As the world becomes increasingly connected, it’s easy to forget that we’re not immune to natural disasters or human-made threats. However, the reality is that more and more people are affected by various disasters yearly. That’s why we’re here to tell you: take care of yourself and your loved ones this National Preparedness Month!
We know that it can feel overwhelming to think about what you’ll need to do in case of an emergency situation, so we’ve put together a few tips so that you can be prepared for anything:
Tips to Help You be Prepared for Disaster
- Have an emergency kit in your car and at home at all times. Include supplies like bandages, aspirin, and antiseptic wipes so that you’re prepared if someone gets hurt while you’re away from home.
- Keep an eye on weather forecasts. Weather changes can cause natural disasters and shouldn’t catch you by surprise.
- Make sure everyone in your family knows how to call 911. Keep a list of emergency contacts somewhere accessible to all family members. You might also want to include the number of other important contacts such as a neighbor, babysitter, or relative nearby.
- Have a plan! Every family member should know what to do if there’s ever an emergency—and make sure it’s practiced regularly. It can be helpful to have an evacuation route mapped out ahead of time so everyone knows where they’re going in case of fire or earthquake (or other disasters). Don’t forget things like pets. Be sure to include them.
- Remember that your home is not always safe—you may need a plan B if it becomes uninhabitable during an emergency.
- Make sure you have enough non-perishable food and water on hand. They will be helpful if power outages or natural disasters disrupt your regular grocery store routine. Place flashlights and batteries where people can access them easily so that no one is left in the dark during an emergency situation.
- Create an evacuation plan for your family so everyone knows where they should go if necessary. This can be a designated “safe house” location. The plan should include whether pets are allowed at the specified location and an alternative if not.
- Learn CPR! It’s easy—and it could save someone’s life someday.
People with Disabilities
Disabilities come in different ways, and you must consider individual needs to know how to prepare. Some general measures include:
- Create a list of nearby hospitals and transportation means
- Reach out to your local emergency management office to register for assistance if a disaster happens
- Know where your prescription medicines are and protect them
- Establish a support network of people to help you during emergencies
- Know the accessible options for evacuation in case of an emergency
- Discuss with your doctor anything you can do to keep electric medical devices running in case of a power outage
- Develop a plan for children or the elderly who may need assistance during an emergency