Invest in high-capacity power banks to ensure your devices remain charged during power outages.
  • Physical maps: Keep physical maps on-hand in the event your GPS does not work. You can request free maps from state tourism sites – see the full list of state sites here.
  • Food Storage: Keep a small supply of freeze-dried or dehydrated meals that require only hot water.
  • Snack Options: Store ready-to-eat items like granola bars, peanut butter, or trail mix for no-prep emergencies.
  • Compact Containers: Use airtight bins or sealable bags to keep food organized and pest-free.
  • Water Purification: Carry a portable water filter like a LifeStraw or Sawyer Mini for emergencies.
  • Backup Tablets: Store water purification tablets as a lightweight, chemical-based backup option.
  • Local news: Stay updated on local weather and emergency alerts. Rely on multiple sources of information to verify accuracy. 
  • FEMA App: Download the FEMA app for location-based alerts.
  • Emergency plans: If possible, have a plan in place with a family member or friend who lives outside of a heavily populated area.