How to Prepare for Emergencies and Natural Disasters
With our quickly changing weather patterns and so much unrest in the world, people are storing food, water, and other essentials needed to survive in the event of an emergency which could happen quickly without warning at anytime.
In most natural disaster situations there is no electricity and sometimes the water is unsafe to drink. With no electricity there’s no refrigerator, television, computer, heat/air-conditioning, lights, hot water, or stove. These are the things you need to consider when preparing for emergencies.
Water needs to be dated and rotated regularly, especially if you’re storing large amounts. Tap water can be stored up to six months. Store-bought water that is sealed can be stored up to a year. Plastic jugs are a bit flimsy and tend to leak after a few months. You can buy sturdier containers, or simply check for leakage and use those that appear to be seeping water first.
Daily water requirements are two quarts per day per person but water will also be needed for personal hygiene so one gallon per day per person is recommended.
Emergency food supply should consist of things that don’t need to be refrigerated and should include everything you need to meet the nutritional needs your family; such as meat products for protein, hearty soups, stews, tuna and dried meats like turkey and beef jerky.
Canned or dried fruit will supply vitamin C and other important vitamins. Nuts and dried cereals are also healthy choices. Always get small containers because once it’s opened, it won’t last very long. You should also include whole grain crackers. Multivitamins are also a good thing to have. One good tip is to save condiment packages you get at fast food restaurants such as mustard and ketchup packs.
Battery-operated lights are safer than candles and are relatively inexpensive. You should have one small emergency flashlight for each household member along with at least one heavy duty flashlight. Extra batteries should be included and replaced every six months to a year. Stickup lights and light sticks are not expensive and come in handy during a power outage.
If you live in a cold weather region you’ll need extra blankets. Most homes have blankets but if the emergency happens in the dead of winter and there’s no heat you’ll need the extra blankets. These can be stored in plastic vacuum bags which will keep them clean and fresh. And vacuum bags will flatten them down for better storage.
Other items you need to store include mild hand or liquid soap, tooth paste, paper towels, garbage bags, and toilet paper. If you have a well and no electricity to operate the pump you won’t be able to flush the toilet. Place a heavy-duty garbage bag into the bowl and wrap it around. Otherwise, a large bucket with water and Pinesol works very well and is less offensive.
A first-aid kit is essential with plenty of band-aids, gauze and tape. It should also include antibiotic cream and sprays, burn creams, medicine for diarrhea and constipation, antacids, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Also keep in mind any other type of medical condition a family member commonly suffers such as hemorrhoids, or allergies.
Tools like screwdrivers, pliers, and hammers should be considered a part of your emergency supply along with heavy-duty duct tape and tarps for covering roof damage or broken windows.
Your evacuation kit should contain enough food, water, clothing, and bedding for at least three days. And again, bedding can be flattened down in a vacuum bag for more space. Include a flashlight, a small first-aid kit along with tooth brushes & tooth paste, paper towels and toilet paper. Baby wipes can really come in handy for a number of situations.
An extra pair of shoes for each family member should be added. In some emergency evacuations, families rush from their homes in their bare feet, especially children. Store your evacuation kit in a sturdy box that can be accessed quickly to put into your car in a hurry.
Lastly, in many evacuation situations you may not be able to find accommodations or gas and could find yourself sleeping in your car. With your emergency evacuation kit, at least you’ll have the supplies your family will need to survive for three days which is typically when the emergency is beginning to subside.
Upon returning to your home, you will no doubt find impassable roads along with stores and gas stations closed due to power outages. But if you have put together an emergency supply, you will have all you need at home for you and your family to get through the situation.
