With floods, fires and hurricanes becoming more powerful and frequent, it feels like the Earth becomes a scarier place every year. To regain a sense of control, here’s a set of 5-year, 1-year and 1-hour disaster goals.

THE FIVE-YEAR PLAN is often the most difficult and expensive. 

It might involve a new roof, a basement remodel or landscaping. But before you do that, you need to assess your particular risk, said Jeff Schlegelmilch, the director of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia University.

Do you live in earthquake country? Are you in a flood plain? Consider calling the geology or forestry department at a local university, or comparing flood maps. In fire zones, you might hire a retired firefighter to help you look for red flags, like flammable siding or vulnerable trees. Call your insurer to identify risks, too.

All the experts I talked to agreed that some of the most important parts of long-term preparation are free: getting to know your neighbors, learning who might need special care during a natural disaster and who has camping gear or a generator. 

THE ONE-YEAR PLAN involves actions you can afford to take this year. 

In wildfire-prone areas, for example, that includes thinking about what firefighters call the “defensible area” around your house, and how you can make it more resilient. You should also review your home insurance policy every year, said Alex Greer, an associate professor of emergency management at the State University of New York at Albany.

Lastly, discuss your emergency plan with your family once a year. Talk about where you will gather during a disaster and how to evacuate.

THE ONE-HOUR PLAN depends on proximity. 

Your evacuation plan might just be “grab the dog and drive away fast.” But you might have a little while to prepare. If you haven’t already gone through your house and made a video of your possessions for insurance, do it if you have time, Greer said.

No matter where you live, it’s good to have a “go bag” that includes important documents, like birth certificates, deeds and wills. Don’t forget medications, glasses and other necessities. Also, make a list of family treasures to quickly grab, like children’s art or other precious mementos.