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Natural Disasters: Are You Prepared?
Natural disasters come in many different forms and with
different intensities. Technology can predict some events
and increase our warning time, but everyone needs to do his
or her part by preparing in advance. Preparing will also
decrease your recovery time if a disaster strikes where you
live.
Where Disasters Will Occur
Some areas are prone to specific natural disasters. Become
familiar with the disasters that threaten your area. Being
familiar with those risks will give you the advantage of
knowing how to prepare properly. Once you know the risks,
take the proper steps to prepare.
Listed below are some tips to help you start preparing for
three of the most devastating and widespread spring and summer
season natural disasters - floods, tornados, and extreme
heat. (The hurricane season generally begins in late summer
and lasts throughout the fall.)
Flood
- Store valuables in the attic or on the highest floor.
- Relocate the main breaker or the fuse box and the utility
meters above the anticipated flood level, if economically
possible.
- Buy flood insurance.
Tornado
- Practice tornado drills by designating an area in the
home as a shelter and having the entire family go there
in response to a simulated tornado threat.
- Have disaster supplies on hand.
- Develop an emergency family communication plan in case
you are separated, such as having an out-of-state relative
serve as a "family contact."
- Learn the danger signs of a tornado.
Extreme Heat
- Know the symptoms of heat-related illnesses and overexposure
to the sun, and be ready to give first aid treatment.
- Install any window air conditioners snugly, and insulate
for a tight fit.
- Close any floor heat registers and check air-conditioning
ducts for proper insulation.
- Use a circulating or box fan to increase airflow.
- Keep air conditioning inside by installing temporary
reflectors, such as aluminum foil covered cardboard over
windows, to reflect heat back outside.
- Keep air conditioning inside by weather-stripping doors
and windowsills.
- Consider keeping storm windows up all year. Storm windows
can keep heat out and air conditioning in during the summer
just like they keep heat in and cold out in the winter.
Even if your region is not susceptible to floods or tornadoes,
you should know what to do in the event of an emergency.
Fires and accidents can occur at any time. Knowing what to
do could be the key to your survival.
- Make a list of important local telephone numbers, such
as the police department, fire department, and poison control
center. Keep a copy by each telephone and carry one in
your wallet.
- Write down telephone numbers and contact information
for your family. Be sure to include any special contact
information and plans for children and seniors who may
be home alone during an emergency. Keep one copy by the
telephone and provide others to family and friends.
- Make a neighborhood directory and map.
- Make your house easy to find. Street address numbers
should be large and well lit so that emergency personnel
can find your house quickly.
- Organize emergency preparedness kits, one for your home
and one for an evacuation.
- Keep a copy of important records, such as birth and marriage
certificates, insurance contracts and financial statements
in a fire safe box or away from the home in a secure place
such as a safety deposit box.
- Keep a small amount of emergency cash on hand at all
times.
- Make and practice an evacuation plan out of your home
and out of your area.
A Note About Pets
Disaster plans should include your pets. Last minute efforts
to find them or take care of them during an emergency could
endanger you or members of your family.
- If you have to evacuate your home, designate an adult
to find and bring your pets.
- Keep carriers accessible and ready-to-use.
- Make sure identification tags are up to date and securely
fastened to your pet's collar.
- Pack a pet survival kit with food, water, a leash or
harness, any medication, and a copy of their medical records.
Read more about preparing for emergencies and disasters
before they happen! Click here to read more: http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cfocus/cfdisaster02/focus.htm
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