Emergency Preparedness Tips: Staying Safe and Healthy During a Disaster

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It’s the start of summer, and we’re all hoping for a disaster-free season. But what if we’re unlucky and a natural disaster or emergency happens? Are you prepared?

Nobody wants to think about disasters, but it’s essential to be as prepared as possible in case one strikes. In 2021, there were 401 natural disaster occurrences around the world. The most significant natural disasters were witnessed in the Asian Pacific region, probably due to its size and sensitivity. Don’t you think it’s time we all take emergency preparedness more seriously?

What is a Natural Disaster?

A natural disaster can be a catastrophic event caused by natural phenomena such as floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, or tornadoes. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the United States experienced between 12,000 and 18,000 thunderstorms, 180 tornadoes, and six major hurricanes each year.

While we can’t control Mother Nature, we can take steps to minimize the damage caused by these disasters. Follow these tips on how to stay safe and healthy during a disaster:

Stay Informed:

In the age of social media, it’s easier than ever to stay up-to-date on weather conditions and alerts. Follow your local news station on Facebook or Twitter, and sign up for their email or text alerts (and read them, duh!). That way, you’ll be one of the first to know if there’s a severe weather warning or evacuation order in your area. Powered with this information, you can quickly make a plan and get to safety.

Know Who Can Help:

Who do you think can help you if a fire or other disaster strikes your home? The answer is probably not Batman but a professional with a disaster management degree. These professionals are trained in emergency planning and can help you create a comprehensive disaster plan for your home or business. Do your research and find out who the experts are in your area to know whom to call when a disaster hits you.

Stay Connected:

Knowing your options for staying in touch with loved ones is crucial during an emergency. Make sure everyone in your family knows how to reach each other, even if cell towers are down. A landline phone, two-way radio, or satellite phone are excellent options. And don’t forget about social media! Posting updates on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram can let your friends and family know you’re safe.

Practice Drills:

Remember school days when you had to drop, cover, and hold on during an earthquake drill? Well, those drills can actually save your life. Practice makes perfect, so it’s essential to run through disaster scenarios with your family so everyone knows what to do and when to do it. You can even design a game out of it to make it fun for the kids.

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Make a Plan:

Now that you know how to stay informed and connected, it’s time to make a plan. It should include an evacuation route and a safe place to meet if you can’t return home. Choose a meeting spot outside of your neighborhood if your home is inaccessible. And make sure everyone in your family knows the plan! Your plan must include the items you need to carry in your emergency kit (see below).

Build an Emergency Kit:

Your emergency kit should have everything you need to survive for at least 72 hours. It includes food, water, medicine, first-aid supplies, and a flashlight. You must also include copies of important documents like your driver’s license, passport, and birth certificate. And don’t forget about your pets! Make sure to have food and water for them, too.

Learn First Aid:

In the event of an injury, it’s important to know how to properly care for the injured person. That’s why everyone should learn basic first aid. You never know when you’ll need to use it, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Many organizations offer CPR or first-aid classes, such as the Red Cross.

Check Your Home:

Chimneys, gutters, and trees should be checked regularly to ensure they are in good condition. These things can easily be blown over or catch fire in high winds, so it’s vital to ensure they are secure. You should also regularly check your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors and replace the batteries at least once a year. It is also critical to be informed about how to turn off the water, gas, and electricity in your home.

Secure Your Appliances and Furniture:

In cases of flooding, the first things that usually float away are appliances and furniture. To prevent this, you should secure them to a wall or the floor. You can do this by strapping them down or using brackets. And don’t forget to unplug them first! When you invest in furniture, it is important to ensure you pick a design that has sustainable legs to avoid this problem.

Create a Household Inventory:

A household inventory is a document that documents the contents of your house, including electronics, furniture, clothing, and appliances. This list can be helpful for insurance purposes and for making sure you don’t forget anything when you evacuate. You can create a household inventory by taking pictures or videos of your belongings or by creating a list. Once done, please store this list in a safe place, like a fireproof safe or bank deposit box.

Create a Self-Sufficient Neighborhood:

You and your neighbors can create a self-sufficient neighborhood one step at a time. It could include starting a community garden, setting up a neighborhood watch, or creating a plan for sharing resources. When everyone works together, it makes a stronger and more prepared community. Your neighbors will be your first line of defense in an emergency, so it’s essential to get to know them and build relationships.

Be Prepared for Power Outages:

Power outage is amongst the first problems that occur during a disaster. You should be prepared for them by having some supplies on hand, like flashlights, batteries, and candles. It’s also a great idea to charge all your electronic devices before the power goes out. And don’t forget about the food! Make sure you have non-perishable food that doesn’t require cooking, like canned goods.

Stay Calm:

The most crucial factor to remember during a disaster is to stay calm. It can be difficult, especially if you’re worried about your loved ones. But panicking will only make the situation worse. Try to stay positive and focus on the task at hand. If you need help, don’t be afraid to ask for it. Remember, you’re not in this alone.