Disasters are a frequent thing. Over the last twelve months the need to be ready for a disaster has become ever more obvious, as headlines of school shootings, fires, category 5 hurricanes and earthquakes send terrified, often unprepared citizens, running for their lives. No one is immune to disaster, but being prepared can be the difference between death and survival. Do you have a disaster preparedness plan?
Mental preparation. Reality check time. It is important to acknowledge that disasters happen and that you and everyone you love is also at potential risk. Once that knowledge is accepted, making preparations becomes the only reasonable action. Find out what happens in your community. Know where the emergency shelters are. If there are obvious hazards about your home remove them or make needed repairs. Check your smoke detectors and be sure to change batteries at least once a year.
Be ready for an emergency. You never know when such events will occur. The recent hurricane evacuations highlight our need to be ready for such events, day or night. Over the last year we have seen the devastation and chaos caused by Michael, Florence, Irma and Maria. It can happen anytime, anywhere. In my little corner of the world, the North Oregon coast, we are often subject to evacuation orders because of tsunamis, earthquakes, fires, floods and even a rare tornado.
Prepare emergency supplies. No matter where you live there is always the possibility that you will be forced to move quickly out of harm’s way. Not all incidents of danger are natural in cause, often these tragedies are man-made disasters, such as terrorist attacks and toxic spills. At such time, power, water, phone and transportation services will most likely be out of service. If you own a car keep the tank at least half full.
Keep phone numbers. You will need to have numbers of friends and family close by and far away. You will need emergency phone numbers. Did you know that text messaging may be more reliable than telephone voice service.
Others may need help. Is there an elderly neighbor or an infirm family member that might need extra assistance? Be sure that you also have a local map. Planning for such an event is the first step to survival.
Rehearse your escape. Be aware of your buildings exits, as well as the emergency plan of your children’s school. Set up family meeting places-the school or the library-one inside your neighborhood and one outside your neighborhood. Walk the distance making sure that each family member is physically capable of making the trek.
Don’t Delay.In many cases when confronted with an emergency people don’t panic, in fact they will often be in denial and will intentionally delay evacuation. If authorities order evacuation, do not dally, leave immediately. Let friends know where you are, you don’t want anyone risking their life trying to find you.
Proactive planning. The idea is that you can, in some small way, help yourself by preparing for an emergency. In a true emergency you will be under extreme pressure and critical evacuation time can be lost as you race around the house looking for medications and other supplies. So, do yourself and your family a favor, and pack for survival. Pack a “Go Bag”. A “go bag” is exactly what it sounds like; a bag or backpack, or suitcase (one on wheels) packed with life essentials.
Rule #1: Pack a “go bag” for every member of the household including your beloved pet, and keep them together in an easily accessible place. **Remember there is a possibility that not all family members will leave together.
Rule #2: Basic electronics. Pack an extra phone charger if you are lucky enough to have electricity and a portable battery pack if you do not have such good fortune. A long-lasting LED flashlight. A small hand cranked or battery operated AM/FM radio with extra batteries. Include a whistle if you need to call for help.
Rule #3: Personal needs: Make a list of all the toiletries you use daily, and really think about what you will need in an emergency evacuation, and buy travel sized versions of each. Make sure to pack an extra pair of eyeglasses if you wear them and a pair of sunglasses. A small first-aid kit, sanitary wipes, a couple Bic lighters, waterproof matches, a multi-purpose “Swiss army” tool so you have at least a knife and a can opener. Don’t forget the toilet paper.
Rule #4: Clothing. Think in days (three to four max). Think in layers (that you can add, or remove). Lightweight rain gear, gloves, knit cap and waterproof shoes and boots.I had a friend suggest you include dust masks, waterproof tape and plastic sheeting for shelter, which I thought was totally brilliant.
Rule #5: Medications. The article suggests 3 days worth of each of your medications. I have been caught in a disaster and I now pack 7 days of medications. That choice is up to you, but be sure that you have at least a small cache of each of your meds. If you have large items, such as oxygen tanks get a portable version for emergencies.
Rule #6: Paperwork. Fill a zip lock waterproof bag with photocopies of your birth certificate, driver’s license, power of attorney, marriage, adoption or naturalization certificates, proof of address, insurance, medical and immunization records, Social Security and Medicare cards, and info about credit and ATM cards.
Rule #7: Food and drink. Several bottles of water are imperative. It is recommended that you have at least 3 gallons of water per person. Dehydrated survival packets are a good option (which are easy to buy on-line), or even granola bars. Emergency management services recommend at least three days of water and nonperishable, ready to eat foods.
Rule #8: Cash. Must have at least enough cash for a duration of several days. (The last severe gale that we had in my area the bank machines were down for several days). Make sure that you have small bills and even a roll of quarters for vending machines for when you have access to them.
Rule #9: Pet go bag. Pets become excited when we show stress and urgency. Cats and dogs may run and hide and refuse to co-operate with entrapment. If that is the case, you must save yourself and your family, and sadly that means you will need to leave the pet. However, other pets, especially dogs will want to stay close. If you have a dog or other animal that is co-operative, take the animal. The go bag for your pet should include any medications your pet takes on a regular basis, 5 lb bag of dry food, a bag of treats, multiple bottles of water, a leash, a collar, veterinary history in a zip lock bag, a familiar blanket and a toy.
More good stuff. Beyond the to “go bags” I always carry in my car, a sleeping bag, 4 blankets, a couple of pillows, and a Costco 48 pack of bottled water. In the garage I always have two full 5 gallon cans of gas. I used to live in Montana and these are essentials. Paper, pencils, books, and games for children would also be appropriate.
Other important survival information.
In a fire. Stay close to the floor and quickly move to an exit. Most deaths are caused by smoke inhalation so it is imperative to get out of the smoke. Mere seconds can save a life.
In an earthquake. Find shelter under sturdy furniture, under a door frame or next to an inside wall. There will be aftershocks so get outside and away from structures as quickly as possible.If you can help others do your best, trained rescue crews may be hours away.
In a tsunami. If you see water rushing suddenly away from shore, move to higher ground ASAP.
In a tornado or hurricane. Go as quickly as possible to the nearest storm shelter.
In a flood. Stay out of flooded buildings. Flood waters contain sewage and concealed dangers such as open manholes and downed power lines. Do not drive you car into flooded roadways. As little as two feet of moving water can sweep away a car.
In some emergencies residents are ordered to shelter in place. In case of nuclear, chemical or biological events you will be ordered to shelter in place. In such cases, stay indoors, turn off ventilation, and seal all doors and windows and then go to the lowest internal part of the building to reduce radiation or chemical exposure. Tune to a local emergency channel and stay indoors until authorities announce the threat has passed.
Time well spent. A little preparation goes a long way in a real emergency. Take some time and put together the “go bags” for your family. The several hours you spend on this task could pay off big time by saving your life and the lives of those that you love.
After the emergency has passed. Avoid disease and other dangers by doing the following:
Stay with friends or family. Shelters and camps are fine, but if you have other choices please consider them.
Keep living space clean and organized. Disease is a constant concern during close living conditions.
Maintain your daily routine. Do your best to keep a calm and hopeful attitude. It will help keep children and family reassured and confident.
Attitude. Do your best not to take out anger and frustration on family members. Do not dwell on the news coverage of the event. Accept help, and help others.
Disaster brings loss. Emergency agencies are there to help people survive, but they are not there to replace all that you have lost. That loss will possibly have a lasting impact.
Recognize and address emotional injury. Frequently, after the shock has passed you or a loved one will experience anxiety, depression and mood swings, as well as difficulty thinking, working, and sleeping. If you recognize such symptoms please consult a professional.
The October 2017 issues of both AARP and AWAKE magazines were loaded with a bonanza of knowledge. Many of those suggestions were included on these pages. Portions of this article were previously printed on this blog site under the title, “Get Ready To Grab & Go.”
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