Emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility.
In other words, everyone has an important role to play because basic emergency preparedness starts with each individual.
Being prepared keeps you from needing urgent assistance allowing responders to attend to other cases that do.
This blog will walk you through the process of how to prepare for a natural disaster.
Recovering from catastrophes can mean the difference between staying safe or suffering loss, and preparing for worst-case scenarios can bring everyone peace of mind.
So let’s start by throwing the BIG QUESTION….
What’s Your Emergency Preparedness Plan?
Being knowledgeable is your first defense because you need to know the types of natural disasters that could occur in your area and the best ways to handle each one.
And by knowing what the specific risks there are, you can better prepare for them and improve your chances of getting through the emergency with little risk.
Choose something that is waterproof and easy to carry, like a waterproof pouch. For instance, you may need multiple containers for your home kit.
Here’s what you need to make it through the first three days:
- Water. At a minimum, keep one gallon of water per person per day. It’s important to keep yourself hydrated all the time. Make sure it is not contaminated to avoid waterborne diseases.
- Food Supplies. Non-perishable goods such as canned vegetables, soups, and powdered milk provide your family with nutrients when cooking or preparing food is minimal. Strive to have around 2,000 calories per person per day to consume.
- First-Aid Supplies. If you end up in an emergency situation, there’s a good chance you’ll have to do some level of first aid on someone. Include a week’s worth of any prescription medications and the following medical tools for you and your family members. Make sure to include the following items in your first aid kit:
- surgical scissors
- needles
- threads
- syringes
- Emergency Supplies. Almost as important as first-aid supplies, safety supplies are essential, too like:
- emergency blankets
- equipment to start fires
- flashlights
- multi-tools
- knives
- whistle
- compass
- Secure your Important Files. Be sure to keep copies of all your important documents in your emergency kit and keep them inside a waterproof container. These important documents include:
- identification card
- insurance cards (medical, house, auto, and life)
- birth certificates
- passports
- social security cards
- marriage licenses or driver’s licenses
- emergency disaster plan (family member’s contact information, emergency services in the area, and anything else you might need)
- Don’t Forget To Bring Other Important Items. This includes personal care items like:
- toothpaste and shampoo
- battery-operated radio
- small amount of cash (preferably in small bills)
- credit card
- map of the local area
- emergency contact list (names, phone numbers, and addresses)
To sum up, having an emergency preparedness plan simply means having the supplies needed all the time.
At least every six months, it is essential to revisit your disaster preparation kit.
Check the expiration dates on food, water, and medications. For instance, if they’re getting close then you must replenish them. And since natural disasters may strike anytime, having an emergency plan will save us time and make the situation less stressful.
Similarly, in this blog, you may learn proven ways how to be emergency ready.
Emergency preparedness saves lives.
In conclusion, having an emergency disaster kit and an evacuation plan are both important to spread awareness amongst your family, friends, and your community.