Now is the time for preparedness because we are currently facing unprecedented challenges and uncertainties that demand proactive measures to ensure our safety and well-being. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that we are vulnerable to unforeseen crises that can greatly impact our lives, health, and economy. Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, wildfires, and floods, are also becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change. We can no longer afford to take our safety for granted and assume that everything will be taken care of for us.
Preparedness allows us to take control of our lives and reduce the risks associated with these unpredictable events. It involves planning, organizing, and practicing in advance to ensure that we have the necessary resources, skills, and knowledge to cope with emergencies when they arise. By being prepared, we can avoid the chaos and panic that often surround crises and make rational decisions that are in our best interests.
Moreover, preparedness allows us to think beyond ourselves and care for others in our communities, particularly the most vulnerable, who may not have the means to prepare themselves. It is a way to build resilience and social cohesion, bringing us closer together in times of need.
In summary, preparedness is essential now more than ever as we face a world full of uncertainties. It enables us to take proactive measures to safeguard our lives and those of our loved ones, build resilience in our communities, and ensure that we are ready to face any challenges that come our way.
Disaster preparedness is a crucial aspect of ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals, families, communities, and even nations. It involves taking proactive measures to prepare for natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, wildfires, and other emergencies that may occur unexpectedly. By being ready for these events, you can minimize damage, injury, and loss of life.
Importance of Being Ready for Natural Disasters
Being prepared for natural disasters is critical because it helps reduce stress levels during an emergency situation. Having essential supplies on hand allows people to focus on their immediate needs rather than worry about where they will find food or water. Additionally, having a plan in place can help save lives by reducing panic and confusion. In some cases, being prepared also means knowing when to evacuate and how to stay safe while doing so.
Essential Supplies and Equipment Needed in a Emergency Kit
A comprehensive emergency kit should include items like nonperishable food, water, first aid supplies, flashlights with extra batteries, blankets, clothing, and footwear. Other important items to consider adding to your kit are tools like a crowbar or hammer for breaking windows or doors, duct tape, plastic sheeting, and garbage bags for sealing leaks or creating makeshift shelter. Don’t forget to include important documents like insurance policies, IDs, and medical records in a watertight container.
Tips on How to Stay Safe During A Natural Disaster
Stay informed – Keep up with weather reports and local news channels to stay updated on any potential threats.
Have a plan – Develop a family emergency plan that includes escape routes, meeting places, and communication strategies. Practice this plan regularly.
Create a survival kit – Follow the guidelines mentioned earlier to create a comprehensive emergency kit.
Stay indoors – If advised to do so by authorities, remain inside until the all clear signal has been given.
Do not drive unless absolutely necessary – Roads may be impassible due to debris or flooding making driving dangerous.
Remain calm – Panicking can lead to poor decision-making which could put yourself and others at risk.
Disaster preparedness is crucial for ensuring the safety of individuals during natural disasters. Whether it’s a hurricane, tornado, earthquake or wildfire, being equipped with knowledge about how to stay safe can make all the difference in surviving these events. Here are some tips and tricks you need to know:
Introduction to Disaster Preparedness
Before any emergency situation arises, it’s essential to have an emergency plan in place. This includes identifying potential risks that may affect your area such as floods, fires, etc., creating an evacuation route, storing necessary supplies like food, water, first aid kits, flashlights, batteries, cash, important documents, and having communication tools available. It also involves educating yourself on what actions to take before, during, and after a disaster strikes.
Importance of Emergency Supplies and Plans
Having access to adequate resources can mean the difference between life and death during a disastrous event. Make sure you have enough non-perishable food, clean drinking water, blankets, clothing, and shelter materials to last at least 72 hours. Additionally, consider investing in portable generators, solar panels, and other alternative power sources to keep lights, phones, and computers running. Don’t forget to store extra medications, pet food, and any special equipment needed by family members with disabilities or medical conditions.
Staying Safe During a Natural Disaster
When a natural disaster hits, there are certain steps you should take to ensure your safety. Firstly, listen to local news reports and follow instructions from authorities. Stay indoors if possible and avoid using electrical appliances or devices that could cause sparks. Keep windows closed and cover vents to prevent exposure to hazardous airborne particles. If you must go outside, wear protective gear including masks, gloves, and eyewear. Avoid walking through standing water which could be contaminated with chemicals or debris.
Recovering After the Storm
After the storm has passed, it’s vital to assess the damage and take appropriate action. Check for injuries and provide first aid when necessary. Contact utility companies to report damages and request assistance. Take photos of the damage for insurance purposes. Finally, begin the process of rebuilding and restoring normalcy to your daily routine while keeping in mind the importance of continuously updating your emergency plans and supplies.
In conclusion, disaster preparedness is critical for safeguarding against the devastating effects of natural disasters. By following these tips and tricks, you can increase your chances of survival and recovery during these trying times.
Since the pandemic, there are a lot more people developing a preparedness plan for their family. It’s interesting how a negative event, disaster, or losing a loved-one, will change the way we plan or live our lives. Now, many people see that being prepared is important. Since we are certainly capable of ignoring or implementing a good preparedness plan – let’s discuss some areas that people tend to neglect.
Ten Things Most People Forget To Do That Are Critical To Survival
Sometimes it is not a matter of being forgetful but simply a matter of not seeing something as a priority or not realizing it is a priority because you do not any base knowledge from which to work. One person can survive with a butter knife and a handful of sting for two weeks while another may not be able to survive for two days. Much depends on your experience, training and mental commitment and making sure you do not forget anything.
The following may seem obvious to some people, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to take the reminder.
People Tend To Forget…
PREPARE Magazine
1.) People sometimes fail to remember that the sewer systems will not normally be in operation during a power disruption. The treatment plants need electricity to process the waste. Without power, the waste will build up, and in some cases, valves are closed to prevent buildup at the plant. This means that one or two flushes and the waste will back into your home. People may assume they can use the toilets if their water and electrical service is disrupted by pouring water into the toilet tank and flushing as normal, this would work of course if the processing plant were operational.
2.) People can remember the canned goods, dried meats and snacks but often times forget the plastic silverware and paper plates. Dirty plates piled in the sink because you do not have water to wash them and if you did have water, the drains will backup, so this mean you have a mess on your hands. Waste left in the open causes bacteria to grow and can cause a rodent or insect infestation.
3.) While preparing for one specific crisis such as a magnitude 12.0 earthquake, nuclear, chemical or biological attacks or even a super volcano people will forget about the common everyday disasters. Disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, ice storms and blizzards are common occurrences. Some may have spent all their money building a doomsdays bunker and let other disaster sneak up on them and now they may be broke with a nice bunker but no food, water or other supplies they need to get through those annoying run of the mill disasters.
4.) Remember that during a crisis your physical activity level will increase and if you are not in reasonably good shape you may suffer health issues, so staying fit at all times is defiantly not something you can forget about. Without the help of modern conveniences (power tools, saws and so on) you may not be fit enough to complete some of the task needed unless you start now getting in shape for a disaster.
5.) People may not remember that others are affected by the crisis as well. If cell phone service is available during a crisis people will actually try to order take-outs. They may call for emergency responders and not understand why emergency responders cannot get a cross a bridge or highway that is washed out. You must prepare accordingly and realize that when you cannot cross a collapsed bridge or highway no one else can either.
6.) People tend to forget about their pets when preparing. Animals get nervous, and need special attention during a crisis and this can affect an animal’s overall health. They need emergency supplies just as do their human masters. Pets need emergency water, food and medicines.
7.) Families go to the wholesale outlets that sell in large quantities and when they run across a bargain, they buy it to add to their emergency stockpile. What they tend to forget however is expiration dates. That super sized case of crackers has an expiration date. Grains and baked goods can become infested with weevils over time, so they must be inspected periodically. Food must be rotated out of the emergency supplies and put in to use before the item expires, and then fresh supplies must be purchased to replenish. When the lights go out is not the time to find out that half of your food supply is not edible.
8.) You know how to get where you are going in a vehicle, but do you know how to get there on foot or even on a bicycle. You may not even know the names of some streets but you know where to turn. People may forget that they will have to walk to some of these places during a crisis and unbelievably you can know how to get there by driving but can become lost if you try to get there on foot. Street level views are always different from the view seen from a moving vehicle. Landmarks can also be destroyed because of the crisis so it is important that you know how to get to where you are going by various means.
9.) People pick up so-called survival supplies or tools and have no idea how they work or in some cases, what the intended use is. The tool gets packed away and people forget why they bought it. Tools and any survival equipment must be tested by you to make sure you know how and when to use and to ensure it does what it is supposed to do.
10.) People forget food items that can make a difference in how well the family eats during a crisis. They plan to rely too heavily on “MRE’s” that can be loaded with preservatives. Certainly, it’s good to have the food stocked for emergency use, but you should consider the need for overall good nutrition. Fruits and Vegetables are essential to keeping you mind and body operating at peak performance.
Also… people tend to forget to stockpile spices such as salt, pepper and other dried ground spices. They forget about cooking oil, honey, sugar, coffee, tea and powdered milk. You may be so used to reaching for the milk in the refrigerator for cooking and baking that you never give powdered milk a thought until you do not have it during a crisis.
It’s important to note that good meals are vital not only for nutrition, but for overall morale of the family. The psychological benefits of a good meal in some case may outweigh the nutritional value during an emergency. Many families find great value in sitting around their table eating a good meal and sharing stories. In a crisis or disaster situation, it will be extremely helpful and comforting to make sure to participate in that important family ritual. It’s especially beneficial if kids are involved and are struggling with the stress of the difficulties around them.
Are you prepared for the winter storm Season? Many forecasters are warning this could be a very harsh winter season that could create a significant strain on our power grid.
The winter weather forecast is expected to be colder and wetter than average. Accuweather has predicted a colder and more storm active winter due to the return of an El Niño weather pattern. The El Niño weather pattern will have a significant influence across the Country.
If you haven’t done so already, it is important that you get prepared for the potentially difficult weather ahead. With prolonged electricity outages expected, it is vital to have a plan in place to protect your family and pets from the bitter cold. Have emergency supplies ready and accessible.
Three Days Of Supplies
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) says families should have a response plan and an emergency preparedness kit. The Red Cross says a kit should include enough supplies for each family member for three days and it should be checked every six months. Emergency preparedness kits should include water, food, first aid and medical supplies, clothing, blankets, tools, sanitation items and important documents.
Power outages are a real threat during severe storms, so backup power is also an important element of an emergency preparedness kit. Gas generators are a common choice, but they have some drawbacks. First, they need fuel, which can often be in short supply during emergency situations. They are also noisy and produce dangerous fumes, so they can’t be used indoors.
Backup Power Is Important for Preparedness
Another option for backup power without these drawbacks is a high-powered battery pack that can provide portable electricity in an emergency. These are available at major retailers and one popular brand is XPower by Xantrex. XPower offers products that range in power levels depending on your needs. XPower products can also jump-start vehicles, inflate tires and include flashlights or built-in radios. These products are clean, efficient, quiet and fumeless, so they are perfect for use inside the home, where generators are not safe.
Having power during an emergency enables people to contact emergency services, keep in touch with family, and stay informed through news and weather updates. Backup power can also provide light, heat or air-conditioning, keep food and medicine refrigerated, and can even power a sump pump to help keep the house dry.
With the high potential for power outages during ice and snow storms in the U.S. this year, it’s time to be prepared. Carefully check your food and water storage, blankets, and medical supplies. Get a plan ready for backup power – before it is too late. Remember, when power goes out everyone will rush to the store to get a generator. Get your plan in place early so you can avoid the difficulties.
Power outages are a real threat during severe storms, so backup power is an important element of an emergency preparedness kit.
It sounds a bit far-fetched and fear-mongering to talk about storing water, but a few years ago who would have even considered that the whole world would shut down with our latest pandemic. It’s been crazy to say the least.
The worst part it, I don’t think our pandemic days are completely behind us either. Whether you believe in the pandemic or not, the reality is we are all going to be affected one-way-or another. Even if it is a giant hoax, the world is being shuffled around in ways that will likely impact every person. Are you prepared for the latest new scare that is being pushed? We now get to deal with the new monkey pox virus. With that, let’s at least talk about how to store water in the event of a pandemic.
If things go bad, you may lose the ability to have water in your home the way that you’ve always depended on it in the past. In a pandemic, a water supply can suddenly become unusable.
The water supply can become compromised at any time. This is why you often see those boil advisories on the news. You need to be prepared by stockpiling water as soon as possible.
The water must be stored away from any direct sunlight. Warm water is an invitation for bacteria to grow and has the potential to make you sick. So you’ll need to keep the water stored in a cool area.
After you get your supply in, you need to look over it often to make sure it remains viable. Water can be stored in plastic bottles or jugs. Wash the bottles, soda bottles or any clear jugs and then fill them with water from your home.
You can also buy water barrels. These are 55 gallon barrels that are great for holding a large supply of water and you can find them online. They’re specifically for long-term water storage.
But you would also need to keep these away from direct sunlight. You can create a cistern for catching rainwater. What you do is position a barrel beneath any runoff areas of your home.
For example, you can place the cistern directly beneath your gutter pipe. Instead of the water going into the ground and getting wasted, it can be used for drinking or other water needs.
In a pinch, when you need a water supply, you can get it from rivers, ponds or lakes – but the water must be treated first before it’s safe to use. When you use water that you get or collect yourself, you need a filtering system.
The filter can clear your water of bacteria and other pathogens that can make you ill if you ingest them. There are different kinds of systems you can get – ranging from the very elaborate to the very simple, such as filtering straws.
Boiling the water you need to use for eating or drinking kills pathogens as long as the temperature of the water hits about 215 degrees Fahrenheit. Chemical ways to purify water includes using iodine.
You can get these in tablets or crystals. But you need to be aware that iodine does not kill some organisms. So use these only in a case where you have nothing else to use.
Chlorine tablets are good to use to purify water and so is regular household bleach. If you use bleach, don’t use any brands that have additives. So don’t use scented bleach.
To make water safe to drink, put ¼ of a teaspoon into every gallon of water you want to purify. So if you had a five gallon container of water you wanted to make safe for use, you would add a teaspoon of household bleach.
