When nature strikes, it’s definitely going to get messy. It strikes back through natural calamities like typhoons, floods, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and many more. As scary as they sound, the few mentioned disasters can cause damages that will surely make our wallets empty. But most of all, they can be the cause of deaths to priceless lives of some people.
However, the cost of damages can at least be lessen by being prepared. Even if there are no signs of calamities yet, the advanced preparations you do will protect your family, home, and other properties at any possible and unexpected circumstance. They can actually wreck havoc when you least expect them, so it’s always better to play it safe then sorry.
Here are a few things every household should prepare before disasters happen.
1. Information Collection and Collation
A. Take videos and photos of your properties especially those that are insured. In cases when the properties are destroyed, you can have evidences and documentation to show for insurance claims. See to it that you have time to meet and discuss with your agent about any policies related to natural disasters.
B. Listen to local radio and TV stations for updated information. Now that social media have come to existence, knowing and sharing of information are much faster and easier.
C. Place all important documents like birth and marriage certificates, passports, land titles, licenses, identification cards, bank books, photos, and other irreplaceable documents and papers in a fireproof, waterproof, and durable container.
2. Emergency Plans
A. Ask any relative or friend who lives outside of the affected area to be the contact person. You can ask for their contact numbers to have an easy communication. There is also the social media where people can immediately know the situation every now and then.
B. Determine a safe place where you can stay until it’s safe to go back.
C. To avoid traffic congestion, learn the routes that will lead you to public evacuation sites.
D. Plan with your neighbors on what to do when there are calamities. This will be helpful in speeding up the rescue operations.
3. Extra Supplies of all Sorts
Prepare these items to survive any situation until everything is back to normal.
A. Water that is enough for a week (at least). Set aside a portion of the water for sanitation purposes.
B. Food that is enough for a week (at least). Prepare those that are contained in easy-open cans. If you have pets, then prepare something for them as well.
C. First aid kit that contains medicines like paracetamol and antibiotics, scissors, wipes, bandages, cotton, antiseptics, and disinfectants.
D. Battery-powered radios, flashlights, portable cellphone chargers, and extra batteries. In cases when there is an incoming storm, always charge phones a day before the storm arrives.
E. Candles, matches, garbage bags, and toiletries
Here are tips and notes that you should do to your house whenever these specific natural catastrophic occurrences happen.
1. Storms and Hurricanes
– Tightly tie down things that are likely to fly because of strong winds.
– Check all doors, locks, windows if they are tightly and securely fastened to avoid accidents inside the house.
– Tighten the roof of the house.
– Trim trees and other shrubs that can cause breakage of you windows and other glass materials at home.
– Disconnect all appliances and turn off propane-powered tanks.
– When using candles, make sure that they are far from things that easily get burn.
2. Floods
– If you live near bodies of water, it is best to vacate to a much safer place.
– Clear all gutters and canals so that water can flow directly. Fix walls that have eroded. Check and clear the drainage ways as well.
– If possible, place all electrical appliances and devices on elevated places to prevent them from getting wet.
– You also have the option to waterproof your basement.
3. Fire Alarms
– Keep matches, lighters, candles away from children. They have the tendency to play with those flammable objects.
– Don’t leave plugged appliances. They can overheat and cause fire.
– Always check if the profane tanks are turned off.
– As much as possible, don’t leave cigarette butts inside the house. Don’t smoke near the kitchen.
4. Earthquakes
Quakes are unexpected occurrences. In times when they happen, do the following:
– Don’t stay near glasses or anything breakable. Hide under strong and sturdy furniture and stay there until the shaking comes to an end.
– If your under a pile of stacks, don’t shout or yell to avoid from breathing dirty air. Make other noises to call for help.
– Don’t turn on anything. There might electrical pipe breaks and gas leaks.
– When you’re not home, keep yourself updated for available assistance.
– Have a professional to do an inspection if your house has been severely damaged. This is to ensure that the house can be safely entered.
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