Natural Disasters | Disaster Rally

How To Protect Your Family With a Wildfire Disaster Management Plan

In 2017, wildfires ravaged the West Coast. The devastation left people wondering how they could prepare for the next time. Wildfire disaster management plans are the way to do that. Preparation is vital when you want to protect your life and the lives of your family. In order to do that correctly, you have to know how to create a wildfire disaster management plan.

There are several steps that go into being prepared and making a plan. First, you have to find out how at risk you are. Then you have to make an emergency kit that will fit your families needs and situation. Finally, if you must evacuate your home, your plan should outline your steps in an orderly fashion.

The next time you get an alert that there is a wildfire near you, this wildfire disaster management plan will help your family will reach safety.

Are You at Risk of Losing Everything?

Before you plan for a natural disaster, it is always vital that you know your risk. For example, if you live in Florida, you know that you are at risk of hurricane damage. If you live in Kansas, tornadoes would be a concern. Wildfires can happen anywhere at any time. However, they occur more frequently in places like California. And if you live in specific zones, you are at a more significant risk than in other areas.

To find out if you are in danger, check with your local or state authorities. For instance, in California, residents can go to CA.gov and look at the Cal Fire map to find out what zone they live in. California Fire has identified which areas in the state are at a higher risk and formulated a wildfire disaster management plan.

Take a look at the map below:

wildfire disaster management California fire map. Your state may have a map like this to help you create your wildfire disaster management plan. — Image Public Domain, by Cal Fire, via CA.Gov

States keep track of weather conditions and alert the public about risks. The federally controlled Air Now website also tracks air quality across the country. This lets people know if conditions are favorable for wildfires which then allows people to implement their wildfire disaster management plan. All they have to do is enter their zip code, and the websites let them know what the conditions in their area are.

How to Get Ready for an Evacuation

Now on to developing the best wildfire disaster management plan for your own family. This will help you get out quickly if local officials find a wildfire and alert you to the danger.

Before the evacuation alert: Make an emergency supply kit

Emergency supply kits are a significant part of your wildfire disaster management plan. It prepares your family for an extended period away from your home, so make sure you have everything you’ll need to make a temporary home. For example, you will need three days of non-perishable food per person, a battery operated radio, and about three gallons of water per person. Also, keep a map marked with at least three evacuation routes.

As part of your wildfire disaster management kit, you will want to make sure you bring photocopies of your credit cards/debit cards (or, a second set of cards if your bank allows that) along with cash or traveler’s checks. You will also need copies of your essential documents including a copy of your mortgage, social security cards and birth certificates, marriage certificates and financial records. Your kit is not complete without two additional sets of clothing per person. Finally, always keep a flashlight and a sturdy pair of shoes/boots for each person, for peaceful evacuation purposes, especially at night.

For a comprehensive disaster preparation checklist, check out our article here.

Practice makes perfect

It is also essential to practice your wildfire drills with family and any pets. You will want to repeat this with a stopwatch until it takes you five to 10 minutes to get out and on the road to safety. If you do not have time to get away from your house, use a roof access ladder to get on the roof so rescue workers can see you.

When you anticipate the possibility of an evacuation

According to readyforwildfire.org as part of your wildfire disaster management plan, you’ll also want to remove all curtains from your windows and make sure they are tightly sealed but not locked. If you have metal window shutters, close them, too. Then, move all flammable furniture into the middle of a large room. These simple steps might save your home.

How Do Wildfires Form?

Photo is a large wildfire in the woods. Develop a wildfire disaster management plan to save your family from a fire like this. — Image CC0, by Skeeze, via Pixabay

Meteorologists have not figured out why and when wildfires are going to happen. However, while they cannot forecast them accurately, there are three conditions that can cause wildfires to start. Firefighters refer to it as the fire triangle: oxygen, a heat source, and fuel.

Wildfires move at speeds between nine and 12.5 miles per hour while torching everything in their path. That may not seem fast, but how long do you think you could run that fast? Wind makes these fires worse, and dry brush feeds them. One of the reasons the West Coast has such a problem is because they have experienced terrible droughts. Also, the Pacific coast is incredibly windy.

In 2017, the fires were especially brutal in California. It seemed that as soon as the fire department put one out, another would spring up. The “Thomas Fire” in Ventura County, California was the biggest and became the largest in California history. The fire scorched 281,893 acres of land, including 2,820 buildings and homes, while killing 15 people. Wind and the dry environment created it. Mudslides, created by the debris from the fire, killed another 17 people in the ensuing weeks.

Having a wildfire disaster management plan could have saved some of those lives.

Wildfire disaster management: how to prevent wildfires

Photo of Smokey the Bear. Help Smokey prevent forest fires with a wildfire disaster management plan. — Image CC by 2.0, by ChattOconeeNF, via Wikimedia

You have probably all heard the Smokey the Bear commercials where he tells you that only you can prevent forest fires. He is not wrong. You absolutely can help, and it is a vital piece of your wildfire disaster management. For instance, you can make sure that you never leave matches, lighters, and fireworks in the reach of children. Kids are naturally curious, and they will mess with everything. In 2017, a teen in Oregon started a massive wildfire after playing with firecrackers.

Additionally, keep burn piles 500 feet away from any forest and 50 feet away from structures. Keep your yard clear of the brush by trimming your bushes regularly and mowing your grass. Do not ever flick your cigarette butts onto the ground. Cigarettes are notorious for starting fires. Also, be sure to remove debris from your gutters and roof.

Furthermore, use common sense when trying to prevent fires as part of your wildfire disaster management plan. For instance, do not throw out smoldering charcoal from the grill or park a hot car on dry grass, etc.

When to call 911

If you do start a fire accidentally, make sure you alert authorities as soon as possible. Do not run away before you call 911, even if you started the fire doing something you were not supposed to be doing. The authorities can contain a small fire a lot easier than they can hold back something like the Thomas Fire.

Get your neighbors involved

Another thing you can do when preparing for a disaster is helping your neighbors get ready. Maybe you have some elderly neighbors in your neighborhood who do not have the means you do. Go to their homes and see if they need your help. If so, you can help them create wildfire disaster management kits for their household.

Do not leave your pets

In addition to creating a wildfire disaster management plan for humans, you need to make sure that you have a wildfire disaster management plan for your pets, During the California wildfires, an obscene number of animals were left behind. Do not be one of those people. Create emergency kits for them with extra food, bottles of water, and medicine if they take it. Make sure you have a place to go that allows you to bring your pets with you. Also, see if your neighbors are doing the same. Leaving animals in a fire to die is the epitome of cruelty. Take steps to prevent that.

Get Started on Your Plan Today

Every day you could make a difference just by following a few simple steps. As listed above, it is very important to take precautions. There is nothing wrong with preparing for the worst. Follow a few simple guidelines like for example, using ashtrays instead of tossing your “butts” out the window and tending your campfires and outdoor grills.

As we all know Smokey’s favorite line: “Only you can prevent forest fires,” and he is 100 percent correct. We can help prevent wildfires across the whole country, so what do you say? Would you like to protect our Earth? What are you waiting for? Let’s try to protect our grasslands and forests because they are truly too beautiful to lose?

Featured image: CC0, by Skeeze, via Pixabay

What to Do in Case of Tsunami Before, During, and After

Tsunamis are devastating phenomena that have the potential to ravage any coastline. The phenomenon also referred to as a seismic sea wave typically occurs as a series of large waves resulting from a disturbance emanating from beneath the ocean. The disturbance could occur due to an earthquake, meteorite, volcanic eruption, or landslide. Often, if a major earthquake or landslide happens close to the shore, the initial wave gets to the beach in minutes. Further, a tsunami can take hours to subside.

In most cases, tsunamis come onshore in the form of rapidly rising gushes of water filled with debris. While it is true that not all tsunamis cause damage to coastlines, it is important to note that all tsunamis have the potential cause danger. Frequently, the main cause of fatalities associated with tsunamis is drowning. Other forms of danger include risks associated with flooding, fire from ruptured gas lines, or contamination of drinking water. This article delves into knowledge on what to do in case of tsunami.

Before the Tsunami

Learning About the Risk of Tsunamis in an Area

It is crucial to contact the local emergency agency or Red Cross in a specific area to identify the regions that are most susceptible to tsunamis. Essentially, one should ascertain the vulnerable motels, workplaces, hotels, schools, campsites, or homes. Additionally, it is crucial to find out the height above sea level of the street one is located, and the approximate distance from the coast, to stay prepared for any eventuality.

Learning the Signs and Paying Attention to Warnings

While communication lines may offer a lifeline to save lives during emergencies, telephone lines tend to become overloaded during tsunamis. Further, evacuation routes may become overcrowded and one may not know what to do in case of tsunami. Consequently, it is critical to understand the warning systems, as well as disaster plans in place during an evacuation.

The first and most important warning sign is shaking or tremors caused by an earthquake. After shaking, it typically takes minutes before a tsunami arrives. Waiting for an official warning is oftentimes risky. Subsequently, it is crucial to access higher ground and to stay alert to warnings from the local radio or television.

Tsunami warnings are issued when tsunamis have the potential to cause widespread damage. The warnings are issued to alert emergency agencies to evacuate low-lying coastal regions and usually follow seismic related information. Following such warnings, some of the beaches may be closed and ships may be repositioned in deep waters. It is critical to pay attention to local radio channels to be up-to-date on any warnings. In tourist areas, some beaches may have sirens and such signs serve as warnings to evacuate.

Developing an Evacuation Plan

Being prepared is part of the safety when dealing with tsunamis. Planning an evacuation route from one’s location to a safe location ahead of time is advisable. Ideally, one should plan to escape two miles inland or to an area located 100 feet above sea level. Further, the safe area should take one at least fifteen minutes to arrive on foot; because in some cases, traveling by car can be impossible.

In addition, familiarity saves lives; practicing to get the safe location through the chosen evacuation route both day and night can make it easier to react quickly in case of emergencies. Also, it is vital to communicate with every member of the household on the possible actions to take if a tsunami occurs. Also, one of the crucial tools to use when preparing for what to do in case of tsunami is an emergency kit for both family members and pets.

During a Tsunami

Taking Cover

As previously mentioned, earthquakes may be among the first warning signs of a tsunami. During an earthquake, the first action should be to drop and take cover. Next, it is advisable to hold on to a firmly rooted object. After the shaking subsides, the members of the household should be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice because the tsunami may take minutes to get to the shoreline. Research shows that it is not wise to approach the shore to watch the tsunami. Typically, if one can see the tsunami waves, it could probably be too late to make an escape.

Listen to Authorities

It is imperative to follow instructions that may have been issued by the local emergency agencies and official weather radio such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. In some cases, evacuation routes change or one may be advised to go to higher ground than expected. Local officials also give information on when it is safe to move around. It is perilous to drive anywhere before rescue officials give the go ahead.

Staying Away From Hazards

It is highly likely that one could encounter various hazards and wonder what to do in case of tsunami. For example, some power lines may have fallen and pose high risks. Also, some buildings or bridges may be weakened; which is yet another form of danger. The cold water may also present health risks such as hypothermia or even result in drowning incidents caused by running water.

It is only logical to stay away from water and keep warm. Also, tsunamis occur in waves; it is possible that the subsequent waves may be more dangerous than the initial waves. Therefore, assuming that the danger is over can expose one to further risks.

After the Tsunami

Stay Alert to News

It is recommended that one continues listening to the radio or other reliable sources of information for news on the tsunami. Such information is crucial because it gives an idea about the roads, bridges, or places that may be unsafe. Residual effects such as mudflows, contaminated water, and landslides present danger. Avoiding disaster areas is not only safer, but it is also important because it prevents people from interfering with rescue efforts.

Offer Help Where Needed

Following a tsunami, one should be helpful to other victims who may be hurt. Essentially, it is advisable to provide first aid if one has the skills, and also call for help from emergency responders. The elderly, infants, disabled, or those without means of transport may need help in such situations. Also, paying attention to how others are handling stress is vital because they may need moral support.

Re-Entering Buildings

Tsunamis cause damage to areas least expected. Observing caution when re-entering buildings is vital. Injuries on the feet arising from sharp objects are a common occurrence. Therefore, sturdy shoes are a must-have after a tsunami. When examining buildings, it is preferable to use battery powered lanterns as they are sage. Battery powered lanterns are void of fire hazards or electric shocks.

Gas leaks can also be detected by listening to hissing noises. Further, electrical systems can be turned off from the main fuse box until the entire system is fully dry. Other dangers may lurk due to animals such as poisonous snakes. Flood waters from tsunamis tend to displace animals from their habitats and such animals may end up in homes.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, getting through a tsunami is all about preparedness. Having accurate information can be beneficial for people wondering what to do in case of tsunami.

Before a tsunami, having comprehensive information is an important step in saving lives. During a tsunami, fast reaction times and having the essential tools is also critical. After the tsunami, it is vital to offer help where it is needed and to also to observe caution when re-entering buildings. Evidently, it is possible to mitigate the possible damage or loss of lives following a tsunami.

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9 Vital Tips on What to Do in Case of Volcanic Eruption

Volcanic eruptions can be quiet or explosive, and they can produce such hazards as lava flows, poisonous gases, and volcanic ash that can fly through the air sometimes for hundreds of miles. Volcanic eruptions can also be accompanied by other natural disasters like earthquakes, fire, acid rain, landslides, and tsunamis.

Experts define an active volcano as one that has erupted within the past 10,000 years, and there are over 150 such volcanoes located within the US and its territories. Most of them are found in Alaska, Hawaii, and the Pacific Northwest. Knowing what to do in case of volcanic eruption can save your life and that of your family.

1. Have an Emergency Plan Ready

Put together an Emergency Supply Kit that includes water, non-perishable food, flashlights and batteries, and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio. Make sure the kit includes breathing masks and goggles for everybody in the family.

Plan on how to contact or locate people if anybody gets separated. Make plans on how to help children, seniors, or disabled family members. Figure out how to take any pets with you, for if your home is no longer safe for you, it won’t be safe for them either.

Choose a sanctuary ahead of time, for Red Cross shelters don’t accept animals other than service animals like guide dogs. Have everything ready, so that if you get an order to evacuate, you can leave within minutes.

2. Follow the News

Follow a local news station on a battery-powered and portable television or radio for the latest emergency information and instructions on what to do in case of volcanic eruption. Make you pick a local station, for local officials will have the most relevant advice for people in your area.

3. Obey All Orders

If the authorities give an order to evacuate the area, leave. Trying to wait out an eruption can be extremely dangerous. The danger area surrounding an erupting volcano is at least 20 miles – and can sometimes be over 100 miles.

Leave as soon as you get the order, for waiting too long increases the risk of being exposed to ash fall which can damage a car’s engine and make a roof collapse if it piles up there. Follow any official instructions concerning routes and roads, for the eruption may make some roads impassable.

Similarly, the authorities may simply order people to avoid certain areas. Such areas will be those most severely affected by the eruption. Obey the authorities and stay away. Trying to get a close look at a volcanic eruption is a good way to get killed.

4. Stay Inside

If you don’t get an order to evacuate, get and stay indoors. Close all windows, doors, and ventilation sources like furnaces and chimney vents to keep ash and cinders out. If you have pets or livestock, bring them inside, too. After securing the people and animals, put vehicles and other machines in a garage if you have the time. If you don’t have a garage, cover the cars and other machines with large tarps.

5. If You Can’t Find Shelter, Go to High Ground

Moving on to another tip on what to do in case of volcanic eruption, you should also consider altitude. A volcanic eruption will often produce lava flows, mudflows, and floods – and they all flow downhill. Therefore, you should avoid river valleys and other low-lying areas. When approaching a bridge, look upstream to see if anything is coming. Don’t cross the bridge if you see a lava flow, flood, or mudflow approaching.

6. Avoid Places with a Lot of Ash Fall

Volcanic ash consists of tiny particles made from pulverized rock, glass, and minerals. It can damage both your lungs and your car’s engine. You should, therefore, not walk or drive in areas where a lot of ash has fallen. If you’re traveling through the area, check your radio for reports on areas with the heaviest ash accumulations.

Avoid places downwind of the volcano, for they will get the heaviest accumulations of ash. If you need to drive through heavy ash, don’t go any faster than 35 mph to avoid stirring it up.

7. Wear Protective Gear If You’re Outside

Wear clothing that covers as much of your skin as possible. Put on a dust mask to make sure you don’t breathe in particles that can irritate or damage your lungs. If you don’t have a dust mask, hold or tie a damp cloth over your mouth. Wear goggles or eyeglasses to shield your eyes from debris.

8. Avoid Geothermal Areas

Volcanos are often associated with geysers, hot spots, and mudpots. The ground around such places tends to be very thin, so you could easily fall in and get severely burned. Even if the area seems to have cooled, it might be nothing more than a thin crust over dangerously hot lava. Never try to cross a geothermal area.

9. After the Volcano

The first thing to is to let your family and friends know that you survived. The Red Cross set up a website called Safe & Well. Registering on it will help people looking for you find you and let them know you’re alive. If you had to evacuate, don’t go home until the authorities send word that is safe to do so. If you see someone who is injured, practice the Red Cross’s CHECK, CALL, and CARE protocol. Check to see if it is safe to approach the person, call rescue workers, and then administer First Aid if you know how to do so.

Final Thoughts

The above advice on what to do in case of volcanic eruption is admittedly not exhaustive. There are different types of volcanic eruptions, and they can range in severity. Nonetheless, authorities agree on the basics of what to do in case of volcanic eruption. They also agree that anybody who lives near a known active volcano should take steps to prepare themselves in case of an eruption.

Have you ever survived a volcanic eruption? Please describe your experience and what advice you found to be most helpful.

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What to Do in Case of Flash Flood: 7 Tips to Stay Safe

Flash floods live up to their name in that they can build up in an instant, and cause monumental damage in a short amount of time – especially in low-lying areas, or those near larger rivers. It is important to take control of a situation and ensure that you and your family are safe during any kind of natural disaster, flash floods included. The following tips will give you an idea of what to do if a flash flood threatens your area.

1. Evacuate the Area

Under no circumstances should you or your family remain in the area during a flash flood. Once the waters begin to rise, there is a small window where evacuation is possible, and it is wise to take that opportunity. If evacuation is not possible, then move to higher ground so that you can avoid the rising waters and, hopefully, avoid getting swept away with the flood.

If you are approaching an area that is currently under a flash flood in progress, do not attempt to drive or walk through the flood waters. Just six inches of moving water is strong enough to knock you over and drag you along with the path of the flood. For cars, it takes only one foot for the same result.

2. Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Being aware of one’s surroundings can mean knowing what to do in case of flash flood, or knowing where not to be in case of a possible flash flood. When camping, avoid setting up or parking too close to rivers, streams, or other bodies of water, especially if there is precipitation in the area. These bodies of water are prone to flash floods, especially during heavy rainfalls, and avoiding staying too close to them is a simple way to be proactive about your safety.

At home, it is a good idea to know the geography of the area so that you know how often they are likely to hit and what to do in case of flash flood. If your home is in a low valley or settled near a body of water (be it a reservoir, lake, river, etc.), there is a good chance that your home and family will be in danger of experiencing a flash flood. Educate yourself and understand what to expect if the worst is to happen.

3. Prepare Beforehand

One the best methods to prepare for any kind of natural disaster is to devise a plan of action before disaster strikes and make sure that everyone in your household knows the plan and what to do in case of flash flood. Know where to go to reach high ground and have an emergency kit packed and ready (more on this below). Remember, you may only have minutes before the flood hits and then grows too powerful to evacuate safely. If you and your family know what to do in case of flash flood before disaster hits, you are more likely to get to safety and stay there.

If you have foreknowledge of a possible flood in your area, you can take steps to prepare your home for the onslaught. Put outdoor furniture inside and move what you can to the highest points in the home. Make sure that there are no electrical devices plugged in and if necessary, know where the emergency water and gas shut off valves in your house are located if you need to shut them down.

4. Flood Emergency Kit

In the even of a natural disaster like a flood, there is no way to know beforehand how long you may be out of your home or if you will have access to potable water or other essentials. Therefore, it is always wise to have an emergency kit packed and ready to go; you and your family should not waste time during an evacuation. A solid emergency kit might contain the following:

Potable water.
Cash.
First aid kit.
Flashlight (with extra batteries).
Food (anything that can survive without refrigeration).

Whatever you believe might be necessary for your survival can be added to this list. But be wary of packing too much; the idea is to have a kit that can be easily and quickly gathered during an emergency.

5. Have a Family Disaster Plan

In addition to making sure that everyone in your family knows what to do during a flood, also ensure that, in case you were to get separated during an emergency situation, that each member of the family knows where to go and what to do on their own. Figure out a good meeting place for after the flood that you all can gather at, in case of separation. And, of course, make sure that you and everyone one else in the household have some way to contact each member of the family.

6. Don’t Be Hasty

Once the rain has stopped, there is no doubt that you will want to get back home as quickly as possible to assess damage and begin possible repairs. However, returning home too early may either put you right back in danger or interfere with rescue operations. Monitor local radio stations and wait for local authorities to give the go ahead before returning home.

7. Use Caution with Flood Damaged Buildings

When you are able to return home, remember that the foundations of your home and other buildings may have been seriously compromised during the flood. Take care when entering any building, and if you feel that it is not safe, leave immediately. Check for gas leaks, broken utility lines, or electrical damage and report these issues to the proper authorities. No matter what, be aware and take care.

Final Thoughts

This is not an exhaustive list of tips what to do in case of flash flood, but it is a good place to start. If you have experience with flash floods, share your emergency plan and how you prepare yourself and your family for sudden disasters.

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What to Do in Case of Hurricane Before, During, and After

Hurricanes can be scary and disastrous, but that doesn’t mean you cannot prepare for them. With the proper preparation, you can ready yourself for before, during, and after the storm. By knowing what to do in case of hurricane events, you can keep your family safe and sound. Please take a look at the list we’ve provided below of safety tips and tricks to follow in preparing for a hurricane, staying safe while it’s happening, and dealing with its aftermath.

What to Do Before a Hurricane

With prior warning, there are a lot of precautions you can take to prepare for a natural disaster. Here’s what to do in case of hurricane warnings, to help you prepare the best way you can.

Prepare an Emergency Kit

Emergency kits are great for any type of disaster or emergency, but in the event of a hurricane, they can be vital. Your emergency kit should include at least 1 gallon of water per person (per day, for at least 3 days), a 3-day supply of non-perishable food, batteries and a radio, flashlights, a first-aid kit, whistles or flares, extra clothes, maps, medications (if necessary), supplies for your pet/s, and a warm blanket/sleeping bag for each person, according to FEMA.

Should you lose power or are forced to evacuate, your basic supplies should be ready-to-go. Including a disposable or digital camera with extra film/batteries could also be beneficial, to ensure you can document damage properly.

Make a Plan

Be sure to communicate with your family and discuss a plan that is understood by each member. Each member of the family should know their role and know exactly what to do in case of hurricane emergencies.

Educate Yourself and Secure Your Property

Try to figure out the elevation of your property, which areas are flood-prone, and determine which areas of your property will be most affected. Also, ensure that you know your community’s evacuation routes. You should cover all your home’s windows (preferably with permanent storm shutters or plywood). Remove all loose items from your property and exterior of the home, reinforce your garage door/s, and install generators. Preparing your home can help minimize damage.

Stay Alert

A battery-operated radio is a great way to always get up-to-date information on emergencies. Listen carefully for instructions, and always follow your family’s plan as well as the community’s.

When Told to, EVACUATE

If there is ever an emergency-alert, advising you to evacuate, it is imperative you do so. Evacuations are only issued when the hurricane-threat is extremely dangerous and staying behind could mean risking your property and life.

What to Do During a Hurricane

It is essential to know what to do in case of hurricane emergencies, because quick-thinking is invaluable. When you’ve finished preparing and the hurricane arrives, follow these steps:

Always Stay Inside

If asked to evacuate, you should follow your community’s evacuation routes and remember to take your emergency kits with you. If you have not been asked to evacuate, you may not be out of danger yet. When the hurricane arrives, be sure to always stay indoors. Stay away from windows, doors, and other areas of the house that are more susceptible to damage. Try hunkering down in an interior room on the lower level of the home.

Do not go outside for any reason. According to The University of Rhode Island’s Graduate School of Oceanography, there could be periods of calm, followed by periods of extreme wind and hurricane-force. It is essential to stay indoors unless alerted to do otherwise.

Turn off Your Electricity

Often in emergencies, it can be easy to panic and forget simple things. When the hurricane has arrived, be sure to turn off your electricity at the main breaker, to avoid fires and other dangers. Also, do not try to use any power-driven appliances or devices during the hurricane.

Don’t Forget Your Essentials

No matter where you are, whether it be hunkered down in your home or in an evacuation shelter, always make sure your emergency kits are easily accessed and can be easily carried with you in a moment’s notice. Use your kits sparingly, because it is better to be prepared for future-need.

Listen to Emergency Broadcasts

Emergency broadcasts will be your lifeline during a hurricane, especially when you have lost power. Having your radio handy can alert you to evacuations, rescue efforts, and tell you when the danger has passed. Always listen to these broadcasts for the most up-to-date instructions.

What to Do After a Hurricane

It can be hard to determine what to do in case of hurricane emergencies, after it has passed. Following these steps can help make for an easier transition after the hurricane has hit:

Keep Your Guard Up

Just because the worst of the hurricane is over, doesn’t mean all the danger has passed. Always listen to your broadcast system or the local news for the latest updates and follow instructions promptly. If you were asked to evacuate, only return when officials deem it safe.

Keep Away from Danger

Stay away from flooded areas, including roads and washed out bridges. Follow safety routes outlined by officials, and always stay away from loose power lines and electric wires. According to The American National Red Cross, you should avoid drinking or using water until you know it is no contaminated, check food for spoilage, and wear protective clothing during clean-up.

Document Everything

No matter how small the damage may appear, you should document and photograph every bit of your property and home. This will come in-handy when it comes to reporting your damage for insurance claims.

Start to Rebuild

For serious damage, you’ll want to seek professional help. For most people who have insurance, your hurricane-damage should be covered. Before serious construction can be done, you can ensure windows are covered with wood, and clean up the best you can. Try to keep all of your receipts, report your losses as soon as possible, and return all necessary claim forms.

Summing Up

Knowing what to do in case of hurricane disasters can mean the difference between life and death. With the proper preparations before-hand and the correct actions during the storm, you can endure and keep your family safe. Always remember to educate yourself, be prepared, listen to local broadcasts, and think smart.

What do you think of our hurricane preparation list? Feel free to share your emergency experiences and tell us what you would add.

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