All around the world, disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, tornados, volcanic eruptions, terrorist attacks, and civil unrest tragically make headlines. However, it’s crucial to understand that reading about these events differs vastly from experiencing them. The key to enduring and thriving in such crises lies in one word: Preparation
“Remember, once a disaster has struck, it’s too late to plan.”
Begin with “Your Mind” in Mind
Think of preparation not as a choice but as an indispensable shield for you and your loved ones. Start by mentally conditioning yourself to accept the reality of these threats.
Inform yourself about the potential calamities specific to your area. Know your evacuation routes and alternative routes if the main routes are inaccessible. If sheltering in place or evacuation is not possible, then locate your local shelter. Scrutinize your home’s structure and location for safety. Eliminate fire risks, and ensure smoke detectors are installed and their batteries regularly replaced.
Start with Emergency Essentials
Basic services like power and communication can be disrupted anytime, so it is vital to ensure essentials like food and water are in your home. Have a 72-hour emergency kit readily available, and maintain at least half a tank of fuel in all of your vehicles at all times. These small details can make the difference between success and tragedy.
Practice your Preparation
We must face the fact that natural and man-made disasters are a real and present danger. It’s imperative to be prepared, not just in theory but in practice. This starts with something as simple as having the phone numbers of friends and family, both nearby and distant, readily accessible.
Create and regularly rehearse an Escape Plan
Familiarize yourself with the closest exits in your building and understand the emergency protocols of places you frequent, especially your children’s schools. Establish clear family meeting points, one close by and another outside your neighborhood, and practice walking these routes with your family. This isn’t just a recommendation; it’s a strategy endorsed by authorities for ensuring safety in emergencies.
Protect the most Vulnerable.
Equally important is planning to assist the vulnerable, such as the elderly and those with physical limitations. In moments of crisis, your readiness to help others can make a life-saving difference.
Stay Aware
In specific disaster scenarios, the following guidelines should be adhered to:
- In a fire: Stay low to the ground, prioritize quick evacuation, and leave personal items behind. Smoke inhalation is a leading cause of death in fires; escaping quickly is often the difference between life and death.
- During an earthquake: Seek shelter under sturdy furniture or near an interior wall. Be prepared for aftershocks and move outdoors away from buildings when it’s safe.
- In a tsunami: If you see water receding unusually from the shore, immediately head to higher ground. Subsequent waves can be larger and more powerful.
- In a tornado or hurricane: Seek shelter in a designated storm shelter immediately.
- During a flood: Avoid entering floodwaters on foot or in a vehicle. Floodwater can hide numerous hazards; even two feet of moving water can sweep away a car.
- During an evacuation order: Comply without delay and promptly inform your contacts. This also eliminates unnecessary rescue attempts.
In these situations, every second counts. Your preparedness can be the thin line between survival and tragedy. Stay informed, stay prepared, and stay safe.