No matter where you live, emergencies can happen at any time. Hurricanes, tsunamis, blackouts, and man-made disasters are a part of life. When a crisis strikes, the worst thing one can do is be unprepared. Making an emergency preparedness plan is the best course of action. It can save you from needless worries and discomfort.
There are universal tips that can be used to prepare for any disaster or emergency. They work for homeowners and students alike. They will keep you safe and comfortable during and after such events. Once everything is over, coming back to regular life will be faster and easier.
Establish Information Links
When disaster strikes, it can make people stranded for information. You can sit looking for college homework help on your phone, and the Internet goes off. Television services may also be temporarily unavailable. It’s important to have a reliable source of information. You can start by signing up with government emergency alerts.
There are free apps provided by the Red Cross or FEMA. Other options send out notifications to students and workers. Look for services that notify users via SMS as well. (coachmantahoe.com) Mobile networks may be out for some time, so it’s wise to own a portable radio set. These can be found online and are affordable, with prices as low as 39$.
When looking for a device, make sure it can charge through a wall outlet and works on batteries. This ensures that you’ll stay informed even if the power goes out. Some models have built-in flashlights negating the need to buy them. More advanced models work with USB devices. Download a couple of books and listen to them to kill time.
Stay Charged
One of the most important things about coming out of an emergency is keeping all devices charged. If there’s power on, make sure that every gadget has a full battery. They will stay functional even during a blackout. Some emergencies may last for a couple of days or even weeks. Owning a couple of power banks will go a long way.
These can power up any smartphone or tablet. Solar chargers are also a nice alternative as they need no accumulators to run. Not everything can charge via these devices. Buy a few packs of batteries and keep them close to the stereo. Ideally, these batteries should also work for a flashlight to save funds. When the power is out, cheap matchboxes and candle packs will help out.
Make A Sizeable Food Supply
When an emergency happens, people often frantically rush to the grocery stores. This means that emergency foods can quickly disappear from shelves. That’s why having an emergency food supply can help out tremendously. There’s no need to go overboard and buy bulks of survivor emergency packs. Buying long storage food products can be helpful:
- Canned fish or meat
- Canned olives
- Condiments
- Flour
- Instant noodles
- Porridge
- Salt
- Pepper
Next time you are at a store, buy a couple of items from this list. Some of them can be stored anywhere in the house. When purchasing fresh meat, fish, or poultry, store them in a freezer with plenty of ice. If the power goes out, it’ll give you a couple of days before products start to thaw. When the budget allows it, buy a cooler and several ice packs to keep food fresh.
Make An Emergency Bag
In some cases, you’ll have to leave in a hurry. It’s essential to keep all important documents in one place. These include domestic and foreign passports, birth certificates, social security cards, and others. One should take the time to find their deeds, rental agreements, and wills, if there are any. Make sure to have all documents in one place and ready to go if necessary.
Another important thing is making a medical bag with essential products. During a disaster, you or your family members might get injured. There’s also a chance that your neighbors will need help. Emergency rooms and hospitals can become unavailable during a disaster. That’s why having a well-equipped first aid kit will go a long way.
It should have several pairs of sterile gloves. Put adhesive bandages and a cleansing agent. This will help treat any minor wounds. It also helps to have some antibiotics and burn ointments. Needless to say, anything that you take daily should be in supply. It’s also important to own prescribed medical supplies. You might get sick so keep a pack of aspirin, antacid, laxative, and antidiarrheal medications.
Prepare Your Home
If there’s a blackout, it’s better to unplug all electronics in the house. The same goes for air conditioners and home climate systems. This way, you can keep them safe when the electricity comes back. Check if the power is on by clicking the lights. Sudden power surges can damage appliances, and you’ll have to repair or throw them away afterward.
Those with a higher budget can invest in a backup generator. While loud, it can keep the electricity running during long blackouts. Running it requires vast quantities of diesel. This solution is better suited for people who own homes. Many residential buildings in disaster-prone areas have generators. They keep elevators and emergency lighting working.
If there’s information that the water supply can be affected, fill your tub as fast as possible. It’s advised to get tap water into as many containers as you have. This water can be used for washing hands and flushing the toilet. One must also have several gallons of drinkable water to last several days. If your home has gas, turn it off until the emergency is over.
Conclusion
There’s no telling when an emergency strikes. But, with the proper preparations, anybody can live through them with relative comfort. Keep track of long-term storage groceries, make a good first-aid kit and find a way to stay informed. Don’t forget about keeping documents in one place. Stay safe, and remember to keep a cool head no matter what happens.
