Natural disasters are unfortunate events that can take different forms like earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and many more catastrophic events, all of which can pose a threat to humans and animals alike. Sometimes environmental disasters can be predicted before they happen, and people get to prepare themselves to evacuate or take some safety measures to protect themselves and their families, while sometimes natural disasters strike suddenly and fast. In this article, we are going to provide you with 4 tips that can help anyone encountering an environmental disaster in their town.
1.Stay in a Safe Area
Unless the government issued evacuation orders, then at the onset of a natural disaster, you need to stay in a safe area depending on the natural disaster’s nature and duration. Some environmental disasters continue for days, and in that case, you need to have access to an emergency kit. For example, in case of an earthquake, you should stay away from glass or anything that could fall on you, stay under a strong piece of furniture and hold on to it till the earthquake is over, and do not leave the house until you are sure that it is safe to go outside.
Also, it is important to know that using elevators during an earthquake is extremely dangerous. On the other hand, if it is a tsunami that is hitting your town, you need to do the exact opposite, you find higher ground and you stay there.
- Build an Emergency Kit
When people are informed about an incoming environmental disaster, they hit the stores trying to buy everything that they think is essential for their survival, which is not a nice picture to see as people fight for products on shelves till there is nothing left anymore. Better safe than sorry, be prepared and build an emergency kit in case of such an unfortunate event occurs. When you are assembling the emergency kit, remember to include all of the people that live with you in the house and your pets.
The essentials of any emergency kit are water, light, any means of communication, food, first aid, portable radio, clean clothes, blankets, medicine in case of chronic diseases, and cleaning supplies. Make sure that you do not leave anyone out while assembling your emergency kit.
- Seek Emergency Disaster Recovery
Environmental disasters can cause so much damage to your properties and assets. Some business owners are forced to put everything on hold till all damage is fixed, which causes considerable financial losses. That is why rapid commercial restoration is vital for business owners. Whether the disaster was predicted or occurred suddenly, emergency disaster recovery professionals have the tools and expertise to fix damaged properties alongside different services that they offer during such catastrophic events that would help in recovering and protecting properties.
- Listen to the News for Updates
There’s no better way to stay informed on the current state than through some form of news platform. A portable radio is an essential item in your survival kit. Keep listening to the news for updates on the current situation and instructions on what should be done. The local authorities would inform citizens when it is safe to leave the house or the shelter and give clear instructions regarding what should be done in case the situation has escalated.
Do not give in to the temptations of leaving your house or the safe area you are staying at to check on your car or any other properties. A lot of injuries that occur during environmental disasters were due to people leaving their safe places and moving around for different reasons.
All kinds of environmental disasters are dangerous and extreme events that can escalate and cause more severe damage and losses in lives and properties. Always be prepared, because sometimes they occur suddenly without warning. An emergency kit wouldn’t take much of your time to assemble but can save your life in case your town got hit with a natural disaster.
As mentioned above, there are different kinds of environmental disasters, and each one might require different safety measures, listen to the local authorities as they will tell you what exactly is supposed to be done and how you can protect yourself, your family members, and pets. Moreover, keep the helpline numbers in your reach.
Finally, seek the help of emergency recovery professionals so you can reduce the amount of damage done to your properties or your business. Remember that staying calm and during a disaster is crucial for making the right decisions.