With the natural disaster covered you see in the news on a weekly basis, you may come to realize that you are not be prepared for such events to take place. While most people think it won’t happen to them, we have all seen the damage that hurricanes and wildfires do and effects that have on the real people living in these locations.
Listen out for the warning alerts that will hopefully be broadcast on TV and across the internet if a natural disaster is looming. You would not believe the number of people that ignore the early warning signals and find themselves in danger, if you are informed to evacuate the area you must do so as quickly and calmly as possible. You cant count on others to rescue you as their efforts may not be available until the catastrophe has passed. It is important to have a radio with you to listen for any updates or instructions as you evacuate.
How can you prepare?
You should always keep an emergency kit or ‘go bag’ ready just in case a natural disaster strikes in your area. Canned food and bottles of water can be stored for a long period of time, you want enough for at east five days worth of meals for each family member.
Even if you have to stay put in your home until rescue teams can reach you after a few days, it is important to be storing these items was the food in your refrigerator can spoil if the power goes down which is common after a natural disaster. Make sure to also keep medication with you for those who need them.
If you have infants or small children in the home, ensure to stockpile the necessary supplies they need. Stocking up on personal items such as toothpaste, wipes, diapers and toilet paper can help your children stay clean and healthy. You will want to have lanterns and flashlights readily available incase you are without power for several days.
If you have pets, make sure to store food for them as well so you won’t be using your families supplies to feed them.
If you are injured
It is important to at least have a small first aid kit (the bigger the better) with you that contains essential items to treat those who get injured as a result of a natural disaster. Do your best to prevent infection by cleaning the injury until proper medical care can be received.
Hopefully a natural disaster will never happen to you but it is wise to be prepared for such an event. Whether you and your family survives may depend on having these essential items in place. It is a good idea to run emergency drill procedures with your family as well to ensure they know how to act if such an event occurs.
