7 Important Tips to Stay Prepared During Disasters

We all know that Natural Calamities such as earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, landslides, etc. can ruin your life, and one who does not know how to deal with them; will feel completely helpless. Knowing what to do during such a scenario can significantly help in one’s safety. This blog covers some important tips to help you remain safe during a wide range of disaster scenarios.

1. Prepare an Emergency Kit

The first step towards having a better chance of survival during a natural disaster is to build an emergency kit. It is a bag with supplies that you will require while public services such as electricity or water are off, or if you are away from your house as a result of an emergency.

Your emergency kit should include:

• Water (at least one gallon per person per day for 3 days)
• Non-perishable food (canned goods, granola bars, etc.)
• First aid supplies (bandages, antiseptic wipes, etc.)
• Flashlights and batteries
• A portable phone charger
• Important documents (copies of IDs, insurance policies, medical records)
• Medications
• A multi-tool or knife
• Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, soap, etc.)

These things ensure you will be prepared for any disaster that may come your way.

2. Stay Informed

Keep Yourself Updated during an emergency, information is crucial. Listen to the alerts and warnings broadcasted by the authorities as they contain the most recent updates about the situation and the actions you need to take. Here are some ways to keep updated on what is happening:

• Weather Apps and Alerts: Some weather apps can send out emergency messages depending on where you might be at that time.
• Emergency Radio: Another great backup if your electricity goes off is a battery-powered or hand crank radio.
• Social Media: Twitter and Facebook besides other websites allow you to keep updated with your local authorities and other agencies that deal with emergencies. You will be more able to respond faster and evacuate or follow directions of safety when you keep yourself updated.

By staying informed, you’ll be able to make quicker decisions and follow evacuation orders or safety guidelines.

3. Create a Family Emergency Plan

Calamities can interfere with communication. Therefore, it is vital to have a Plan B for your family members. Identify a location to meet in case you are separated.

Your family emergency plan should include:

• Emergency numbers such as out-of-town contacts, parents, and relatives.
• A common place to meet when it is required: New York City or her Spouse House.
• A plan on how to communicate if there is an earthquake and phones are not working.
• Identifying a family emergency leader (person who will pick up the emergency box).

This greatly helps in case a crisis takes place as such a scenario would entail less chaos and panic as people are already aware of what they need to be doing.

4. Know What to Do During Specific Disasters

Members of the family should participate in several scenarios during a disaster since there is not one single response but rather desperate situations. There are a few basic recommendations for common disasters, however:

Earthquake

• Drop, Cover, and Hold On. In case you’re inside, crouch under sturdy furniture or lie down facing inner walls, away from windows. Remain there until the earthquake stops.
• If you are outside stand in an open space avoiding tall buildings, trees, and power lines.
• If you are a passenger in a vehicle, pull over and park but do not stop under any bridges or trees.

Tornado

• Relocate to the bottom floor of your house. A basement is preferable, otherwise a storm cellar will do. If there is not one available, seek an enclosed space in the middle of the house like a closet, physically as far from windows as possible.
• Use automotive inner tubes, thick blankets, old mattresses or whatever you have for protection for your head and neck.
• Use automotive inner tubes, thick blankets, old mattresses or whatever you have for protection for your head and neck.

Hurricane

• For those living in areas at risk of hurricanes, heed any issued evacuation orders. It's wise to leave as early as you can.
• Just remain calm, do not use any electrical devices and take shelter in any room close to the window.
• Ensure you have adequate supplies of water, food, and medication once a storm is forecast as well as securing your house to prevent storm damage.

Flood

• Flooded regions must never be crossed in a car or on foot. Six inches of fast-moving water can knock over even the strongest of men, and a foot of water usually sweeps cars away.
• If your location is prone to floods, have an evacuation strategy and be equipped to move to high ground rapidly.
• Elevate your emergency supplies to above-normal flood levels.

5. Secure Your Home

Securing your home in advance can help minimize damage during a disaster and keep you safe. Here are a few steps to take:

• Reinforce doors and windows: Storm shutters should be installed or windows boarded up to shield them from winds through proper boarding up or the installation of storm shutters.
• Trim trees: Remove huge branches that may be able to break off and pose a risk during an earthquake or storm.
• Make sure you assess your home foundation: If your house is in the earthquake or flooding zones, whatever the season, make sure that your house is anchored appropriately.
• Anchor large items: Secure large appliances, furniture, and other items that can fall without warning and be hazardous.

By fortifying your home, you reduce the risk of injury and damage during a disaster.

6. Stay Calm and Follow Instructions

Do not allow panic generated by a near crisis to obscure your thinking. Try to be calm, focused on the issue, and comply with the directives given by representatives in the relevant location. And if you are required to leave, do so fast but without compromising your safety by attempting to rescue your belongings. Always prioritize the safety of yourself and your family.

7. Know How to Help Others

Disasters can put people in danger of stress. Whether it is your elderly neighbour, a girl with a disability, or many people trying to find shelter, you are likely to encounter people in need. If it is safe to help others it is often a good idea to assist these people since it not only saves lives but also helps to build a sense of unity during hard times.

Conclusion

Disasters neither have a date nor a time. However, we can easily take certain measures to ensure that we are safe. For instance, stocking up on an emergency pack, making a plan with family, understanding the way to act in certain disasters, and staying updated can make it a lot easier for one to keep safe.

By taking these steps, you can increase your chances of staying safe when a disaster happens and help your community recover more quickly afterwards