With the rise in Global Temperature, the number of natural disasters has risen drastically. The risk of getting trapped in a natural disaster is much more today than it was a century ago. At the same time, people are experiencing extreme climates and weather all around the globe.
Most of us are at constant risk of facing a disaster. Some live near a sea-shore meanwhile some live in an earthquake-prone area. People in these areas must be prepared for a disaster at any time. This Definitive Guide to Disaster Preparedness on a Budget will help you out in that.
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What Are The Actual Risks?
- Every state has been struck by a massive natural disaster and no home is immune to problems of any kind.
- Over the past 30 years, natural disasters have damaged more than $1 billion worth of property. Often, families are forced to evacuate during these super-storms.
- The U.S. possesses certain regions at higher risk for being hit by natural disasters than others and this does not mean that they are exempt from being hit.
- Furthermore, climate change can elevate the chances of more disastrous natural disasters.
- As for other unlikely but possible scenarios, there are tsunamis and volcanoes which can all damage a City, and asteroids fall into the vague category as well.
- We should focus on what we can change, however.
1. Few Examples Of Natural Disasters In Areas
- Flooding, winter weather, and severe storms are the biggest risks in the Northeast.
- Generally, Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Floods, and Mudslides are your greatest risks in the South.
- Wildfires, severe storms, and extreme winters are the most likely disasters for people living in the Central U.S.
- You’ll likely have to face earthquakes, wildfires, and flooding if you live on the West Coast.
- It’s rare to see a hurricane hit Hawaii, but it’s becoming more common lately. In addition, the threat of tsunamis, fire, and flooding is also present.
- Among Alaska’s many natural hazards are avalanches, wildfires, earthquakes, and harsh winters. Volcanoes are also found in the state.
- If you live in a state that has experienced many disasters, find out what the worst catastrophe in your state was and what severe weather has occurred in your own community.
2. Few Other Uncommon Disasters
- It would be nearly impossible to avoid being hit by a nuclear weapon in the event of a nuclear incident.
- To get a sense of what life would be like after a nuke dropped on your town, imagine what it would be like.
- Within 10 to 15 seconds, you can start doing these things.
- Getting inside and staying inside is a good idea.
- When the warning signs appear, seek shelter right away.
- Then, avoid being poisoned by fallout or radioactive ash.
- Shielding yourself from the ash is possible with concrete.
- Leaving safely should be delayed for at least a week, according to experts.
- Infectious disease outbreaks and attacks by bioterrorists may sound very scary, but they occur every day without our knowledge somewhere in the world.
- Practicing good hygiene, avoiding traveling and crowded places, wearing a mask, occasionally avoiding animals and raw meat, and listening to authorities, especially the CDC is the best ways to avoid the disease.
- The world has a series of natural disasters that don’t fit into any particular city’s plan, such as earthquakes in places that weren’t designed to withstand them, to sudden floods in a dusty town.
- You may not think winter-ready materials make sense in the southern United States, but winter storms and power outages can be extra-deadly in those regions.
Resources
- https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline/disaster-types
- https://restoreyoureconomy.org/main/types-of-disasters/
- https://www.ifrc.org/what-disaster
- https://outforia.com/types-of-natural-disasters/
END OF PART ONE
How To Create A Simple Disaster Preparedness Plan?
- You might be thinking that there’s no way to prepare for these disasters anyway.
- But you can save time, money, and a lot of trauma by doing a few simple things as a family.
- Get safety tips for your home. Make sure your home is safe by checking it regularly.
- It is important not to collect dangerous debris or loose gutters in areas with frequent hurricanes or tornadoes.
- To ensure that your home is completely sealed against the outside world in blizzard-prone areas, make sure that it is properly insulated.
- Your Emergency Communication Plan sheet should be filled out and printed multiple times.
- Ensure that all members of the family have access to your emergency contact information.
- The sheet may even be given to teachers by students.
- Make a plan with your family and communicate it to them.
- When communications fail, include places where emergency meetings can be held!
- Establish a plan for evacuating.
- The more you communicate and accommodate, the better off you will be when you don’t have a car.
- A checklist should be created for evacuations.
- It’s imperative that you take action as rapidly as possible during an evacuation, from shutting down your power to gathering your supplies.
- Checklists can help you to manage the chaos. Place them on your fridge and leave them there.
- People and pets that can’t advocate for themselves should be delegated tasks and a plan made.
- We need other people in the group who are capable to get involved because of a lack of time.
- Assign a safe, clear task to everyone who can do it.
- There might be a time when a child needs to grab your pet or parents must turn off utilities.
- Your communication needs to be tested.
- Know what your role is in an emergency, what you need to do, and what to say.
- Make sure everyone knows what to do next by creating a phone plan and testing it frequently.
- Whenever possible, practice drills. You need to practice drills, especially for kids, more than just your communication plan.
- Assure that they know where your meet-up points are and how to get there.
- You should practice for as many different scenarios as possible.
- Put together a disaster kit. We will discuss what you need in detail.
- Copy important documents, such as IDs and insurance policies, for your family.
- Having a plan and communicating information with all adults in the household is crucial.
Resources
- https://assurancemortgage.com/how-to-create-a-disaster-preparedness-plan/
- https://www.facilitiesnet.com/emergencypreparedness/article/5-Steps-To-Emergency-Preparedness-For-Any-Disaster–17186
- https://www.prep4agthreats.org/All-Hazard-Preparedness/family-emergency-planning
- https://www.grangeinsurance.com/tips/7-tips-for-creating-a-home-emergency-plan
- https://www.habitat.org/our-work/disaster-response/disaster-preparedness-homeowners/family-preparedness-plan
END OF PART TWO
How To Discuss The Plan With Your Kids?
- Disaster Master is a free online game that you can use to get your kids involved.
- Consider having a copy of the communication plan on hand for your child’s teacher, and complete and send it in their book bags.
- Get them to memorize your full name, your address, and your phone number.
- You may also want to contact their aunt, uncle, or grandma outside the state. You need to provide her address, telephone number as well.
- If there is an emergency, make sure you and your child know where you will meet.
- If the child cannot reach you, make sure he can contact you. Unless it’s an emergency, texting is the best option, since it won’t hold up the line.
- If your child is unable to communicate with you, make sure they know what to do.
- Teaching your child how to save a life is essential, so teach them the five steps.
- Consider additional safety aspects, such as calling for help, stranger danger, and electrical safety.
- In times of natural disasters, caring for a baby or a very small child can be challenging.
- The situation will require a lot of care as these individuals will likely not be able to communicate.
- When this occurs, allocate tasks among adults. One person should take care of the baby while others can assist with other tasks.
- Also, please make sure your child’s daycare provider has a written copy of your communication plan and a list of your phone numbers.
Resources
- https://www.savethechildren.org/us/charity-stories/help-children-cope-with-disaster
- https://www.primroseschools.com/blog/step-9-ways-to-help-your-child-cope-with-a-disaster/
- https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/tyc/feb2018/11x-tips-helping-children-disasters
- https://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/plns/mrgncychldrn-en.aspx
END OF PART THREE
Tips For Helping Seniors During A Disaster
- Especially for people with disabilities and older people who have particular mobility and packing issues, catastrophes can be very stressful.
- It is advisable that you have separate lists or emergency kits for each family member.
- Always be mindful of the situation they are in, and offer help if necessary.
- If the person has a personal network who can support, they are more apt to be able to help when the time comes.
- The family emergency communication plan should be available to any personal assistants and caretakers.
- If mobility is an issue, it is important to consider transportation early on. If you wait too long to evacuate, it will become more difficult.
- You may need specialized transportation devices, feeding devices, or shower chairs.
- Consider bringing your own equipment that doesn’t require electricity, if possible.
- Extra batteries for devices, medications, and adult diapers should be brought.
- It is essential to keep contact information on hand for those with memory issues or disabilities. In the event of an emergency, they might panic, so supervise them carefully.
Resources
- https://www.apa.org/pi/aging/resources/older-adults-disasters.pdf
- https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Public-Health-Preparedness/BT/Tips-for-the-Elderly-Seniors
- https://virginianavigator.org/article/12497/ten-ways-help-seniors-and-individuals-disabilities-prepare-disaster
- https://absolutecompanion.com/disaster-preparedness-tips/
- https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/d7/priv/pep19-01-01-001_0.pdf
- https://www.cdc.gov/aging/pdf/disaster_planning_tips.pdf
- https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/infographics/6-tips-how-older-adults-can-prepare-disaster
END OF PART FOUR
Discussing Your Plan With Nearby Friends
- If and when a disaster strikes, talk to your neighbors first.
- It may seem nerve-wracking or even unpleasant, but your neighbors are the most important people to know.
- You may want to start thinking about doing one or more of these things in your neighborhood if you can.
- Plan your neighborhood’s emergency response, which should include a map that shows all of your resources.
- Discuss emergency plans with a group of neighbors regularly.
END OF PART FIVE
Disaster Preparedness For Pets
- During an emergency, you may need to leave your home for a brief period of time or even relocate permanently.
- In order to protect your pets in the event of a disaster, different measures need to be taken, so it is in your best interest to be prepared for each type of disaster.
- You can take these simple steps now to prepare for the next disaster:
1. Purchase A Rescue Alert Sticker
- Pet owners will appreciate knowing that they have pets in the house with the help of this simple sticker.
- You should make sure the sign is visible to rescue workers and include details about what type of animals you have in the house, as well as your veterinarian’s name and number.
2. Set Up A Shelter
- If you have to evacuate, make sure your pets have a place to stay.
- Keep your pets with you at all times. Life-threatening hazards may be exposed to them if they become trapped or escape.
- If you intend to bring your pets to a shelter, make sure you have determined where you will take them in advance.
- You can get a list of recommended boarding kennels from your veterinarian.
- Find out whether your local shelter offers emergency shelters for pets or foster care for them.
- Search for pet-friendly hotels and motels outside of your neighborhood.
3. Choose A Temporary Caretaker
- It will take some time and consideration for this step to be completed.
- Consider finding someone who lives nearby when choosing a temporary caregiver.
- You should pick someone who usually lives at home or has fast access to your house during the day when you are at work.
- An individual who can be trusted with keys should be given them.
- If one neighbor has pets of their own, this may work out nicely-the responsibilities may even be swapped, depending on who has access.
- Besides the caregiver’s qualifications, you should consider other factors.
- If something were to happen to you, this is the person you would entrust with caring for your pet.
- Consider those who have experience caring for animals and have met your pet.
- A permanent caretaker should understand how much responsibility your pet entails so that you can discuss your expectations in detail.
Resources
- https://www.pethub.com/article/ultimate-disaster-preparedness-guide-pet-parents
- https://www.americanhumane.org/program/disaster-preparedness/
- https://www.forbes.com/advisor/pet-insurance/pet-disaster-preparedness/
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/home-living/do-you-have-disaster-plan-for-dog/
- https://redrover.org/pet-disaster-preparedness/
- https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/make-disaster-plan-your-pets
END OF PART SIX
Keep Your Emergency Supplies Prepared
- Prepare for the worst-case scenario in case you have to evacuate your home.
- It’s a good idea to assume you won’t be able to return for several weeks even if you’re only supposed to be gone for a day.
- Following the advice of local and state officials, evacuate as soon as possible.
- Following these simple steps will help you reduce evacuation time:
- A collar and tag with the proper identification information should be worn by all pets.
- It is important to put your pet’s name, telephone number, and any medical problems on his ID tag.
- On your pet’s carrier, you must also include your pet’s name, your name, and a contact number.
- Storms and disasters should always be dealt with indoors. Always bring pets inside. During a crisis, pets can wander away from home and become disoriented.
- Ensure a leash and emergency kit are kept nearby an exit.
- It should be clearly labeled and easy to carry, and everyone in the family should know where to find it.
Resources
- https://socoemergency.org/get-ready/build-a-kit/
- https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/safety-topics/emergency-preparedness/home-supply-kit
- https://nymag.com/strategist/article/best-emergency-kit-items.html
- https://www.weather.gov/owlie/emergencysupplieskit
END OF PART SEVEN
Plan For Horses
- You should keep your pasture and stable clean.
- The barn’s walkways, entrances, and exits need to be cleared of hazardous and flammable materials, debris, and machinery.
- Septic tanks and barn floors should be regularly inspected.
- Make sure your pasture is free of hazardous debris and inspect it regularly.
- Smoke-free barns can prevent fires. Leaving appliances on in the barn, including seemingly harmless appliances such as box fans, heaters, or power tools, can lead to overheating.
- Electricity can also be threatened by exposed wiring in a barn.
- In addition, an animal will likely knock over a machine if it accidentally bumps into it.
- Learn to wear a halter on your horse, as well as how to trailer him.
- As in fire drills, it is unrealistic to expect your horse to behave in an entirely new and strange way when you ask it to put itself on a trailer quickly.
- You should practice quickly getting your horse on a trailer.
- Keep your trailer in good condition by inspecting it regularly.
- As well, be sure that the trailer and horse are the right sizes and weight for the towing vehicle.
- Make sure to hitch the trailer properly. The hitch should be locked on top of the ball, safety chains on the trailer, and the battery for the emergency brake is connected to the towing vehicle.
- It is vital that you socialize and acclimate your horse to being handled by strangers of all types.
- Your horse can interact with emergency responders or members of the local fire service if you so choose. They will benefit from becoming acquainted.
- Set up a phone system that connects you to other horse owners and local farms. It may come in handy if you use trailers, pastures, or extra hands to transport animals or share resources.
- You should keep your horse’s veterinary records in a secure place where you can quickly access them.
- You should post emergency telephone numbers on your phone.
- Also, keep the numbers of your emergency contact, 24-hour veterinarian, and several friends on hand for emergency services personnel in the barn.
Resources
- https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/disaster-preparedness-horses
- https://afs.ca.uky.edu/content/equine-emergency-and-disaster-preparedness
- https://www.fdacs.gov/content/download/11445/file/Disaster%2520Preparedness%2520for%2520Horses.pdf
- https://aaep.org/horsehealth/disaster-planning-horse-farms
END OF PART EIGHT
Plan For Birds
- Travel cages or carriers should be used for transporting birds.
- Keep a blanket over the cage of your pet when it is cold outside. Travel stress can also be reduced by doing this.
- Spray your bird’s feathers periodically if the weather is warm.
- To identify your bird, keep its leg bands on and have recent photos available.
- For carriers without perches, line them with paper towels that can be changed regularly.
- As much as possible, keep the carrier away from people.
- Birds must eat every day, which is why you should buy timed feeders. It makes sure that your bird is fed on schedule daily, even if you have to leave unexpectedly.
- The following items should be kept on hand: Heavy towels, blankets, sheets for the cover of the cage, cage liners.
Resources
- https://nj.gov/agriculture/animalemergency/your-pets/birds/
- https://www.petfinder.com/pet-care/bird-care/disaster-preparedness-birds/
- https://birdsupplies.com/pages/emergency-preparedness-for-parrots
- https://www.bird-cage.com/emergency-preparedness-birds-cages-disaster-kits-art
END OF PART NINE
Plan For Reptiles
- Although you can transport snakes in pillowcases, you should have secure and permanent housing for them when you get to your destination.
- Make sure your pet has a large, sturdy bowl to soak in.
- Another idea is to bring a hot water bottle or a heating pad with you.
Plan For Other Small Animals
- Transporting small pets in high-quality carriers with bedding, food, and water bowls is necessary.
- Keeping salt licks, extra water bottles, a small box to hide, and bedding for a week nearby.
Resources
- https://www.reddingreptiles.com/blog/reptile-emergency-evacuation-and-care-plan
- https://reptifiles.com/emergency-preparedness-with-pet-reptiles/
END OF PART TEN
Earthquake Disaster Preparedness
The United States may have an earthquake epicenter in California, but nearly 150 million Americans, half of the population, live in areas that are vulnerable to earthquakes.
- Approximately $4.4 billion in financial losses are caused every year by earthquakes.
- Local earthquakes have increased recently in the Midwest and Southwest due to fracking. Water that is released by fracking can affect faults that have lain dormant for a long time.
- Preparation is essential as earthquakes are still too unpredictable to be predicted.
- By preparing your house and having a plan in place, you can keep your family safe during an earthquake.
1. Fixing Your Furniture
- Affix tall media cabinets and bookshelves to the wall with screws or nails.
- Ground shaking and rolling may cause large pieces of furniture to topple in the event of an earthquake.
- A strap or bolt can also be used to secure television sets to media consoles to prevent them from toppling over.
- It is a good idea to invest in earthquake-proof furniture that will withstand the collapse of a building or ceiling if you live in a particularly prone region
2. Ensure Strong Foundation
- Whenever you notice a crack in your wall, fix it immediately.
- Make sure your foundation is not damaged or weak.
- Know about your Gas Connection
- It may be necessary to cut off the gas in your home during an earthquake to prevent a fire.
- If you need to shut off your gas, ensure you know where to do so
3. Create A Plan
- Choose sturdy desks, tables, and doorframes around your home as safe places to hide.
- You may want to consider a safe place for your family to gather if everyone is away from home.
- Buildings should not be too close to this location. You must designate a person to check in with during your visit out of town.
- If your family loses telephone service, this person will be able to help you communicate.
- Store some bottled water and keep a first aid kit updated. Replacements should be made when expiration dates have passed.
4. During An Earthquake
- Refrain from trying to rush home if you’re out of the house. It will be dangerous and jammed on the roads.
- Look for a safe, out-of-the-way place, like under a desk, where nothing can fall on you.
- Put your head and neck between your knees and get on your knees.
- By getting under something sturdy you can protect your back.
- If the ground starts shaking, hold on to the legs of your desk or chair to keep it over you.
- You should move away as quickly as possible from items such as bookcases, that might topple over.
- Keep your distance from falling bricks from chimneys and falling light fixtures.
Resources
- https://www.earthquakeauthority.com/California-Earthquake-Risk/Personal-Preparedness
- https://igws.indiana.edu/Preparedness/BeforeDuringAfter
- https://www.usgs.gov/programs/earthquake-hazards/prepare
- https://speaker.asmdc.org/earthquake-preparedness-checklist
- https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-07/fema_earthquake_earthquake-safety-checklist_110217.pdf
- https://www.calacademy.org/explore-science/how-to-prepare-for-an-earthquake
- https://www.quakekare.com/earthquake-preparedness
END OF PART ELEVEN
Wildfire Preparedness
- In wooded areas, wildfires typically start as small fires, typically sparked by lightning strikes or human negligence at campsites.
- High winds and dry weather conditions contributed to the rapid expansion of these fires in the dry brush and wood.
- Although wildfires can be unpredictable, homeowners living in a potentially hazardous area can prepare their homes in advance.
1. Fire-Resistant Landscaping
- Consider landscaping your wooded area with plants and materials that don’t burn.
- Provide a 30-foot clearance between the forest or woods and your house and other structures if you can with non-flammable materials.
- In California, homeowners live within a 100-foot buffer zone between trees and their houses in wildfire-vulnerable areas.
- Defensible space is not only important if you’re in such areas, but also if your local fire agency requires it.
- Regularly trim tree branches to avoid getting them near your home and relocate wood piles to keep them away from your home, windows, roof, and gutters.
- Remove fallen twigs and mow grass at a height of fewer than 4 inches to reduce fire danger.
2. House Should Be Fire-Proof
- Strong wind and a few embers can cause your home to catch fire if you live in an at-risk area.
- Make sure all parts of your home are prepared in case of a fire.
- During a wildfire, the roof of a house is at great risk, especially if it has a wood or shingle roof.
- Changing the roof to metal, tile, or composition would be a good idea if you reside in a high-risk area.
- Flames can enter your home through windows damaged by strong fires.
- If trees or shrubs are close to your windows, you may want to install tempered glass.
- Wood-based siding materials, and walls in general, are extremely flammable.
- It would be wise to use fire-retardant chemicals or other approved materials when remodeling walls or siding.
- A non-combustible screen should cover chimneys and stovepipe outlets.
- Leaves and debris should be removed from rain gutters. It is easier to clean gutters if you use gutter screens.
- To guard against fires, we recommend that garages have weather stripping, and keep all flammable materials out of the garage.
- Ignition-resistant materials should be used on fences and decks.
3. During WildFire
- Make sure you have functioning fire extinguishers, that your water and gas valves can be quickly turned off.
- The threat of wildfires can hit you and your family at any time, so you must plan to evacuate quickly if a fire breaks out.
- You should plan ahead for a meeting place in a safe area, and know a few routes to take if forced to leave your home.
- It is harmful to the eyes and lungs to breathe in smoke and ash.
- Even if you are not in immediate danger, close all windows and doors.
- In the meantime, gather your pets together in one room or area until you hear whether you need to evacuate. You won’t have to look for them when you’re ready to leave.
Resources
- https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/WildfirePreparednessSBA.pdf
- https://www.habitat.org/our-work/disaster-response/disaster-preparedness-homeowners/wildfires
- https://www.osha.gov/wildfires/preparedness
- https://www.readyforwildfire.org/
- https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Wildfire/Wildfire-safety-tips
END OF PART TWELVE
Preparing For Floods
- Floods can occur at any time since the weather can change suddenly.
- A flood is a consequence of excessive water flowing into waterways, usually due to heavy rainfall.
- During the spring season as snow melts and rains pick up, it is common to experience this condition.
- It is also possible for flash flooding to occur when heavy rainfalls or when dams collapse.
- Wildfires can cause flooding even in dry areas. Flooding is most likely to occur downstream from burn sites.
- The city’s drainage system can become overburdened during heavy rains, causing water to overflow and flood your property.
- During light rains, wastewater may have difficulty flowing underground due to clogged drainage systems and litter.
1. Gutter Cleaning Is A Must
- In addition to draining rainwater, gutters also protect your home from floods.
- Water will accumulate around your house’s foundation and basement if the gutters are clogged with leaves and other debris.
- You don’t want your house to become flooded with water after a heavy downpour.
2. Higher The Electricals
- Your sockets and other electrical hardware may need to be raised above the base flood elevation if you live in a flood-prone area.
- You can prevent electrical system damage and short circuit fires by raising electrical system components above the anticipated flood level.
3. Protect HVAC Equipment
- When HVAC equipment is submerged for an extended period of time, it may be destroyed.
- Your contractor may be able to move your equipment to a higher floor or build a flood barrier around your current setup.
4. Use Automatic Sump Pump
- Water is removed from the sump basin of your home’s basement by a sump pump.
- As soon as there is enough water in the basin, the sump pump starts working.
- This ensures that no serious flooding occurs.
5. During Floods
- If there is a risk of flash flooding, the National Weather Service may issue a warning.
- Evacuate your home away from low-lying areas if possible and follow your flood evacuation plan.
- Make sure the gas and electricity are turned off.
- When it’s wet or you’re standing in water, avoid touching electrical equipment. It’s very easy to get electrocuted during flooding.
- A driver or walker should never attempt to cross moving water. Currents can carry you away or damage your vehicle.
Resources
- https://texashelp.tamu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/preparing-for-the-unexpected-floods.pdf
- https://www.montgomeryal.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/10062/636549083268570000
- https://www.ci.patterson.ca.us/488/What-To-Do-Before-During-and-After-a-Flo
- https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/site/flood/prepare.html
- https://www.moreprepared.com/preparing-for-floods/
END OF PART THIRTEEN
Preparing For Hurricanes
- Thunderstorms, lightning, and flash floods are all risks associated with hurricanes.
- Historically, Hurricane Katrina in 2005 was the most expensive hurricane to strike the United States. Over $100 billion in damage was incurred.
- In 1900, the Galveston hurricane caused at least 8,000 deaths on the island off the coast of Texas.
- So, it’s better to prepare for this deadly disaster in advance.
1. Assess The Risks In Your Home
- To strengthen your house, have a professional examine its foundation and landscaping.
- Get rid of debris.
- Do not leave dead trees or limbs on the ground.
- A high wind could pick up anything in your yard and propel it into your house with tremendous force.
2. Get A Disaster Kit Ready
- Put together a first-aid kit with extra medications, pet food, clothing, and water in a safe place.
- Battery-powered weather radios and flashlights are also recommended.
3. Become Familiar With NWS Jargon
- Hurricane watches and hurricane warnings are issued by the National Weather Service.
- You will be notified if there is a possible hurricane watch in effect.
- Hurricane watches are issued when there is a good chance for a hurricane to form.
- Warnings require action. It means there is a hurricane underway or soon will be.
4. Windows On The Board
- Your house will be protected from excess damage by boarded windows during a hurricane.
- You can board your windows with plywood sheets if you don’t have storm shutters.
- Prior to a storm warning, ensure they are cut to the right size.
5. During A Hurricane
- The tub and other large containers should be filled with water.
- In a sanitary setting, you can use it to flush the toilet or clean.
- Travel only when absolutely necessary. In addition to flooding, downed trees and power lines may block roads.
- Keep up with hurricane updates by listening to your weather radio.
- This information will help you determine when it is safe to leave home and find out where the storm is headed. As soon as the information on evacuation is available, you’ll get it.
- A gas leak or electrical fire during a natural disaster can be avoided if the power is turned off.
- Make sure to set your refrigerator’s temperature to the coldest setting the week before an upcoming hurricane. Thus, the food will remain as fresh as possible for a longer period of time.
Resources
- https://www.noaa.gov/hurricane-prep
- https://www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/preparing-for-hurricane-season/
- https://www.iii.org/article/preparing-hurricane
- https://www.weather.gov/safety/hurricane-plan
- https://www.chubb.com/us-en/individuals-families/resources/10-steps-to-prepare-for-a-hurricane.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/before.html
END OF PART FOURTEEN
Preparing For Drought
- It is possible for there to be extended periods with no rain which causes Droughts.
- They are predicted to become more frequent and severe due to the heating of the climate.
- Lack of rainfall, soil moisture depletion, low lake levels and low drinking/household water levels are the four common ways to measure drought.
- In reality, freshwater represents only .003% of the Earth’s surface, so conserving it is the most practical measure for reducing water shortages.
1. Plumbing Repairs
- Make sure your house is leak-free.
- The annual water wasted by slow leaks adds up to approximately 2,700 gallons.
2. Consider Changing Your Landscaping
- We use a lot of water to water our lawns.
- Due to the temperate weather in some states, lawns are watered all year round.
- Inefficient watering systems are wasting as much as 50% of the water that Americans use for landscaping each day.
- Instead, you can use a WaterSense irrigation system, or xeriscape your garden.
3. Design A New Bathroom
- The average household uses 17 percent of its water for bathing.
- Each year, low-flow showerheads allow families to save more than 2,900 gallons of water.
- Furthermore, water-efficient toilets can help lower a household’s water consumption by as much as 13,000 gallons.
4. During Drought
- You may see restrictions on water use when there is a drought in your area.
- Please follow your region’s guidelines for using water in non-essential ways, such as watering your lawn or washing your car.
- It is important for the availability of water for essential reasons to remain limited.
5. Save Water
- In the bathroom, don’t let the faucet run while you’re taking a shower.
- If you use a bucket to collect runoff while you’re showering, you can flush the toilet or water the plants.
- In the kitchen. wash your dishes without rinsing them first.
- Cooking water in the microwave or boiling water is a better alternative than running the water.
- Irrigation and sprinklers outside should not be left unattended.
- To avoid evaporation, water your lawn in the early morning.
Resources
- https://www.mass.gov/info-details/drought-safety-tips
- https://www.wikihow.com/Prepare-for-a-Drought
- https://www.newhomesource.com/learn/prepare-farm-for-drought/
- https://www.ci.adelanto.ca.us/251/Preparation-for-Drought
- https://www.in.gov/iurc/files/10-Ways-to-Prepare-for-a-Drought.pdf
END OF PART FIFTEEN
Best Disaster Kit Checklist
When it comes to preparing for disaster, a kit prepared in advance is the easiest way to ensure you, your home, and your property is protected
1. What To Put In The Disaster Kit?
- During an emergency, a disaster supplies kit will supply supplies such as food, clothing, and medicine.
- You can start by looking at the list below.
- Keep your kit up-to-date by swapping expired items and adding new medicines and supplies every few months.
- Prepare three kits, one for your workstation, one for your home, and one for your car, since you never know when emergency situations will arise.
2. Have Sufficient Water Stored For 3 Days
- Per person, 1 gallon of water
- Basic utensils and a can opener
- Foods in cans and packages
3. Health Supplies
- Supply of three days at a minimum
- An emergency first-aid kit
- Required Medicines
4. Personal Supply
- Sunscreen, soap, and shampoo
- Brushes and toothpaste
- Paper towels, baby wipes, and toilet paper
- A spare pair of contacts or glasses
5. Items for Safety
- A Whistle
- An eye-catching flashlight
- Tools with multiple purposes
- Blanket for emergencies
6. Documents
- Social Security cards, insurance cards, etc.
- Records of immunizations and medical history
- Contact information for family members and for emergencies
7. Other Items
- Money
- Lithium batteries
- The keys to the house and the car
- A map of the region.
8. Review Your Disaster Checklist
- Creating this disaster checklist can help you prepare your home in the fastest possible time for a natural disaster.
- Check the items on the list and make any changes necessary to improve your home.
- It might be worth researching local tenant rights laws to find out if you can lobby for updates if renters bring up serious safety concerns and your landlord refuses to make repairs.
- There may be local programs to help homeowners fund safety-related upgrades which homeowners might check with community emergency response teams.
Resources
- https://www.ready.gov/kit
- https://disasterchecklist.org/
- https://www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/atg/Chapters/Division_1_-_Media/Denver/Denver_-_PDFs/EmergencyPreparednessChecklist.pdf
- https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_adult-fin-edyour-disaster-checklist.pdf
END OF PART SIXTEEN
Creating Awareness
Lastly, if you feel pretty confident, look into getting involved locally in community preparedness efforts.
1. National Voluntary Organizations
- A community-based organization whose mission is to assist Americans during disasters.
- Whenever you’re unsure whether a local organization is legitimate, this is the place to find out.
2. Volunteer for the American Red Cross
Volunteer for the best humanitarian organization nearby.
3. National Neighbourhood Watch
Besides helping to monitor the streets all the time, this association of the National Sheriffs’ Association can come in handy during tragedies.
4. National Association for Amateur Radio
In severe weather and prolonged power outages, radio is still one of the best ways to spread emergency information. If you’re passionate about radio, consider volunteering.
Resources
- https://www.ehstoday.com/emergency-management/article/21907137/10-ways-to-increase-awareness-of-preparedness
- https://www.unep.org/explore-topics/disasters-conflicts/what-we-do/preparedness-and-response/awareness-and-preparedness
- https://nap.nationalacademies.org/read/1840/chapter/5#18
- https://www.ready.gov/september
- https://www.cdmsmith.com/en/Client-Solutions/Insights/10-Steps-to-Disaster-Preparedness
- https://www.preventionweb.net/files/45469_unepawarenesspreparednessemergencie.pdf
END OF PART SEVENTEEN
Conclusion
The location of your household affects the risks you face. Prepare for a natural disaster by taking appropriate precautions and making preparations. Don’t be afraid of asking a licensed professional for help if you’re unable to handle all these preparations alone.
Make sure you follow local authorities when necessary and evacuate if necessary. It’s important to consider your family and pets first, even if you don’t want to lose your home in a natural disaster.
You are taking the best steps possible to ensure success by fortifying your house against natural disasters common to your area. This guide on Disaster Preparedness on a Budget must have surely helped you out doing that.
Travis is a painter by profession. His valuable painting tips help customers know how to do painting hassle-free. He is an expert in handling painting tools and loves sharing his experiences with customers. Travis has been in the painting business for the past 20 years. He is now on the verge of early retirement, passing on the secrets.