Are you aware of the natural disasters that happen in your area?
The Asia-Pacific rim would most often have volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis, and tropical storms coupled with landslides and flooding.
In the U.S., of the top ten deadliest natural disasters that ever occurred, hurricane is listed seven times. The list also included a tornado, flooding, and an earthquake. Add wildfires, blizzards, cold wave and snow storms, mudflows, heat wave and drought, and tsunamis to the list.
All of these natural disasters put people at risk, disrupt their lives, even displace them at times.
Preparing for any of these eventualities could hugely dictate your survival rate. A good preparation can help you cope with the disaster, keep you safe while the disaster rages on, and come out of it alive.
Have a Plan
If disaster strikes during work or school hours, which means most, if not everyone would be somewhere outside the home, be sure to let family members know of the specific place where you need to meet. Estimate the time for each one to arrive before you start searching for any unaccounted family members.
Also map your relatives’ locations to know the best place to go to in case your area is badly devastated.
Store Food and Water
Safe drinking water is a must! You can live without food, but not without water. Bottled drinking water should be good for at least three days. Having a water filter or chemical treatment for water can hugely help your drinking water supply so keep those handy.
Also fill tubs or tanks in case water supply is cut. You need water for the toilet.
Pack foods that do not easily spoil, like canned goods or powdered foods that could be prepared in minutes.
Have a ‘Grab and Go’ Disaster Kit Ready
There are life-threatening disasters that would require you to immediately leave the place as fast as you can – like in cases of wildfires or forest fires.
In cases like this, you would have no time to pack. Every minute counts. A ‘grab and go’ emergency pack would be your lifesaver. Store it in an accessible place, like in a covered front porch, or in a garage shelf near your vehicle.
Your bag should contain the following:
- Water
- Food
- Lighting
- Whistle
- Masks
- Chargers
- Medications
- Multi-Tool Kit
- Extra clothing
- Radio
Keep an Axe and Life Vests
If your area is prone to flooding, an axe and life vests would come in handy. Place them in your attic or at the top most part of the house where you can grab it.
Horror stories during Hurricane Katrina told of people who drowned in their attics because they do not have a tool to break through their roofs and get on top of their houses.
Turn Off All Electrical Appliances and Gas Supplies
Unplug all your appliances from their sockets. If you have the time to turn off the main electrical switch in your home, that is much better. Also turn off gas supplies to prevent explosions and fires.
