Be Prepared for Natural Disasters

Oct 29, 2011 by admin

The recent spate of weather related disasters has definitely brought home for most of the population the importance of protecting yourself and being ready for almost anything.  From hurricanes of unprecedented size, massive forest fires, flooding and even earthquakes, we all seem today to be more aware of the power of Mother Earth.  Relief agencies such as the Red Cross and FEMA have been warning us for years about how important it is to be ready for a disaster, and now we have found out how important these warnings have been.  Here are some tips on being as prepared as you can be.

Know Thyself

One of the most important things you can do, and the relief agencies cannot do for you, is recognize your limitations and what your needs are.  If you take important medication, make sure you have an ample supply in case you cannot get out to the pharmacy, or in case you are evacuated to a shelter.  If you take any medication that has to be refrigerated, invest in a generator, so that you can keep you life saving meds fresh and protected.  The same goes for anyone who is on dialysis or oxygen.  If you realize that your life may be at stake if the electricity goes out, this is an investment that no one can put a price on.

Another thing to think about is your own capabilities.  Many people fight evacuation because they think they can ride out a storm, but if your health is fragile, or you have complications with getting around that would be exaggerated in an emergency situation, Get help or get out.

One elderly gentleman in coastal North Carolina, with a wife in poor health, learned that his insurance company would transport them both, by ambulance, to a nursing home to ride out hurricane Irene.  Call around and find out what resources are appropriate for and available to you, before tragedy strikes.

Have an Emergency Kit

Whether you have to be evacuated, or you are stuck in your home with no way to get out, an emergency kit will be one of your best allies in a disaster. All it has to be is a large plastic storage box.  It should always contain certain items, such as a first aid kit, a battery operated radio, heat blankets, flashlights (preferably the hand cranked kind in case you run out of batteries), lightsticks, garbage bags, plastic bags, latex gloves, canned goods such as meats, fruits and vegetables, a can opener and hand sanitizer.  Store in a cool, dry place.

When you are preparing for a disaster, add water, snack bars, high energy foods such as peanut butter, granola bars, items of clothing, medications for at least a week, batteries and important documents.  You don’t want to store the water, snacks, batteries or medication all the time because they may go bad.  Store batteries in the refrigerator for longer life.

Keep copies of important documents, such as insurance policies (both health and home owners), title and deed, will and health directives in a plastic bag, ready to go with you.  Many places require proof of residency before allowing people back into a disaster stricken area.

Have an Emergency Plan

If you are evacuated: Make sure you and your family knows the best way to escape your home.  Designate a certain spot where you will all meet. Know the evacuation route you have to take if necessary.  Agree upon a place where you will find shelter, and a person (friend or relative) outside the area who will be contacted and therefore will have everyone’s details in case you are separated.  Turn off gas and water supplies, and know how to do so.  Make sure you have made arrangements for any physically challenged members of your household.

If you shelter in place: Designate a safe room that the family can stay in, away from windows and exterior walls.  Take your disaster kit into the room. Shelter in place supplies should include 3 days of nonperishable food and water for each member of the family.  Keep the radio and portable and cell phones with you so you can learn when an all clear has been signaled.

No one wants to be involved in a disaster, but as the old saying goes “better safe than sorry”, and if you are fully prepared, any disaster will be easier to endure.

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