From hurricanes and storm surges to earthquakes and wildfires, disasters have become a fact of life for many people. Most of us will have experienced a natural catastrophe at some point in our lives, and it’s only going to get worse. Between manmade destruction and climate change, all of us have to prepare for a less secure future.
As disasters become stronger and more common all over the world, families must prepare for a wide range of emergency scenarios. One of the most critical tools in an emergency is communication. Whether it’s by using a satellite handheld radio or even simply listening to the authorities, communication can mean the difference between life and death.
Disaster preparedness differs from person to person. For some, it could be as simple as preparing a go-bag in case they have to evacuate immediately. Meanwhile, others go the extra mile and plan evacuation routes and organize recovery efforts to speed up rehabilitation.
- Identify frequent disasters in your area
With so many factors to consider, preparing for a disaster can be a daunting task. Each crisis event requires different skills, supplies, and preparation. To optimize your limited time and resources, you need to identify which disasters your area is most at risk for. That way, you can plan accordingly.
Some disasters are unpredictable and can strike any time of the year, such as wildfires and earthquakes. On the other hand, others can be predicted. Some states have a designated tornado season, while hurricanes are to be expected in the second half of the year.
- Prepare a disaster kit
There might be cases when you have to evacuate with a limited warning, so you might want to prepare a disaster kit consisting of essential items. Disasters can knock out power and water to your area, and there might be a period when you’ll have no access to food, medicine, and other items.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, you should prepare at least three days’ worth of food and water, a first aid kit, and a means of communication such as a satellite handheld radio or a spare mobile phone. You also might want to bring extra batteries, a radio, flashlights, and paper maps. Power might be limited, so you don’t want to rely on a smartphone for directions.
- Create a plan
People often panic in a disaster, which can affect their odds of survival. You need to create an action plan to ensure every member of your family knows what to do in the event of a disaster.
Start by designating a meetup spot in case you get separated. Have a primary meetup spot and a backup one in case the first one is inaccessible. You also need to have a physical copy of important contact information in case your phone’s battery dies.
With a bit of planning, you can improve your chances of survival in a disaster. Disaster preparedness isn’t a one-time thing. You have to reevaluate your plans every year to account for any changes to your community. You also need to replace expired food in your disaster kit and add other items such as medication.
