Things are rapidly changing in our world. Not only are we facing a viral pandemic in 2020, but we are seeing more areas of unstable weather. No matter where you live in the United States or elsewhere you could face a natural disaster, are you prepared?
Depending on where you live the natural disaster could vary from wildfires, to flooding, and hurricanes. Some of these give you advanced warning and you can plan for and some seem to happen out of the blue like earthquakes.
No matter where you live there are a few things to have organized and ready at a moment’s notice.
First Priority – Documents
We live in a digital age so it should be easy to have some sort of digital file but consider having a paper backup in case you don’t have access to the digital version. Make sure you have a small file folder box, a large envelope or binder. Within this include:
- All the household information (members of the household, emergency contacts local and out of area)
- Contact information for local agencies (fire, non-emergency, hospital, poison control, gas company, water company)
- Medical information (doctors, medications, pharmacy, insurance)
- Homeowners or renters insurance, Flood Insurance, – Make sure you understand your policy and what is needed for your area.
Getting Information
When there is a natural disaster occurring in your area it is important to have access to information.
- a way to watch local TV stations.
- access to an emergency radio. This is something that can operate on batteries, but ideally have one with a hand crank that can operate without batteries.
- Do NOT rely on your cell phone, it is important to keep it charged, but on a low-battery mode.
Preparing a Go Kit for People
If you are in a situation where you need to evacuate always have the following items available.
- Important Document Binder
- Take pictures of everything in your house and on your property
- A few day’s supply of non-perishable foods
- A bag for each member of the family with clothes for at least a few days
- Toothbrush
- Hairbrush
- Medicine
- Fill up plastic bottles with water for drinking
- Fill up your car with gas
- Have a first-aid kit ready. Include things like aspirin, bandages in multiple sizes, antibiotic creams, gauze, hand sanitizer, latex gloves, an emergency blanket, bug spray, thermometer, tweezers etc.
Some things to consider in case you can’t evacuate. Fill at least one bathtub with water so you have access to clean water for washing. Fill extra gas cans for generators.
If you live on any coastline you should have these items available during hurricane season, June 1st – November 1st. If you live in an area prone to wildfires have these items during the summer months especially.
Preparing a Go Kit for Animals
If you have any pets or farm animals ensure that they have a tag to identify where they belong if you get separated. During the multiple hurricanes we watched in Florida I learned a unique way to mark farm animals. Either write your number on a hoof with marker and cover with clear nail polish or use a hair dye to mark their hair/fur.
Make sure you know where the local evacuations centers will be set up. Consider having them micro-chipped, always try to keep a current picture with you. When you are preparing a binder include a list of pet friendly motels that may be in the area. If you have exotic pets you will need to make a plan that includes them.
During a storm bring in small pets and make sure you keep a leash or carrier close by. If you end up in flooding don’t let them drink floodwaters and always make sure tags and collars are secure and have current contact numbers.
When preparing a go kit for animals make sure to include:
- A leash
- Cage or carrier
- Food and water for a week
- Collar with ID and vaccination tags (may be needed for motels)
- Litter/newspaper or bedding for small animals
- Paper Towels and plastic bags for cleanup
- Toys/Bone etc.
- Blanket or comfort item
- Recent Picture
- Medicine
- First Aid Kit
- Copy of Records – Keep it in the main binder.
There are a few government resources available to help you further. Ready.gov is a website developed by the Department of Homeland Security. They have put together an extensive resource list for the various disasters. They also have games to help teach kids about the various disasters. FEMA.gov also has a lot of resources for emergency management and disaster assistance information. They also offer a variety of courses to learn more.
Various Types of Natural Disasters
In 2019 we saw a variety of natural disasters hit many parts of the world. Hundreds of thousands of acres burned in multiple fires. It seemed like no country was spared from an excessive fire, California continues to have horrible seasons, Australia experienced a devastating fire, the Amazon fires became known worldwide and even Russia had serious acreage burned. Unfortunately, many fires are started by man and the destruction that they cause is enormous.
Hurricanes
Hurricanes at least provide a chance to prepare since they generally start over the ocean. Unfortunately, until it hits land you never know how bad it will be, the 2019 season was particularly intense with 18 named storms and 3 were considered major hurricanes. Due to global warming hurricanes are expected to get worse. Based on research by Dr. Jim Kossin, he found that tropical cyclones have slowed down 17% in recent years. This slow down means that an area is hit for a longer period.
Earthquakes
Earthquakes are unpredictable and scientists can rarely predict when one will happen. We do at least know that earthquakes occur along fault lines within the earth’s crust. If you live near a fault line you should bolt and brace things like water heaters and gas appliances. If an earthquake does occur turn off gas valves and have lines tested before turning them back on.
An interesting thing is that one natural disaster can lead to another, when bad storms occur lightning strikes can cause wildfires to start. After a wildfire has created a scar in the land future storms can cause landslides and mudslides which can lead to flooding.
Floods
Floods tend to occur in any area whether it is caused by a hurricane, extreme rainstorms, or snows that melt to fast. Whenever there is standing water you should always avoid it, you never know what may be in the water. If you can reduce the amount of standing water in an area do your best. Standing water attracts mosquitoes that carry diseases. Also, don’t use your tap water until you are informed it is safe.
