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What to do in Case of a Natural Disaster

Dylan Moran

Different natural disasters may sometimes be unpredictable and this is why the damages that these disasters leave can be astonishing. In the United States, natural disasters and other weather-related damages reach up to over 23 million US dollars each year.

Since natural disasters can come any time in the year, it’s always best to be prepared even before they strike. Whether you’re in a high-risk or low-risk area in terms of disasters like tropical cyclones, typhoons, earthquakes, flooding, and landslide, here are some of the things that you should always keep in mind before, during, and after any of these.

Even before any forecasts are broadcasted about an unexpected disaster, always make sure that you know what to do and what to prepare. An emergency kit is very important to have during times like these and also you can get coverages like flood insurance now at Garrity Insurance to make sure that any damages will be covered after flooding.

An emergency kit should consist of the following:

  • Water – try to have at least a gallon water per person. This could last up to three days and can be used for both drinking and sanitation.

  • Food – your supply should be good for at least 2 to 3 days. You can include canned goods, nutrition bars, and other pantry items that are easy to bring.

  • Flashlight – this will come in handy when you’re stuck in a dark place or during the night time when there is no electricity.

  • First Aid Kit – you can build your own kit but there are now ready-made first aid kits that you can purchase in many stores.

  • Extra batteries – batteries for your flashlight and phone

  • Blow whistle – this will help people locate you in case you need to be rescued

  • Hygiene Kits – this would include soap, towels, napkins, etc.

  • Map – it’s nice to carry a map with you in case you’ll need help with navigation

Another thing that you can do is to get insurance for your home. Household damages can blow up easily after natural disasters.

Insurance coverage such as this is extremely helpful for households that are located in high-risk flood areas. It’s a requirement to have this if you’re in those high-risk places and affordable policies are usually available through the National Flood Insurance Program. For areas that are considered low-risk, flood insurance is usually only available through private companies.

In any case of natural disasters, it’s important that you keep yourself updated and notified with the latest updates. Electricity is usually the problem during such times and so a battery-operated radio can be useful for this. You can use your phone too so remember to have it fully charged. Carry a charger for your phone too.

When evacuation is necessary, make sure that before you leave home, you secure everything first. Unplug all your appliances and put them in a high place where water won’t reach them in case of flooding. Aside from this, it’s also advisable to turn your main power off.

Your outdoor furniture should also be kept inside, but if you no longer have the time to move them, just place them somewhere you think it won’t get lost or carried away by the flood. Make sure that you lock your home too.