Natural disasters take many different forms. They could be floods, fires, hurricanes, tornadoes, or even severe storms. If you ever have to deal with a natural disaster, it is essential to learn how to stay safe. In this guide, we will cover some tips to help you stay safe in an emergency.
Test and Purify Your Water
Source: forbes.com
During and after the disaster, you should test your water to ensure that it doesn’t have any contaminants. Floods and similar emergencies will usually pollute water with chemicals, sewage, and debris. As a result, your water sources may contain harmful bacteria, viruses, and other parasites. If you’re caught in a flood, you should consider purifying water using methods like reverse osmosis or boiling. The water won’t automatically become safe after the disaster. You can use water testing services to determine whether the water contains any serious contaminants. Some key elements to be wary of include parasites, lead, and asbestos. For the water test, you will need to collect a sample of the water and send it to a lab. You will get the results a few days later with recommendations from experts.
Communicate and Stay Informed
We’re lucky to be living in a world where we can get instant updates on events from around the world. Communication technology is especially important in natural disasters. By watching the news on TV or online, you can determine whether the disaster is set to become worse and can plan accordingly. You can also use social media to update friends and family members on your situation. If necessary, they may be able to offer help before things get out of hand. Following local news can also help you determine when you should evacuate.
Prepare Your Home Adequately
Source: science.howstuffworks.com
Depending on the severity of the storm, you may want to simply stay indoors and wait it out. In this case, you will have to prepare the property adequately. You should consider installing wind-resistant doors, windows, and shutters. This way, your doors and windows will stay intact during the storm. If you don’t have the time for a complex fix, you can simply board up windows and doors using plywood. You should also secure heavy furniture to the walls, especially if you live in a place that is prone to earthquakes.
Get an Emergency Kit Ready
An emergency kit will come in handy if you need to evacuate in a hurry or if you lose power. With a suitable kit, you will save a lot of time and can get through the storm in a smoother manner. Some things to include are a portable radio, torch, first aid kit, candles, waterproof matches, emergency contact numbers, spare batteries, and a waterproof bag.
Conclusion
Natural disasters can happen to any of us. To stay safe, you should stay informed and communicate with friends and family. You should also prepare your home by reinforcing doors and windows. Make sure you also get an emergency kit and purify your water.
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