Since the start of the 20th century, natural disasters have taken the lives of at least 8 million people and are responsible for 7 trillion dollars in damages to our economy and infrastructure. With these numbers in mind, you can be certain that natural disasters can have huge effects on our lives.
The last thing we want to think about is facing an emergency or disaster. But the truth is, unpredictable events do happen every day. We can entirely avoid many disasters by taking safety precautions. Others, like tornadoes or hurricanes, will still occur regardless of what we do, but we can try to stay prepared.
It’s important that you and your family plan for the unthinkable. You can’t be certain what kind of disaster will occur, but if you plan ahead, you may be better equipped to find safety.
Start by talking to your family, making a plan and creating a family emergency kit.
Planning Ahead
Think about what potential disasters you may face. For example, anyone could be at risk for a fire, but some people don’t necessarily have to prepare for the possibility of a hurricane. Hurricanes and tornadoes aren’t as likely in certain parts of the country. The point is, you should identify and prepare for the types of natural disasters that are most likely to occur in your state or region.
Pick a meeting spot where all family members know to go to in the event of an emergency. A basement is usually the safest spot in inclement weather. If you don’t have a basement, choose a bathroom on the lower level of your home. Establish an alternate outdoor spot away from the house in the event of a fire, or if your home becomes so damaged that it is unsafe to be inside. Keep your CPR certification up-to-date.
Plan an evacuation route from your home. Plan alternate routes in case the original route becomes blocked by fire or debris. Practice these routes twice per year, and write them down in your emergency plan.
Writing It Down
Designate responsibilities to each family member. These could involve getting flashlights and water, grabbing the emergency kit or calling 911. It’s important to realize, though, that getting out of the house might be your most urgent need.
Write down the name and phone number of an emergency contact who lives in the area. Designate an additional contact who lives far away in case your entire region is affected by a disaster. Make sure those people know they are your emergency contacts. Display this information in your written emergency plan.
Make sure one or more family members is certified in CPR and first aid. Share this information with family members so that they can assist if situations require it. Keep your CPR certification up-to-date. Procedures are refined and changed periodically.
Preparing Your Emergency Kit
Before a disaster strikes, prepare an emergency kit containing items which will help you survive for a few days. You will have to find a balance between having everything you need and not having so many things that the kit is too heavy to carry.
- Food
Stock up on three days’ worth of non-perishable food items. Include meats, vegetables and fruits. Granola bars, protein bars, nuts and dried fruit are also good foods to include. Rotate the stock every six months or so. Don’t forget to include a can opener.
- Water
It’s a good idea to have a case or more of bottled water stored in your house. You can drink this water if you lose plumbing or if your water becomes undrinkable. For an evacuation, you will want to take about three days’ worth of water with your kit. Figure about one gallon per person per day.
- Electronic Items
An old-fashioned radio may be the only way you can get information if television broadcasts and cellular towers go down. Make sure it has fresh batteries, and store an extra set as well. Make sure your kit also has flashlights. Bring cell phones and a charger for each phone. You may find yourself living in a shelter or similar situation with access to a generator.
- First Aid Kit
Purchase a first aid kit to include in your emergency kit, or make one yourself. Be sure to include bandages of several different sizes, antibiotic ointment, scissors, tweezers, sterile gloves and any medications your family may need.
- Documents and Cash
If you have the time or are preparing for a long stay away from your home due to an emergency, pack up your important documents and methods of payment. Bring about $1,000 cash if possible, as well as all forms of identification, insurance information and medical information.
- Pets
Do everything in your power not to abandon your pets in an emergency. Bring a kit for them with food and water. Bring a carrier to protect your pet, as well as documentation showing you are the owner. A picture of you with your pet may help, too.
When disaster strikes, we are often left feeling helpless to the danger and destruction it may cause. But that does not mean we shouldn’t prepare and plan for the unthinkable to occur in our lives. The most important thing is that you and your family are safe. Preparing a family emergency kit will make it that much more likely you will survive in the event of a catastrophe.