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Planning for Natural Disasters
Would you or your family know what to do in the event of a storm or other natural disaster? This article helps you prepare for whatever might come your way.
We've seen it all too often. Weather events can cause unthinkable property damage, even loss of lives. The best protection against natural disasters is to respect Mother Nature — and to have a reliable family disaster plan. Take this step-by-step approach to help give your home and family a safe advantage when danger strikes.
- Have a family plan. Is your house in a vulnerable area? If you evacuated, where would you go? Know where your local shelter is located, and make sure your family knows what to do in an emergency. Rehearse your plan often, especially with children. And make sure you have appropriate insurance coverage for your house, vehicles and family. To find out more information about insurance for your property, contact your local insurance agent.
- Prepare your property. Examine your home and decide what supplies you need to board windows (for a storm), secure the building and store loose outside items, such as grills, furniture, toys, etc. Safely store important papers and valuables and keep vital phone numbers handy. Learn how to properly prepare your house for natural disasters at eHow.com.
- Assemble a disaster supplies kit. Don't forget prescriptions, cash, food, flashlights, batteries, drinking water and special items for babies or the elderly. For a complete checklist of emergency supplies, visit the emergency supply kit page at ineed2know.org.
- Watch weather reports carefully. Always heed storm warnings and evacuation notices.
- Take action. If you evacuate, give your family a head start and don't take any risks. Good judgment is your responsibility! Keep maps in your car, in case you need to take alternate evacuation routes on unfamiliar roads.
"The best protection against natural disasters is to respect Mother Nature — and to have a plan."
Common U.S. natural dangers
The American Red Cross offers an extensive list of dangers and potential disasters, along with full instructions on what to do if you are involved in such emergencies. Here are just a few topics you'll learn about on the American Red Cross website:
- Hurricanes have been called "Mother Nature's Unleashed Furies." If you live in a hurricane-prone area, read up on how to survive both floods and high winds, learn the difference between watches and warnings, and more.
- Earthquakes can occur anywhere, though some areas are more vulnerable than others. Visit the earthquake section of the American Red Cross website to learn about DROP, COVER and HOLD ON. You can also learn steps to take to secure your house to its foundation, which can help reduce structural damage should an earthquake strike.
- Winter storms bring treacherous driving conditions, power loss, freezing temperatures and more. Read what you can do to keep yourself, loved ones and neighbors safe during brutal winter storms.
- Tornadoes occur about 1,000 times a year in the United States, resulting in an average of 80 deaths and more than 1,500 injuries. Learn how to protect yourself if you are caught in the vicinity of a twister.
- Fires are fast, deadly and devastating. Learn how to protect your family in case of a fire.
To learn more, visit the American Red Cross website.
Disaster Action Kids
Every family disaster plan should include educating your kids. Visit the "FEMA for Kids" section of the FEMA website. Your kids will find hours of interactive games and quizzes to teach them how to be ready for anything! Let Herman the Spokescrab teach your kids all they need to know to become "Disaster Action Kids." Herman the Spokescrab will cover such topics as:
- Six things kids might feel in a disaster
- How to protect your home
- How to be "pet prepared"
- What to do in case of fire, flood, hurricane and more
Plus, parents and teachers can order free posters, videos, coloring books, curriculum and other safety information to use in the classroom or at home. For more information and to educate your children in a fun, entertaining way, visit FEMA. What they learn could save their lives! |
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