8 Things You Should Have on Your Emergency Checklist

 Every year, disasters impact millions of people on a personal, business, community, and national level. The golden rule for effective disaster management at all levels is to raise public awareness, create action plans, and put them into practice. Waiting for a tragedy to strike is not the best time to start planning. The most important and beneficial effect in assessing your resiliency after an incident would be communicating and establishing relationships with those around you, whether they actively contribute to the plan or are dependent on it.

Because of our global economy, we must remember more than just local disasters. Other countries' disasters now have a substantial impact on our economy. We've already seen how diseases like COVID-19 can spread quickly across oceans and affect any country in months. Food shortages in other parts of the world can lead to protests, resulting in speculative price fluctuations that can rapidly increase food costs. International hackers might launch a cyberattack on our financial industry or even our power grids.

People have seen the bleak reality of bare grocery store shelves when panic buying and food supply shortages occur during a pandemic, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. We've seen pictures of overcrowded emergency rooms and heard reports from people who couldn't get the help they needed as soon as they needed it.

As a result, more people now have access to a long-term food pantry. They've learned the value of keeping a well-stocked first-aid kit on hand. More people are likely to adopt survivalist prepping practices due to crisis as time goes by.

Preparing for a natural disaster, on the other hand, entails more than getting a well-stocked pantry. It necessitates meticulous preparation and the ability to live on your own for several days until help arrives.

Various Types of Natural Disasters

We face a variety of threats in the United States, ranging from landslides to tsunamis. Each of these natural disasters poses various threats and necessitates varying degrees of preparedness.

Tornadoes. Tornadoes will wreak havoc on your emergency supplies, blowing them away or destroying them entirely. If tornadoes are a possibility in your region, you can build a storm shelter to store supplies and protect your family.

Hurricanes. Since hurricanes can result in severe flooding, storing emergency supplies in a basement or crawlspace can be disastrous if your home floods. If you're forced to evacuate, you'll still need to keep your supplies mobile.

Earthquakes. Earthquakes occur unexpectedly and without warning. Checking your house for possible hazards and learning how to keep your family safe is an essential part of planning for an earthquake.

Tsunamis and Wildfires. Wildfires can spread rapidly, and people caught in their path are often forced to flee with little notice. Your emergency supplies must be kept in a backpack or bin that you can quickly carry. If your area is particularly vulnerable to these disasters, keep a pair of walking shoes and a flashlight next to each household member's bed if you need to evacuate in the middle of the night.

Pandemics. Prepare for a pandemic by providing specific items, such as face masks, hand sanitizer, and cleaning supplies, and being able to shelter in place for several weeks or longer. If your city or state orders a long-term lockout, it also means planning financially for unemployment or forced leave.

Avalanches. Getting advanced equipment, such as an airbag and an avalanche beacon, is part of being prepared for an avalanche.

Winter Storms. During the coldest months, winter storms will trigger power outages, so you'll need to be able to keep your family warm and fed even if electricity isn't available. It's also essential to plan your vehicle for winter storms in case one occurs while you're driving.

Landslides. Another tragedy that strikes without warning is landslides. Understanding the risks in your environment, adopting appropriate land-use guidelines to reduce the danger to your house, and being ready to evacuate to the safer ground if one happens is all part of disaster preparation.

Eruptions. Volcanic lava flows can fly at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour, destroying everything in their way. If you inhale volcanic ash, it can cause serious health problems. To prepare for this natural disaster, keep supplies in a backpack and be ready to seal off your home from falling ash if you must shelter in place.

8 Things You Should Have on Your Checklist

1. Let people know where you'll be. Inform that outside of the affected area of your plans for the duration of the incident. Employees should be reminded of their responsibilities in helping to get the company back up and running and how they will be told when the facility reopens.

2. Know the area's warning signs and alarm signals. Keep an eye on the local television or radio station, as well as the community warning system, for emergency updates.

3. Examine your emergency preparedness package. Ensure your emergency survival kit contains all of the necessary things and is stored in a convenient. 

4. All outdoor items should be secured or moved indoors. In high winds, popular household objects such as grills, patio furniture, and flowerpots may become airborne. Grills should not be used indoors, and propane tanks should not be kept in the house or garage. To help mitigate potential damage, business owners should remember to secure outdoor signs, benches, and equipment.

5. Understand how to switch off all services. Knowing how to switch off the gas, electricity, and water in your home or place of business is always a brilliant idea. It's a good idea to switch off utilities before leaving if you need to evacuate quickly. Consider if there is any equipment that can help mitigate damage and therefore should not have its utilities disrupted, such as sump pumps or fire suppression equipment.

6. Gather emergency construction supplies. You will want to have emergency supplies or survival food kit on hand, such as plywood, sandbags, and waterproof tarps, canned goods, depending on the type of disaster. It's also a must to have a great flashlight! 

7. Ensure that the cars and equipment are properly fuelled. Make sure you have fresh fuel on hand if you have an emergency generator. Depending on your circumstances, you can need additional energy. If this is the case, make sure to keep the extra fuel in an approved container in a secure location. Never use a generator indoors, even in a shed. Make sure it's far enough away from walls, doors, and vents.

8. Purchase a Solar Power Generator. Like the Titan solar generator, solar power generators can come in handy in a variety of circumstances. The Titan 240SP can come in handy if earthquakes, hurricanes, or typhoons often hit your region. Not only that, but it will also help you plan for other natural disasters like forest fires or other events that may result in a power failure.

Conclusion

It's natural for people to try to stop worrying about the worst-case scenarios. After all, none of us wants to think about a hurricane wreaking havoc on our state or a wildfire raging through our community. However, these things do occur, and the most we can do is be prepared. Even a small amount of forethought will make a significant difference.

It might be challenging to get what you need from local stores if a natural disaster hits your city. Learn how to use everyday household products in an emergency to cope with the situation with what you have. In an emergency, simple duct tape and garbage bags will come in handy and fill a void if you don't have anything else.

Are you ready in the event of a natural disaster? Visit Wild Oak Trail today for survival resources!