It seems that we have certainly seen our fair share of natural disasters lately with flooding, wildfires, tornadoes, and now – earthquakes. Plus, we have a major hurricane barreling towards the United States that is expected to make landfall along the East coast the end of this week.
We already know from previous disasters that it’s difficult to see our homes, as well as the homes of family and friends, destroyed in a matter of minutes. While you can never be completely prepared for such a catastrophic event, there are several things you can do to make a tragic situation just a little bit better.
1. Pay attention and stay alert. Don’t become complacent and think a disaster will never happen to you or your community. When the media issues warnings and instructions - listen and obey.
2. Know the proper procedures for contacting emergency personnel in the event of a storm or other natural disaster to let them know you need help.
3. Using a small notebook, write down information such as bank accounts, insurance policy, prescription drugs, and credit card numbers. Keep this somewhere you will be able to easily grab it in the event you need to take cover in your home.
4. In addition to your book of numbers, you should have readily accessible some bottled water, a few non-perishable snacks, two or three day’s worth of medication, health insurance information, two or three day’s supplies for your infant if you have one, personal identification in the event you are injured and unconscious, contact information of family members in case of medical emergencies, a battery powered clock/radio, a CD on which you’ve copied all your family photographs, a couple of day’s worth of pet food if you have a pet, and a change of clothes. The National Hurricane Center has a good disaster supply checklist on their website.
5. As a family, develop a plan of action in the event of natural disasters. Identify a safe room within the house in case you need to take immediate cover. In the event you have to immediately evacuate, discuss escape routes and designate a meeting place in case you become separated. Have a list of emergency contact numbers in a designated place that includes an out-of-state friend or family member who can be the point of contact.
Keep in mind that the type of natural disaster will dictate how much time you have to prepare and will sometimes give you the opportunity to minimize the amount of your loss. Floods, hurricanes and wildfires don’t hit in the blink of an eye like a tornado does. With most natural disasters you are usually given several days notification to gather belongings, board up and evacuate. While this in no way negates the emotional, physical and often financial toil it takes on you, it’s important to make the most of the advance warnings you are given.
Finally, understand that after a storm that has caused considerable destruction to your family or community, it is not uncommon to experience what is referred to as “survivor’s guilt”. You may feel guilty because you didn’t lose your home, or if you did, you didn’t lose your life. These feelings are natural but don’t try to dismiss them. Instead, share your feelings with your preacher, your doctor, a close friend or family member. Then give of yourself to help rebuild the lives and structure of the place you call home.
Take care my friends and be safe!
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