How to Prepare for a Natural Disaster

Natural disasters can occur at any time in any part of the world. In light of the recent events in Japan, I have found myself in many 'what-if' conversations that have left me wondering what my family can do to make the experience and lifestyle changes of disaster easier on ourselves. In this article, I will share the information I am utilizing to help my family prepare in case a natural disaster hits our area.

Family disaster plan
Obtain information about the types of disasters most likely to affect your area. Preparation for these disasters is important but it is just as vital to have an understanding of what to do in any disaster or hazard. Also know the dangers and signs that indicate a disaster is happening or could potentially happen in your area. Find out that in the threat of a disaster how the population will be warned, evacuated and the community's emergency plans. Remember to either make separate plans for each potential disaster or be sure each one is clearly defined in your plan.

Your plan should include escape routes. Draw a floorplan of your home with at least two escape routes for each room. Make your outline of these routes easily understandable for younger family members. Select central meeting places for the family. For example, if everyone is home or close to home you could choose a neighbors house to meet-up. If you are out of your immediate living area; or not able to remain there, your family could meet at a familiar grocery store or school. The main goal is to find a place that is easily accessible and safe. Also, designate an out-of-town contact that everyone knows to notify with an update of their status. Be sure this person is aware your family is using them as the main contact. In addition to including your contact in the disaster plan, you may want to make individual contact information cards for everyone to keep on them that contain the contact's full name, address and phone number(s).

Don't forget to take into consideration any special needs your family may have. If you have someone with a disability, take proper steps to ensure you know how to implement their care during an emergency. Also note in your plan how to safely shut off utilities, if needed. Contact your local utility company(ies) for requirements specific to your situation. Write-out or print copies of the plan for each family member.

Basic emergency supply kit
An emergency supply kit is a collection of basic items that may be needed in an emergency or disaster. You should have a kit for your home and each vehicle. If you will not have access to your car when at work you might want to prepare a kit for work as well.

The emergency kit for the home should have enough water, food, and supplies for at least three days. You should store at least one gallon of water per person per day. Take into consideration that children, nursing mothers, ill individuals, and medical emergencies could require additional water. For your food supply, stock up on canned goods such as meats, fruits, veggies, and ready-to-eat-soups; of which require no refrigeration, water, or cooking. Avoid salty foods that will make you thirsty. Remember any special dietary needs, such as formula for infants. Be sure to date all containers with permanent marker for safe consumption.

Other highly recommended items are first aid kits, battery powered radio, flashlight, batteries, whistle, matches, photo identification cards, trash bags and toilet paper for sanitation, extra clothes for each person, manual can-opener, eating utensils, sharp knife. Also plan to have cash because if the power is out card reading machines will be of no use. In addition to those basics, you will need to include items specific to your family needs. For example, infants will need diapers, formula, bottles, and moist wipes. Keep in mind any individuals with prescription medications, disabilities, or who wear eye glasses or hearing aids.

The kits for your car and work should be smaller versions of the home kit. Your car kit should also include flares, spare tire and tools, and jumper cables. If you have warning of an impending disaster then fill up your gas tank. For work you should have supplies stored in an easy to grab and carry backpack or storage container.

Practice the plan
In an emergency, your family may be stranded and have to be self-sufficent for an uncertain amount of time. It is extremely important that you have your family practice your plan regularly. Have them go through possible scenarios where they follow the plan from beginning to end. Doing this will assure everyone knows the escape routes, the directions to all meeting places and approximately how long it should take to reach the places. Practicing the plan will also help you find any errors or discrepancies, such as a ladder that fails to reach an above ground level of your home.

Although this may seem a daunting task, in the wake of disaster, you will be relieved to have put in the work needed to protect your family. This is the information that I am using to begin preparing my family for any major disasters. I strongly recommend you use the above guidelines to assist you in developing a plan for your loved ones as well. Check out these links to learn detailed information on how to write a disaster plan and proper ways to make and store an emergency kit.

www.fema.gov

www.theepicenter.com