by AJ McCreary, PICurrent Assistant Producer
Natural disasters seem to be occurring more and more these days. Maybe its because they really are, or maybe they are just getting more press.
Monday, Mexico City was hit with a 5.6 magnitude earthquake and earlier this month Italy suffered a similar earthquake.
Regardless if these things are happening more, or just getting better press, people are being caught off guard from:
- earthquakes
- floods
- hurricanes
- tornado’s
- snow storms
Are you prepared?
Being prepared for a natural disaster or emergency is important. In many areas you have little or no warning, but you can still be prepared for the unexpected.
- Know your surroundings. What kinds of natural disasters might occur in your region.
- Have a list of phone numbers and supplies on hand.
- Have a family plan, for communication and to possibly meet if home is not an option.
- Keep up on your cars maintained, as well as keeping the tank half full or more.
Here is a basic list of supplies you should have on hand:
- Water: one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
- Food: three-day supply of non-perishable food
- Diapers and formula if you have a small child.
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
- Local maps, emergency phone numbers and contact information.
While it may feel silly to prepare for the worse. It is more likely that you will not ever need to use your supplies or act on your plan, but you will be glad you did in the event of an emergency. Try and get the whole family involved, that way everyone is more likely to stay committed to the plan and should remember what to do in the even to for an emergency.
For more information of emergency kits:
Preparing for Various Disasters
I always have one. But reading this article, I can’t seem to remember where I it is around the house.
[...] is also a good opportunity (if you haven‘t already) to put together an emergency kit – not only in your home, but in your car as well. You never know when you might need [...]