We do not always know when a natural disaster is coming. Floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis are all capable of doing massive amounts of devastating damage. While we cannot always prevent natural disasters, we can learn how to prepare for a natural disaster before and after. Between organizing your own emergency kit and seeking out industrial tents for shelter, there are several ways to prepare for a potential disaster.
Each geographical region has different threats than others. For example, earthquakes are found more along the pacific coast of the U.S. while tornadoes are a greater threat in the Midwest. Understand the weather and possible threats in your area and follow these steps to assist with your safety.
Here’s how to prepare for a natural disaster.
Emergency Kit
Before the disaster strikes, you will want to make sure you have an emergency kit prepared. These can be as big or as small as you would like, but be careful when considering the container. For instance, if you reside in a flood-prone area, then you would benefit more from a waterproof container, rather than one that will be destroyed if it gets wet. Likewise, if you live in an area prone to fires, a fire-proof container will be a better bet.
Knowing how to prepare for a natural disaster starts with an emergency kit.
Things to include in your emergency kit can vary from person to person, dependent on specific needs. However, here are a few of the most important items:
- Food (non-perishable)
- Water
- Medications
- First Aid kit
- A change of clothes
- Blankets
- Important papers such as insurance, passports, birth/marriage certificates, deeds
- Radio
- Flashlights
- Backup phone chargers
- Batteries
Because you never know how long a disaster can affect you and your family, you will want to make sure you have enough supplies in your emergency kit to last at least 3-5 days. Your disaster may affect you longer, but this will allow enough time for emergency help to arrive and start to assist.
Make sure to keep your emergency kit in a handy spot that you will always remember. Sometimes, when faced with a threatening danger, our thoughts may turn to panic. If you have a clear plan and a designated spot for your emergency supplies, this can make your dash for survival a bit easier.
Evacuations
Certain natural disasters give us advanced warning. If you live in an evacuation zone or are advised to evacuate, then do so! Disobeying the evacuation requests can put your life in danger, as well as the lives of the emergency crews that may need to come rescue you. You are given advanced warning for good reason. Use that time to grab your family, your emergency kit and hit the road!
Now would be a good time to learn your evacuation route if you don’t already know it.
A Contact Plan
Keep a list of contact information for loved ones. During times of disaster, electricity and cell phone service may be interrupted. Nowadays, with cell phones being so common, many people do not have phone numbers memorized. This can create an issue should you find yourself with a dead phone battery and no power to charge it.
An alternative to phone numbers is the use of social media. For example, Facebook has recently started a “safety check” feature. If you are in an area affected by a natural disaster, Facebook will give you the option to check in as safe, allowing your friends and family to rest assured that you are OK, even if they cannot get hold of you by phone. However, keep in mind that this may not work if power or services are down. Always have a backup plan.
Industrial Tents for Emergencies
The good news is that most cities have an emergency plan in place. You do what you need to do to protect yourself before the storm, your government officials and other city leaders will do what they need to do to ensure your safety and well-being after.
Many communities will have a point of contact or a command center set up. Industrial tents work to house basic needs for those affected. These industrial tents are large enough to serve as storage centers, temporary government offices to process emergency requests, and for food and water distribution. Most officials opt for these industrial tents because they allow aid workers to quickly set up a location in the heart of where they are needed most.
It’s Over, I Survived, Now What?
Learning how to prepare for a natural disaster includes what you will do after the disaster as well. After storms, floods, fires, or any other natural disaster, the cleanup begins. Be prepared to get to work and get your hands dirty. Make sure to reach out to your community. It is during these times that people tend to come together, providing much needed relief and support. Depending on the extent of the disaster, there are a few things you will want to address or pay attention to.
- Contaminated water supply – make sure you listen for boil water notices or other advisories concerning your water supply before consuming. (This is where your bottled water in your emergency kit will come in handy).
- Downed electrical wires – these can cause electric shock if you encounter a live wire.
- Puddles of water – electrical wires can find themselves located in puddles of water. If you decide to walk – or let your kids play in the puddles – you are putting yourself and them at risk for getting electrocuted. It is not safe, just don’t do it!
- Debris – Most disasters can leave debris behind. Keep an eye out for debris found in roads, blocking access for emergency crews
- Damaged buildings or homes – never enter a building or structure of any type that shows signs of damage. The structural walls may be jeopardized and could lead to devastating, or fatal, results.
- Mold – If you home or office was subjected to flood waters, make sure you thoroughly clean the area and dry it well to ensure that harmful mold does not develop.
Clean up after a natural disaster can take time, leading to many frustrations for those affected. Knowing the possibility of the disaster and being prepared before it happens can ease the burden. Don’t wait for a moment of crisis to occur before learning how to prepare for a natural disaster – it may be too late!