Natural disasters are a harsh reality of life in today’s world. They can strike anytime, anywhere, in any part of the world, and they come without warning. Disasters are some of the biggest reasons for the loss of human life, and they can have long-lasting economic, health, and societal impacts. It’s important to know what to do in the event of a disaster, as you never know when these processes will occur.
Emergency Preparedness: The Basics
Some people think that being prepared is a waste of time, but they don’t know what it’s like until they experience an emergency. There are three kinds of crises:
- Natural disasters: Natural disasters are unpredictable and include hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, tornadoes, and wildfires.
- Man-made disasters: Man-made disasters include terrorist attacks or human-caused accidents.
- Non-specified emergencies: Other emergencies can be house fires or power outages.
However, the question remains, how can you prepare for such emergencies? The best way to begin is to identify the main risks associated with your area. This will enable you to prepare adequately for whatever might come your way. You can use the shtf survival guide, which is a no-nonsense way to get ready and begin the process of safeguarding your home and protecting your family.
However, this is easier said than done, which is why this article will teach you some basics.
1. Invest In A Generator
Generators are vital during emergencies, particularly when the power is out, and Bravo Electro has this essential information on what is an AC-DC power supply. Basements may flood, security systems may malfunction, and businesses may collapse if there is no electricity. For these reasons, a portable generator may provide peace of mind and serve as a true lifesaver in the event of a power loss. However, not all are created equally, and you should consider a few things before running out and buying the first one you see:
- Power output: 6-8000 watts should suffice for most households, but you will need to calculate your power usage to know for sure. The higher the output, the more you can power. But this also means the more fuel it will use.
- Portability: While this might not be a massive issue if you want to dedicate a generator to one area, the more portable it is, the more likely you will use it.
- Fuel type: Generators can use different fuels, each with pros and cons. Diesel is the most widely available because it can store well, is easier to acquire than gasoline, and proceeds a longer run time.
2. Stockpile Adequate Amounts Of Non-Perishable Foods
In the event of a natural disaster, terrorist attack, or another artificial disaster, the food supply chain can be disrupted. Stockpiling non-perishable foods in case of emergencies is a good idea because they can last for years without any refrigeration. As tinned foods generally last the longest, they are a great choice, but aside from that, you should consider:
- Peanut butter: This is an excellent energy source and can provide a respite from savory foods. You also don’t need to refrigerate most store-bought peanut butter unless it is indicated on the packaging.
- Trail mix: Nuts and trail mix is high-energy, healthy, and convenient to store for extended periods of time.
- Powdered milk: Since most dairy products need refrigeration, stock this substitute as an excellent calcium and vitamin D source when fresh milk is unavailable.
3. Have Plenty Of Potable Water
One of the worst things that can happen to a person is not being able to drink water, making it essential to have a decent store of fresh, drinkable water ready when required. In the event of a disaster, it is necessary to have a plan for how you will access clean drinking water.
In addition to storing bottled water, you should also consider keeping some form of purification systems, such as a filter or chemical treatment tablets. According to the CDC, humans need a bare minimum of one gallon of water per person. Therefore, you should calculate how much you need based on the number of people in your family and how long you anticipate you will need it.
4. Prepare Your Home
How you prepare your home will depend mainly on the type of incident you expect to happen. While you can’t anticipate most man-made disasters, you will know if you live in locations prone to certain weather conditions like hurricanes, tornadoes, or wildfires. This might include:
- Installing storm windows and shutters
- Turning your basement into a shelter
- Setting up a water pump from a well
5. Get Your Essentials In Order
Despite focusing on things you can do at a large scale in the previous points, it is vital to remember the basics. In the event of an evacuation, you should have a few days’ worth of supplies and food. You should also make sure that you have a plan for how to communicate with loved ones if the phone lines are down or if there is some other type of disaster. Some main things to consider include:
- Flashlight: This is arguably one of the most crucial bits of kit to have in your arsenal. There is nothing worse than being in the middle of a power cut and being unable to see in the dark.
- Radio: You can opt for a battery-powered radio or a wind-up one. In either case, you should have a basic radio on hand to listen to government updates about what is happening.
- Spare batteries: If you want your electrical items to continue working after several days, you should stock plenty of extra batteries (be sure to store them properly).
- Spare clothing: Personal hygiene is a large part of the survival process, and extra clothing is vital to remain fresh and clean.
6. Set Up An Advanced First Aid Kit
In case of emergencies, it is vital to have a first aid kit with you. The kit should contain the necessary materials for treating minor injuries and medical emergencies. It is crucial to keep the first aid kit in an easily accessible location, such as in your shelter, car, or anywhere easily accessible. A first aid kit should be stocked with bandages, pressure dressings, gauze pads, and other items to help stop bleeding and prevent infection from wounds.
Disasters often strike without warning. When they do, it’s essential to be prepared. So, check to make sure your evacuation plan is clear. And make sure emergency procedures are in place to deal with any disasters that might occur.