You’ve likely heard the news: natural disasters are becoming more common. From hurricanes to earthquakes, it’s important that you know how to prepare yourself and your family for the worst. We’ve rounded up some helpful tips on how to be ready for any natural disaster so that you can keep your loved ones safe and sound no matter what Mother Nature sends our way!
Know Your Risks
Knowing your risks is the first step in preparing for a natural disaster. If you live in an area that has a high risk of earthquakes or tsunamis, it’s important that you know what to do if this type of disaster strikes.
You should also consider where you work and how far away from home it is. If there’s no way for you to get home because of bad weather or road closures, then it’s essential that someone else knows where they can find shelter until all roads are reopened again.
Prepare Your Disaster Kit
The next step is to make a disaster kit, according to Dr Michael Hilton New York. This includes having a first aid kit, water and non-perishable food. You can keep it in a waterproof container that you can easily carry with you at all times.
- A first aid kit: It should include bandages for cuts or wounds, gauze pads for stopping bleeding, antibacterial ointment or creams to treat burns or infections (such as redness), pain relievers such as aspirin or ibuprofen for headaches/muscle aches/sore joints/backaches etc., eye protection from dust/debris if needed (such as goggles), safety pins for securing clothing on injured limbs while traveling (if there are none available locally)
Plan An Evacuation Route
The next step is to plan an evacuation route. This means knowing how you would get out of your home, neighborhood and city in the event of an emergency. You should also know what state or country you could go to if it became necessary. The more places where you have a friend or family member who would take you in, the better off your chances will be when disaster strikes.
Planning ahead will allow you to make informed decisions about which direction is best for your family based on each scenario’s unique circumstances (such as whether roads are blocked due to flooding or wildfires).
Make A List Of Important Numbers
You’ll want to make sure you have all of the phone numbers for your family and friends, says Dr Michael Hilton New York. You should also have the number for emergency services and insurance companies, as well as utility companies, even if they’re not local.
It’s also important to keep track of other numbers that might be useful in an emergency: locksmiths or car repair shops, for example.
Find An Alternate Heat Source In Case Of A Power Outage
- Find an alternate heat source. In the event of a power outage, you’ll need to find alternative ways to keep warm. If you live in a colder climate or if it gets very cold where you live during winter months, this is especially important.
- Find an alternate light source. It’s also important that everyone has at least one flashlight on hand at all times so they can see what they’re doing after dark without having to turn on the lights which would use electricity and make noise if someone breaks into your home while sleeping (or even just passing through).