Did you ever ask yourself if you are ready to survive an earthquake? Did you ever wonder if you can come out alive in case a massive flood happens?
Though some natural disasters come with warning signs of their impending arrival, some will come like a thief in the night. Most of the time, the destruction they cause results in billions of dollars in damages.
More importantly, these incidents take away precious lives. Thus, you need to learn how to survive a natural disaster. So how do you increase your chances of coming out in one piece after a flood or earthquake?
Continue reading below as we discuss some valuable tips that could save your life and the people around you.
1. Prepare Ahead
Days before the eye of the storm reaches your city, you need to start preparing. Preparing ahead of a catastrophic disaster buys you time. Time buys you options.
Apart from preparing your supplies and gear, you and your family need to have the right mindset. You need to equip them with practical survival skills.
Educate yourself on cooking without any utilities. Know how to heat and cool the rooms inside your house. Learn how to disinfect water to make it potable.
Additionally, you need to prepare an emergency plan. Select a designated area where you can meet up in case you lose one another in the mayhem. Keep each other’s phone numbers and other numbers they should call.
2. Keep Your Pantry Full
When it comes to your emergency supplies, make sure that your pantry is full. Stock up on canned goods, bottled water, and flour.
Aim for food that will last your family for up to two weeks. Make sure to keep track of the expiration dates.
3. First Aid Kit a Must
Aside from the food, you also need to stock up on medications. Make sure you have a basic first aid kit with all the essentials. If you can, try to invest in two or three first aid kits so everyone in the family gets their own.
If you are taking maintenance medications, put some in the kit. Make sure the number of medicines will last up to two weeks.
If you have pets at home, make sure to keep some food and medicines for them as well. Moreover, make it a goal that everyone in the family knows how to do CPR.
4. The Survival Backpack
To further increase your chances of surviving a natural disaster, you need to prepare a survival backpack. This backpack contains all the essentials especially when circumstances force you to leave your house.
The first thing you should put in your survival backpack is your medical kit. Make sure to keep it in a portion of the bag that comes with a zipper.
You also need to keep a water bottle inside the backpack. You should also invest in a portable water filter.
You should also get a sleeping bag. This is crucial in case you need to stay outside for the night. Moreover, make sure to carry a utility knife.
The knife is your best friend, especially when you’re outdoors. You can use it to cut bandages if you have wounds. You can use it to dig small holes.
You can hunt food and cut a rope with it. You can also use it for self-defense.
Another helpful tool to consider is the paracord bracelet. You can do numerous things with this item. You can create an emergency shelter, secure a tent, make fishing nets, or tie things to your backpack.
Furthermore, you should also include in your kit a fire-starter, a compass, extra clothes, a crowbar, and a flashlight.
5. A Real Map Matters
Since navigation is crucial during natural disasters, you need to carry an analog map. This will ensure that you will know where to go even if a tornado takes down your power grid.
If a huge storm is coming, you should also learn about the FEMA Flood Map. View this flood zone map for more details.
Additionally, make sure to carry with you some paper money. You will never know when you will need cash during disasters.
6. Collect a Lot of Water
Learning how to survive a natural disaster is all about proper preparation. Food is crucial but you won’t last long without viable drinking water. Water collection, however, is not enough.
You also need to learn how to purify it.
If you do not have a portable water filter, stock up on iodine tablets. Drop some of the tablets on your water and pass it back and forth using separate containers. The tablets may leave an unpleasant taste but they will make the water more palatable.
7. Fill Up Your Tank
Make sure to keep your car’s gas tank full. This is crucial especially during an ice storm or a blizzard. Filling up your tank will keep the fuel line from freezing.
As for your generators, make sure to fill it up as well. But don’t turn it on indoors. This may result in carbon monoxide buildup which is poisonous.
8. Secure Important Documents
Make sure to keep your important documents with you. Photocopy your licenses, passports, and insurance forms. Keep them safe inside a re-sealable plastic bag.
You should also scan these documents. Email them to yourself or store copies in your Dropbox or Google Drive.
9. Batteries and a Portable Radio
Last but not least, stock up on batteries for your flashlights. Keep a small radio on standby to get the latest updates during and after the storm.
Learn How to Survive a Natural Disaster!
Learning how to survive a natural disaster takes time, patience, and a lot of practice. But acquiring the skills and tools is only a small part of the bigger picture. You need also need to weatherproof your home.
We invite you to read our other articles on surviving different kinds of emergencies. We provide tips and solutions that will help you cover all bases.