Have you or any of your loved ones ever been caught in a natural disaster? Natural disasters can occur in many different forms including hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, landslides, and flash floods among others. Whatever form it may take, a natural disaster has disruptive and destructive effects in any individual’s normal life. The following tips can help you and your loved ones to overcome some of the problems you may face during a natural disaster.

• Make enough family preparation

Preparation is the best way to keep one at ease in the event of an emergency. Take time to discuss with your family what they wish to carry to remain calm when a natural disaster occurs. Give your children time to share what they would not like to leave behind when evacuating. Give them few ideas on how to go about in the crisis to ensure their safety. Discuss the news from the meteorological department with your family to enhance your preparedness.

• Prepare a survival kit

It is difficult to tell the duration that a natural disaster may last. Some can take few hours while others may take several days to last. Equip your survival kit with enough supplies that can last you for at least three days. Include important items such as food, blankets and water. Consider the number of people who will need to use the kit to avoid depleting the supplies long before the emergency is over. Ensure that you carry a kit that can zip up when evacuating.

• Give attention to medications

If you have any condition that requires medical attention, remember to take care of it. Carry your spectacles or hearing aids with you. Many people face medication problems whenever an emergency occurs. Ensure you have enough pills to last you for few days if the disaster lasts for days. Even when you think you are fine carry some painkillers and antibiotics in case need arises. The pressure and confusion that you and your loved ones may face during a natural disaster may make it necessary to take some painkillers.

• Avoid using elevators

In case you get caught in a natural disaster while in the tenth floor, let the elevator be your last option. Disasters increase the chance of power failure. You can easily be trapped in an elevator once there is power failure. Staircases will take more time to reach the ground floor but they are much safer during a disaster. Don’t put yourself in more confusion by getting stuck in the elevator.

• Be cautious when moving around

Natural disasters such as earthquakes bring along aftershocks. When moving to evacuation areas, be careful of any possible falling objects and debris. Watch out for unstable grounds when walking. If you have health problems such as poor vision, you are advised to stay where you are until the rescue comes. Moving around will expose you to more risks of being hit by falling objects such as broken grasses or debris from buildings. The only safe place to move to is a certified evacuation center.

—

Leona is part of the content and community team at Specialty Fuel Services – providers of emergency fuel continuation services, in locations affected by catastrophic events.