Droughts affect different people differently. Farmers are some of the hardest hit by droughts. The lack of rain and water can cause crops to dry up and leave farmers without a source of income. Since there is little a farmer can do in a drought, being prepared might involve securing other sources of income or planting crops that need much less water.

People living in or near wilderness areas should be aware that droughts dramatically increase the potential for wildfires. Being prepared might include clearing dead and dry trees, grass and debris from around your home, installing an emergency high pressure sprinkler system around the home to wet everything in the event of wild fire, and developing an escape plan with at least two routes out and practicing with all family members and even neighbors.

If you live in a city, you will probably be faced with water restriction and higher prices for food during a severe drought, and public pools and parks for outdoor sport programs may be closed. There is little that can be done in these instances. However, if you have not already installed water saving faucets you should. It would also be good to look at other ways to reduce the amount of water you use for watering lawns and washing clothes and dishes. Upgrading to low usage appliances and redesigning your yard with plants, rocks and grasses that require little or no watering will help to conserve water and reduce the impact of droughts as well as protect one of our most valuable resources at all times.

Many states actively plan for droughts. More information on planning for drought can be found here.