Natural disasters are one of those things that strike out of nowhere and unless you’re prepared for them, they can reek havoc on your life. They can destroy communities, and even end in death. From hurricanes to earthquakes— entire cities can find themselves with failing transformers and destroyed buildings. That’s why it’s essential to safeguard yourself and your family. Here are some proactive steps you should take to prepare for natural disasters and minimize the damage.
Create a Plan
One of the most important parts of preparing for a natural disaster is creating a plan. By developing an emergency plan ahead of time, you’ll have a breakdown of exactly what you need to do when a natural disaster strikes. Sit down with your family and decide what you do and how.
Your emergency plan will serve as a road map for how you’ll handle emergencies as they come. Where are your evacuation routes? Where will you meet if you’re separated? Who are your emergency contacts?
Make sure that everyone knows how to access any important documents that you’ll need, and where to find emergency supplies. Perhaps most importantly you should discuss special considerations for small children, pets, and older family members who will be especially vulnerable.
Put Together an Emergency Kit
An emergency kit is critical for ensuring you have the essential items you need to sustain yourself and your family if you don’t have access to any grocery stores. You want to stock up on nonperishable foods like canned vegetables and of course, have plenty of bottled water. You want to have enough food and water to last you and your family for at least three days.
In addition to food and water, you should also have basic supplies like toilet paper, a first aid kit, and medical supplies like bandages and antiseptic. Pack your kit full of battery-powered supplies rather than cord-powered ones, as most likely you will not have electricity. You may want to add additional supplies depending on your family’s unique situation, as what you’ll need may vary from family to family.
Stay Informed
You want to make sure that you stay aware of what’s happening in your immediate surroundings. This can be done by tuning in to local radio stations and also signing up for emergency notifications on your phone. This way you will be able to monitor any important potential threats and hazards in your area, like mud slides, or floods, to keep your family safe. Staying informed is particularly important as this will keep you in the know of whether you’re required to evacuate or not. Evacuations are often necessary when an area becomes too dangerous to remain in.
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