TODAY’S DISASTER DON’T HAVE TO BE TOMORROW’S TRAGEDY

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The following article is provided by the National Emergency Planning and Training Association.

 

No matter where you live, the potential for disaster is always hiding just around the corner. Volcanic eruptions, mass flooding, wildfires and severe storms such as tornadoes and hurricanes, are all things that happen every day in the United States and beyond.

 

Don’t get caught unprepared. If you want to come out on the other end of a natural disaster with your safety and sanity intact, you must plan now and create a reliable and effective emergency plan for your entire family.

 

Informed and in place

 

One of the most important things you can do during an emergency is stay informed. Working Mother explains that NOAA continually broadcasts weather reports and many large businesses, such as Procter & Gamble, preemptively work on emergency preparedness initiatives. If you have a weather radio or police scanner, you should be able to stay abreast of information regarding flooded areas, projected storm paths and other information pertinent to your family’s safety and well-being. Make sure your entire family is aware of your emergency plan and keep everyone up to date on changes. You should determine a meeting location should you become separated.

 

Creating a disaster preparedness kit

 

Even if you are able to stay in your home, you will still need supplies to sustain your health until vital services are restored. Your emergency kit should include a week’s worth of basic necessities such as clean drinking water, nonperishable foods, personal hygiene items, a first aid kit and a battery-powered radio. It’s also a good idea to include a charger (wireless or otherwise) that you can use to power up your smartphone or tablet.

 

If you are a senior or have chronic medical conditions, your kit should also include the necessary medications and equipment. Keep a list of your (or your loved one’s) medical records, prescriptions, insurance, and emergency contacts. Consider creating a sign or banner to alert emergency services that an individual with limited mobility or immediate medical needs is trapped in case you are prevented from leaving your home because of floodwaters or downed trees. After Hurricane Katrina, many emergency management agencies started to pay closer attention to the plight of the elderly during disasters. Insurance Zebra goes into greater detail on emergency assistive technology for seniors and the disabled.

 

Visit Ready.gov for more information on how to put together a comprehensive disaster supply kit.

 

Pets

 

Aside from the human loss, the most heart-wrenching side effect of disaster is losing a beloved pet. Rover suggests contacting the ASPCA to request an animal alert sticker that will inform emergency personnel of any animals that may be trapped inside the home if you are forced to vacate without them. Your emergency kit should have a spare leash and collar, food, medication, and a first aid kit. Check your dog’s tags or microchip info periodically to ensure they are up to date.

 

Prepare your home

 

Your emergency kit will serve to keep you and your family clean, fed, and out of the dark but you must also take steps to keep your home safe in order to avoid significant financial loss. It should be noted that no amount of preparation will guarantee that your property goes untouched but there are things you can do to minimize damage.

 

Start by ensuring the grade of your home will allow floodwaters to drain away from the foundation. Seal cracks around doors and windows and invest in off-the-floor storage for non-waterproof items in the garage. If you live in an area prone to wildfires, Inhabitat suggests clearing combustible debris from the perimeter of your home and investing in a steel or asphalt shingle roof. Pay attention to your landscaping and remove overgrowth and dead tree limbs.

 

During a disaster, minutes can feel like hours, and every second counts. By taking the time to plan ahead now, you put your family in a better position to weather strong storms without unnecessary loss or suffering.

 

This is one area in life you don’t want to procrastinate on.

 

Article by: Mr. Thomas Walker

 

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