How to Prepare Before a Natural Diaster Strikes

When a natural disaster strikes will you be ready? Does your family know what procedures to take in the event a tragedy strikes? Tornadoes are natural disasters that occur in my geographical area. To prepare for this natural disaster we purchased some important items to create a kit. You should put together a natural disaster kit and store it in a safe place. Every natural disaster may not require the same items. Your natural disaster kit should be based on your family needs. Some disaster may require more but having the basic items are the most important. To prepare for the natural disaster in my area we purchased flashlights and batteries. These are important because you may lose power during the storm. Every family member has their own flashlight. We stock up on nonperishable items so that if we are not able to get out of the house or neighborhood due to power lines or debris we will have food to eat. Fema.gov recommends that you store up to three day supply of non-perishable foods. They also recommend that you avoid food that makes you thirsty.

Having a supply of water is also important. We keep on hand plenty of bottle water and also fill jugs with water. The jugs of water are used to flush toilets or to take care of personal hygiene in the event we lose water supply. The bottle waters should be used for drinking but also you can use to take care of small personal hygiene matters such as brushing your teeth or washing your face. We also have a first aid kit for cuts or scrapes. Keeping medical supplies on hand in the event you cannot obtain access to professional medical assistance is important.

If you can get out of your home and you must leave you will need access to cash. Keep your money in a portable safe for easy access. We purchased a portable fire and water proof safe. This safe stores important documents such as insurance papers, social security cards, warranties, etc. This safe should be stored in a secure place that will be accessible to the person in charge of retrieving it before the natural disaster strikes.

Knowing where to go when the disaster strikes is also important. Since tornadoes are our most common natural disaster we seek shelter in our home in an interior hallway or closet. You can also get in the bathtub. If your bathroom has a window you will not want to seek shelter there. It is important to stay away from windows. Get to a bathroom that is in the hallway which will likely not have a window. If you have a basement you can go there as well.

Having a written plan and communicating it with your family is very important and beneficial. My family practices our plan at least twice a year. Do not take natural disasters lightly, they do occur. Be ready when it happens to you. Go to fema.gov for more information on how you can be ready for a natural disaster in your area.

http://www.fema.gov/plan/index.shtm