It may be difficult to predict when a natural disaster will strike, but you can significantly improve your safety by preparing for a disastrous situation now. There are many practical things that you can do to get ready, and having the proper knowledge and supplies can make all the difference between survival and crisis—sometimes even influencing life and death in a disaster. Always have all the things you need on hand so that you can take immediate life-saving action if a natural disaster occurs.
Stock up on the essentials
A critical aspect of readiness is stocking up on essentials. You should ensure you have ample food, water, and other supplies to last for at least a week during disasters. This includes having bottled water to last several days (aim for one gallon per person per day) and ensuring enough nonperishable food by choosing food items that do not require refrigeration.
If you rely on canned food in your disaster supplies, be sure you have a manual can opener at hand. Don’t forget to prepare a fully stocked first aid kit along with all necessary first aid and prescription medication and extra medications.
Prepare your house and car
While your preparations may differ depending on what type of natural disaster you’re facing, you should still do what you can to be ready. For hurricanes and tornadoes, that might mean boarding up your windows, while for earthquakes, that means bolting appliances, water heaters, and large furniture to the walls or floors.
Ensure you know where the gas valves are in your house and how to turn them off. It’s also a good idea to fill the gas tank in your car, just in case you need to leave the area quickly.
Stay informed
Once you know that a storm, fire, or other threat is on the way, it’s essential to tune into local radio or television stations, or NOAA radio. This will empower you with the right information to stay ahead of any developments and evacuation orders, giving you a sense of control in a potentially chaotic situation.
Identify the best channels for emergency information ahead of time so that you can easily find the information you require in a critical situation. In addition, know which routes will help you avoid floodwater, first responders, or traffic jams in case you need to evacuate.
Prepare yourself for any situation
Basic preparedness can go a long way toward helping you make it through any natural disaster. But don’t forget to plan for a range of possibilities. For example, even if you don’t live in a flood zone, keeping important documents, passports, and so on in a waterproof and fireproof container is a good idea. Losing your important papers will only make your life harder after the disaster.
Also, if you own any animals, ensure your emergency plans include them. Make sure they have tags or that their microchip information is up-to-date. In this way, you increase your chances of reuniting with your pets if separated.
Even though disasters are unpredictable, initiating proper emergency preparedness measures in the early stages of the situation can be crucial. For help on effectively preparing for a disaster in your Jerome rental property, Real Property Management Magic Valley provides valuable resources and expert insights to create an effective disaster preparedness plan. Reach out to us online or call 208-734-4001—we’re here to help!
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