"[We] were not expecting a one-in-1,000 event," one resident told our photographer and editor Richard Moore amid the wreckage. Motel operator Sharon Parton said: "My son and his wife lost everything. My mother-in-law lost everything."

Such major storms display nature's unpredictable force, exposing how vulnerable our communities truly are.

"It's not a matter of 'if' but 'when' such events will occur," Creek Stewart, an author of more than 40 books on survival, told The Epoch Times. Being ready to face adversity is a responsibility that each family must accept and embrace.

Prepping doesn't have to be daunting. "Preparedness is very simple," Stewart said, "but without a proper guide, you are going to become overwhelmed."

In this guide, we streamline the process by outlining the essential items recommended by survival experts.

"Think of preparedness as an insurance policy," preparedness expert Paul Martin told The Epoch Times. "None of us like paying insurance premiums, but we do it in order to transfer the risk of loss."

A robust preparedness plan has three core elements: family communication, evacuation, and sheltering in place.

Family Communication

The cornerstone of any disaster plan is effective family communication. This involves establishing clear meeting points and alternative methods of staying in touch. "Know where to meet, how to get in touch, and how to get there ... so that there's no guessing," Stewart said.

Establish an Out-of-Town Contact: Select a trusted friend or relative outside your immediate area whom all family members can contact.

Memorize Important Numbers: Ensure everyone knows key phone numbers in case cell phones are lost or not working.