A disaster can strike at any time, are you prepared for one? You might think that you will have time to pack a bag and stuff the trunk if a disaster were to occur, but in reality, panic will set in and you won’t have the time you thought. Whether you have a car full of kids or it’s just you, you should always be prepared for any situation.
You’ll want to make a plan that includes shelter, first aid, food and water, and sanitation. Those are the basics of survival. The first thing to do when preparing for a disaster it's best to start with deciding on an emergency contact. Make sure everyone knows who it is and how to contact them, this could be a family friend or relative. Your emergency contact should live in a different area so they can provide a safe shelter.
After you’ve picked your emergency contact then the second thing you’ll want to do is create a disaster kit. Your disaster kit should include a first aid kit, a blanket or two, a case of water, flashlight, and food that will last a few days. By preparing this kit you can go through it once a year and replace perishable foods.
Thirdly, for insurance and the records, you should go through your house and document your belongings. This doesn’t mean counting how many pairs of socks you own, the list should contain valuables like your couch or an old antique lamp. It’s best to take photos of the items and write down the serial numbers so you can easily identify what was lost. Go around your yard and driveway too, take pictures of your car, lawn mower, camper, or any other outdoor vehicle. When you are finished you should upload them to a flash drive and store it in your disaster kit.
The fourth thing to do is to map an escape route. It’s best to have a central meeting place like your emergency contacts residence or a delegated spot. Discuss with each other how to get to that place in case some don’t have access to a vehicle or public transportation. Learn how to read a map and map out how to get to safety. It’s best to practice this route with your family at least once a year.
Lastly, do research about where you live and the risks that might happen. If you live in an area that is more prone to flooding or wildfires you can tailor your disaster kit towards that. The more you know the better you can prepare.
Hurricanes, earthquakes, and wildfires can happen at any moment without a moment's notice. To prevent you and your family from being injured and unprepared, sit down and make a plan together. Have emergency preparations ready so you can get out of a disaster and into safety as quick and easy as possible.
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