Health

How to Prepare for a Natural Disaster

June 11th, 2021

Scientists predict natural disasters will only get more intense as climate change worsens. This means it’s more important than ever to be ready. Here are some tips on how to prepare in the event of a natural disaster.

Get your house ready.

Take any necessary precautions to prepare your home, whether it’s boarding up your windows, bracing your appliances, or cleaning your roof and gutters.
Stockpile nonperishables.

In an ideal situation, you’ll have enough nonperishable food, bottled water, and medicine to last you at least a week.
Protect your important documents.

The last thing you want to lose is your birth certificate, Social Security card, or passport in a flood. Store them in a waterproof container. For extra protection, get a fireproof box.
Be careful what water you drink.

Tap water can quickly become contaminated in a flood or hurricane. Plus, standing water and floodwater are major breeding grounds for mosquitoes and disease.
Conserve phone battery.

Keep your phone charged, and download maps and important info before the power goes out. Be sure to turn off battery-eating services like location services and turn your phone to the highest battery-saving mode.
Fill up your car.

Gasoline may be scarce in an emergency. Fill up your car ahead of time to avoid long lines at the gas station or running out of gas as you evacuate.
Pack a go bag.

If you’re instructed to evacuate, evacuate. Have a bag ready so you’re not wasting extra time packing.
Take steps to protect your pets.

Make sure you pack a go bag for your pets with food and other essentials like medication. At the very least, make sure your pets are tagged and/or microchipped.

Bonus Tip:

Always back up important files like photos by putting them on discs or a flash drive. You can even mail one to a relative for extra safekeeping. Are some of your memories in printed photos or caught on VHS tapes? There are companies that will digitize these for you so you don’t lose a single precious memory.

What’s your favorite disaster preparedness tip? Let us know in the comments below!

How to Prepare for a Natural Disaster

Get your house ready.

Stockpile nonperishables.

Protect your important documents.

Be careful what water you drink.

Conserve phone battery.

Fill up your car.

Pack a go bag.

Take steps to protect your pets.

Bonus Tip:

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