Stock up on the essentials
One of the best things you can do well in advance of a natural disaster is to stock up on the essentials. It means having enough food, water, and other supplies available to last at least a week. In many disaster situations, you won’t be able to rely on clean tap water. Hence, it’s advisable to have enough bottled water stored to get you through several days. Prepare a gallon of water per person per day.
You have to ensure that you have enough nonperishable food on hand to last a week. Any food items that do not require refrigeration will do. If you included canned food in your disaster supplies, don’t forget to bring a manual can opener, too. Finally, don’t forget about first aid and prescription medication. It is necessary to keep a fully stocked first aid kit and at least a week’s supply of medications on hand at all times, just in case.
Prepare your house and car
While your preparations may be different based on what type of natural disaster you’re facing, you should still do whatever you can to prepare. In the case of hurricanes and tornadoes, that might mean boarding up your windows,and for earthquakes, that means bolting appliances, water heaters, and large furniture to the walls or floors. Be sure you know where the gas valves are in your home and how to turn them off. It’s also important to fill the gas tank in your car, for you to use if you need to leave the area quickly.
Stay informed
If you are informed that a storm, fire, or other threat is on the way, it is a good idea to tune into local radio or television stations or NOAA radio. You need good information to stay ahead of any developments and evacuation orders. One of the great things you can do is find the best channels for emergency information ahead of time, long before you need it. Like this, you will know where to turn for the information you need at a critical time. If you do leave your house, know which routes will help you best avoid floodwater, first responders, or traffic jams.
Be ready for anything
Basic preparedness can go far toward helping you make it through any natural disaster. But remember to plan for a range of possibilities. For instance, even if you don’t live in a flood zone, you still need to keep important documents, passports, and so forth in a waterproof and fireproof container. Losing your important papers will only make your life harder after the disaster. Moreover, if you own any animals, be sure that your emergency plans include them too. Make sure they have tags or that their microchip information is up-to-date. In this manner, you increase your chances of being reunited with your animals afterward.
While natural disasters are unpredictable, emergency preparedness is not. You can take important steps now and in the early stages of the situation to ensure that you have what you need to make it through safely. If you have questions learning how to prepare for a disaster in your rental, contact Real Property Management Magic Valley today or call us at 208-734-4001 for more information.