How to Prepare for a Natural Disaster

Unfortunately, there is no real way to predict when or where disaster will strike. Whether it be an earthquake, flood, tornado or hurricane there are steps you can take to prepare you and your family should there be a natural disaster in your region. Luckily, the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency has published a check-list for us of things that each and every one of us can do in case of an emergency.

Construct an Emergency Plan
Your best defense against any natural disaster is to be prepared. After you are conscious of what kinds of disasters can affect your region, you can begin to take precautions for such an emergency. Get the whole family together and explain the threats of floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes to them. Illustrate that be having an emergency plan will help to ensures that the family will stay together in case of an emergency.

·         Talk about what should happen if power outages and personal injuries occur.

·         Draw the lay out of your home and highlight 2 escape routes from every room.

·         Demonstrate to each family member how to turn off the water, gas, and electricity at their key switches.

·         Have emergency phone numbers hung up near phones and teach your children how and when to call either 911, the police, or fire.

·         Teach all your household members how to turn on the radio to receive emergency information.

·         Choose an out-of-state, a local friend or relative for family members to contact if you are separated during a disaster.

·         Choose 2 different emergency meeting places: one close to the home and another outside the neighborhood in case family members can’t get back to the house.

·         Have family members take a basic first aid and CPR class.

Make a Disaster Supply Kit
Make sure you have enough supplies in your home to meet all your basic needs for at least 3-5 days. Think of is as if you were going on a camping trip for 5 days. These supplies should be stored in sturdy containers such as backpacks, duffle bags, or covered trash cans.

The Kit Should Have:

·         At least a three-day supply of water and non-perishable food items.

·         A can opener.

·         Any pet food or supplies.

·         A change of clothing and practical shoes for each family member, and a blanket or sleeping bag for each person.

·         A first-aid kit with any necessary prescription medications

·         Battery-powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries, and utility knife.

·         An extra set of car keys and cash, or traveler's checks.

·         Any special items for infants or older family members (i.e. formula, diapers, denture or eye care supplies)

·         An extra pair of eyeglasses, if necessary.

Create a Car Emergency Supplies Kit for your Car

·         Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries

·         Blanket

·         Booster cables

·         Fire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type)

·         First-aid kit and manual

·         Bottled water and non-perishable foods

·         Maps, shovel, and flares

·         Tire repair kit and pump

Take a few days to go over each list and check off what you have acquired. Once you have complete each list you can rest easy knowing that know you are prepared.

For more information on Natural Disaster and how to prepare for them visit www.fema.gov

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