Prepping for Disaster
by: Jo Ann Breaux
Ah, it’s that time of year that marks the beginnings of pumpkin spiced everything and perhaps a hurricane of two. Just from watching the news we can see that our climate is not so forgiving these days. It takes a nano second for a home to be destroyed or disaster to strike. So what do you do to prepare?
PLAN
Every situation is different. There are all types of disasters. Whether it’s a hurricane, fire, or pandemic, the first step in any emergency preparedness is to have a PLAN. Make sure you have precise plans for you and your family members to go over from time to time. Now, is the time to go over flooding and hurricane preparedness for us East Coasters. Make sure your family plans for the following:
What to do if there is no communication?
Is there a designated meeting locale?
Does everyone have contacts outside of the family and area? Does everyone know what hospital is nearest?
Does everyone know the evacuation procedures?
Do you have a plan for your pets?
Where are the supplies?
SUPPLIES
There should be a secure, waterproof bin that has supplies that will be easily attainable in an emergency. You may want to put it near or in the garage,or basement areas. Also, consider putting this in your car or in a nearby area. What should your emergency bin look like? Include the following items:
A Can Opener
Batteries
Flashlight
Wireless Charger for Phones (Make sure these are charged to the fullest)
A Leatherman or some sort of multi-tool
Scissors / Knife
Diapers
Cutlery (Everytime you get takeout, save those plastic meal kits)
Medications
Lighter/Matches
First Aid Kit
Toilet Paper
Floats
Rope
Blankets/Sleeping Bags
Important Papers
FOOD
Depending on the disaster or say, a pandemic that will lead you to empty toilet paper aisles, it’s always a good rule of thumb to keep at least three weeks of food and water in storage.
Non perishable and canned goods
Water (the most important)
Baby Food
Pet Food
There’s no easy way to be prepared for the unexpected. A tornado demolishing your home is not the same as a flash flood. Losing everything in a disaster is devastating, but if you are prepared the personal damage could be lessened.
Some other tips to follow:
Have a separate and safe place to put photo negatives of favorite photos (this is for people who used film!), important keepsakes, and important unreplaceable documents in one place in a waterproof or fireproof bin/safe that you can easily get to if you have to get out quickly.
Use the buddy system within your community.
Tornados: Bathrooms, Basements, places where there are no windows are the safest.
Hurricanes: If they say evacuate, evacuate. At least you have time with these
Wild Fire: If they say evacuate, evacuate immediately. These can be ferocious in minutes.
Home Fire: Touch doors to make sure they are not hot. Cover mouths and get out immediately.
Flood: If your area is prone to floods, make sure you have good flood coverage for your home. Highest ground is safest. If there is a threat or water starts to rise, turn off electrical immediately.
Earthquake: Get underneath something sturdy that will protect your head. Don’t stand. Hold on to something sturdy. Stay away from windows.
Be informed. Listen to emergency updates coming to your cell phones or on the news. Check FEMA for latest updates. Be safe out there!
