Disaster Survival Preparedness Tips

Disaster Survival Preparedness Tips? Being prepared for a disaster can not only give you peace of mind but help you and your family survive during a time of emergency.

Disaster Survival Preparedness Tips article cover image

Let’s face it; we live in a world where being prepared for a disaster is essential. In America, you have the potential for earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, eruptions, flooding, fires, and more.

Disaster Survival Preparedness Tips

As we all saw during previous disasters, it takes time for rescue workers to reach you during these events. It’s up to us as individuals to be prepared to survive long enough for help to arrive, or to have enough supplies on hand until we can make our escape.

Water is Essential for Disaster Survival Preparedness

When preparing, you should consider the types of things you will not be able to live without and what necessary supplies you will not be able to get. We take for granted the water that comes out of our faucet, but if you have no power or the water lines are broken, the most necessary item to survival is gone.

Disaster Survival Preparedness Tips water bottles

One person needs at least two quarts of water a day to survive long enough for help to arrive or to travel for help. Keep in mind, the higher the temperature, the more water you will need.

This means if you have four family members, you would need at least two gallons of water each day on hand. Since you would want to be prepared for at least three days, it’s crucial to have a minimum of six gallons of water set aside in an area that is easily accessible at all times.

If you’re concerned about needing to escape, such as in a fire situation, it’s not necessarily practical to lug around six gallons of water. You may want to consider having a water filter or purifier on hand so that as you travel, you can sanitize the water you find along the way.

At worst, be sure you have a pot and a lighter or matches so that you can boil any water you find for at least 10 minutes. You will also want to have a container so that you can store any water you have found.

For Disaster Survival Preparedness, I would recommend having a duffel bag or backpack fully loaded with your survival items. If you’re planning to simply wait it out until help arrives, in the panic, you don’t want to have to expend your energy searching your home for needed items. If you need to leave in a hurry, you can grab your bag(s) and go. We talk about Bug Out bags Here: Bug Out Bags and How to Make Them.

Now that you have the most critical item taken care of, water, other items can certainly make survival much easier.

Start a Survival Kit

I’m sure you’re next thought is food, we can survive longer than you might think without food if you’re growing weak due to lack of food, the chance of survival goes down dramatically. Needless to say, if you’re packing a survival kit, weight is going to be an issue.

Just like your water supply, you’ll want to have at least three days of food on hand for each person. You will want to store items that, of course, have a long shelf life, are low in salt, and give you maximum energy. If you have canned food on hand, be sure you have a manual can opener on hand as well!

Disaster Survival Preparedness Tips

Some food suggestions for Disaster Survival Preparedness would be unsalted trail mix, canned fruit, or other canned food with high liquid content, whole-grain cereal, ready-to-eat meals, dry mixes (though you’ll need extra water for these). Use common sense when choosing what to pack: consider the space required in your disaster kit, weight, nutritional value, shelf life, and ease of preparation.

Other items you may want on hand in the case of a disaster would be copies of all of your important documents such as drivers licenses, social security cards, birth certificates, bank/financial/credit card accounts, and medical cards.

Other Emergency Preparedness Items

Here is a list of additional items you may want to have in your ready-to-go emergency preparedness kit.

  • first aid kit and a first-aid how-to book (If you’re on life-saving prescription medications, be sure to have those stored in a ready-to-grab area as well.)
  • toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, and/or resealable baby wipes
  • hand crank radio or radio that runs on batteries
  • LED flashlight and a LED headlamp
  • a cookstove or grate you can put over a fire for cooking
  • Sterno cans
  • matches in a waterproof container and lighters (in case matches get wet)
  • blankets and extra clothing
  • a small foldable shovel, knife, rope, and tarp (you can make a shelter if needed with these items)
  • have some cash on hand
  • cooking and eating items (manual can opener, pot, utensils, etc.) 5-gallon container
  • of gasoline and a piece of hose if you can escape in a vehicle (The hose is for siphoning gas along the way should it come to that.)

I would recommend looking for these items at a local store that sells camping items. This way, they will be made specifically to be durable and lightweight.

In addition, you may want to pack some items strictly for entertainment. It’s essential to keep everyone’s spirits high. A deck of cards is small and can be entertaining for family members of all ages. Likewise, have some hard candy on hand. It can boost your energy and lift the spirits at the same time.

Of course, if you have pets, you will want to prepare for them as well with dry food on hand and water. Animals need about 1oz of water per pound per day.

While this is certainly not an all-encompassing list or guide, it is a good place to start when preparing yourself and your family to survive when an unexpected disaster comes along.

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15 of the Best Prepper Movies Worth Watching

It is interesting to think of the Best Prepper Movies worth watching as part of your emergency preparation homework. Movies tell a different story than what we experience in real life even most of them connect with us in real life.

Best Prepper Movies

They help us to understand that people who live millions of miles away from us are experiencing the same thing, so they too can put it on screen. A lot of these movies are “disaster-themed” and watching can help you understand and learn a few things.

Disaster Movies Worth Watching

You can put them into practice or adjust the way you prepare for a natural disaster. But what movies can you learn from? Here is a list of some of the most exciting films with a lot of lessons.

Let’s look at the Best Prepper Movies

Titanic

This movie tells the accurate tale of a shipwreck back in the earlier years. Titanic is a British passenger liner that sank in the North Atlantic Ocean after hitting an iceberg. No one expected this to happen, but as it did, everyone was in a state of shock and panic in trying to escape.

One of the most important factors one can garner from this disaster is to have a backup plan should anything happen. We all know that if they had a larger substitute boat traveling the journey, more persons would be alive. Always have a second plan.

Armageddon

Space and its elements have a way of threatening global-watch authorities, and the movie Armageddon proves that. Going above and beyond to protect what matters most in light of pending destruction is the lesson this movie provides. A selfless act might be what will leave you and your family safe after the worst is over.

The Poseidon Adventure

The Poseidon Adventure is a disaster-themed movie which saw negligence claiming the lives of many even though a natural disaster was the main reason behind it. The ship was up for retirement after serving for years, and against the advice of experts, the new owner decided to run another trip.

Around midway through the sail, a tsunami hit, and the ship overturned and started to sink. Not many details are available about emergency gears, and this should be the ideal message learned to always prepare yourself for the worst, even when everything seems okay.

15 of the Best Disaster Movies Worth Watching contagion movie poster

Contagion

This truly scares me, as germs are an invisible threat to worry about. We had to put a few titles like this into 15 of the Best Disaster Movies Worth Watching. Sickness is no joke, and it is not partial when it sets out to attack whoever it pleases.

The only way you can be safe is if you are not in close range or you are fully immunized. Contagion is a movie centered on the development and spread of a deadly disease that claimed a few lives. However, a team was put on it to remedy the issue, and before long…things were under control.

Synopsis of the story? Get a medical check now and again and, if not, get immunized to protect yourself from the onset of transmittable diseases.

The Perfect Storm

Getting lost in the depth of a natural disaster is never an easy thing to deal with, and The Perfect Storm movie details the truth about this. Andrea Gail was a commercial fishing vessel that set out for mission back in September of 1991 but didn’t make it home.

Amidst a warning to stay off the seas during an impending storm, the captain and his crew decided to brave it…might have been the worst mistake. They didn’t survive as the waves overshadowed them. A note to focus on, whenever there is news of an impending disaster and warnings from experts, you need to take them seriously.

Deep Impact

Deep Impact is a science fiction movie that tells of an impending meteor that is heading for earth and set to create mass destruction (extinction by extension). However, a few persons decided to take up the challenge to “save the earth”, and their mission after many failed attempts finally resulted in something good.

The moral of the story, you may ask? Always have a second plan in case the first fails. Also, it teaches you adequate preparation and critical thinking while in the middle of distress and a disaster.

Disaster Movies Worth Watching

Backdraft

While a fire isn’t always a natural disaster, it had to be considered for our 15 of the Best Disaster Movies Worth Watching list. A fire has no set time when it will happen or what will be the starting point.

Either way, preparing for the disaster is critical, as, unlike other emergencies, you cannot regain most items from a fire. This movie tells of some reasoning behind why a fire starts and how one needs to prepare and equip themselves for what may happen. Take note, and be cautious!

Only the Brave

Only the Brave is an exciting movie that tells about the life of some men that were “given up by society and family”. However, it happens that they were the said ones to create a haven from fire disasters in the areas they live in.

Life is unpredictable, and how you treat the information you get depends on the results you will receive. Everyone needs to be serious about all warnings about a disaster.

The Towering Inferno  

Fire is a natural disaster that can cause significant damage if not careful. The Towering Inferno movie tells of a sad case where a newly designed building that caught fire from an electrical shortage. Could it have been avoided? We would say yes, as warnings came to shed some of the power connections.

For us, living in the real world, it is safe for us to understand how electricity works and make the necessary checks and upgrades as needed. Don’t gamble with your homes and business…get a certified professional to check your connections at least once every two years.

15 of the Best Disaster Movies Worth Watching world war z poster

Best Prepper Movies: World War Z

World War Z is a horror movie that teaches strength, persistence, and courage, even in the middle of a disaster. The actors faced what could cause their life, but with much preparation and proactiveness, they manage to get the job done in achieving what was best for survival. Disasters don’t only mean tsunami, an earthquake or storms but also comes in various forms.

The Impossible

The world of a tsunami can change the world we currently live in an instance without giving adequate time to prepare for it. The movie tells a thrilling story of a family who went on vacation to bond with each other then had to split up when disaster struck.

Time went by so fast when one form of communication managed to help in letting others know what was going on. This movie teaches us to be mindful of the areas we visit and also to research any potential disaster which may happen in the area and how to prepare ourselves.

The Day After Tomorrow

This movie is a story that tells what many of us experience…a terrible storm and sometimes getting trapped in some remote areas. But amidst everything, we have to stay positive, don’t panic, and with effective communication, there is hope on the horizon. Also, do not bypass critical information that you may receive from authorities of a pending disaster. Get prepared for the worst. 

Disaster Movies Worth Watching

This is the End

This is a biggie and one that happens daily around the world. 15 of the Best Disaster Movies Worth Watching had to include a gem or two about earthquakes. Earthquakes are inevitable and happen in an area at least once. But what happens during and after is what makes the most significant difference.

The movie, This is the End tells of an emergency earthquake that comes with other strange events that most people didn’t understand. However, the most important thing to learn from this movie is communication and understanding. Amid a disaster, they still managed to gather essential items needed, yet “lack of knowledge” caused the said items to go to waste. Let your household know what is going on and expected in case of a disaster.

Best Prepper Movies: Twister

Tornados are no joke, and this movie Twister shows the depth of what this means. There are so many efforts in this movie to predict and alter the way a tornado affect a given area but to no avail. However, with adequate planning and multiple tries, the team on the job was successful in its mission. This movie teaches us never to let go of working towards what we want (the best amid a disaster).

Dante’s Peak

Living near a volcano, even if it is deemed dormant by authorities, is still a risk when it comes to disasters. Dante’s Peak once showed little sign of eruption, but when things started to change, authorities had to inform everyone of the danger lurking from the peaks, and they had to move right away. However, this mission came after a few negative feedback issues.

This story teaches the strength to believe what your heart tells you to prepare for the worst before it is too late. Also, panicking is not an ideal solution to any problem.

That is how it made our list of 15 of the Best Disaster Movies Worth Watching…can you think of one we missed? Please share!

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United States Disaster Relief Organizations That Help

The United States is lauded by hundreds of countries globally for their continued assistance to under-developed and developing countries with enhancement resources. They are base for thousands of charitable and disaster-relief organizations that change the lives of people and communities around the world in a positive way.

Disaster Relief Organizations

These disaster relief organizations are based on the core belief that ” life changed can make society a better place.” For years, they have been working with national and international groups to assist in emergency-struck areas as well as people living in remote areas.

We have listed a few of these organizations that have helped and are still helping with the kind support they receive from donors across the world.

United States Disaster Relief Organizations That Help

FEMA

Guided under the management of the United States Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has been working to impact the lives of locals who have been affected by one or more disasters. They are the coordinating body that oversees the assessment and provision of resources to affected areas in aiding in restoring the location.

They have also extended their hand to other countries in providing training, education conferences, and resources to effectively manage how teams operate during and after a disaster. Their international reach also provides survival resources for local people and communities.

Disaster Relief Organizations: SBP

The SBP is a disaster relief organization that was founded by Liz McCartney and Zack Rosenburg in March 2006. They started the group after they had successfully served in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The mission soon spread to other parts of the country.

In a report dated August 2017, the disaster relief organization has rebuilt over 1,200 homes and provided additional resources to needy persons. The team has been working endlessly to help shape lives a day at a time, and with partnerships from Toyota and Americorps (volunteer assistance), they have gone to multiple states and impacted the lives of thousands. CNN and former president, Barack Obama, lauded their charitable services.

The National Organization for Victim Assistance

The National Organization for Victim Abuse (NOVA) is on a mission to changing the lives of those surrounded by crime and abuse-related crises. Since their establishment, they have provided multiple resources and services to victims, including skill-based training, advocacy, and more.

NOVA has partnered with numerous agencies in offering counseling and re-intervention services for dispatched youths who have been a victim of circumstance and abuse. The team is bent on maintaining professionalism and trust among those they assist and also helps to break the barriers of vulnerable people in their reach.

AmeriCares

AmeriCares was founded in 1979 and is a non-profit organization that provides disaster-relief and health services to struggling and vulnerable people across the country. They have been providing emergency response to medical needs and providing efficient healthcare to persons not only in the US but also around the world.

Since its inception, it has helped millions with affordable health services (including free resources) in over 164 countries. Their mission is to provide the basic need for survival, especially to communities in impoverished countries. It has multiple organizational offices in countries such as Sri Lanka, Haiti, Japan, and India.

UNICEF

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is an agency overseen by the United Nations. They have been providing humanitarian services to millions of children in developing and under-developed countries globally. Established in 1946, the organization has been working to tackle the hunger and health crises in children and parents around the world.

They are striving to impact lives positively, especially to children of circumstances. The organization runs on donations received from private donors and governments in different countries. As of 2018, the organization received over $5.2 billion in contributions to carry out its various projects.

Disaster Relief Organizations: Team Rubicon

U.S. Marines William McNulty and Jacob “Jake” Wood founded Team Rubicon, which is a non-government disaster relief organization. The group provides disaster relief services around the world through assistance from veterans. Team Rubicon is on a mission to re-integrate the quality services of veterans to help impact the lives of civilians positively.

It all started after the Haiti earthquake when Wood and McNulty gathered a medical team to provide health services to those who suffered injuries. Also, they brought resources and funds they raised through friends and family in helping to provide the necessary support. The team’s mission is to continue assisting the less fortunate and those neglected by others.

CDS

Children Disaster Services (CDS) has been in operation since 1980 and has been positively impacting the lives of children who are affected by emergencies and disasters. The Foundation has been serving through shelters they set up across the nation to respond to cases of trauma, dislocation, vulnerable, and more.

The volunteering teams aid in providing reassurance to the children in letting them know everything will be alright. To date, they have provided emotional, psychological, and physical assistance to thousands of children.

FDS

Not all disaster-relief services provide “before disaster prepping activities,” but some do provide aid in the aftermath of an emergency. The Friends Disaster Service (FDS) is an organization that includes clean-up and restoration services to local communities affected by a disaster.

Over the years, they have assisted in rebuilding homes for the elderly, disabled, low-income earners, and uninsured survivors with no focus on race, faith, or political association. The team of volunteers who work across the U.S. uses St. Matthew 25:40 as their mission statement: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these you did for Me”. They complete all their missions and tasks under the banner of love, compassion, help, and restoration.

Samaritan’s Purse

Samaritan’s Purse is a Christian-based humanitarian aid group that focuses on changing the lives of individuals around them. They cater to the needs of the vulnerable and base their passion for helping on the Biblical story of The Good Samaritan.

The organization uses love and compassion to show its real act of kindness by providing resources to people and communities globally. Samaritan’s Purse was established in 1970 to meet the need for emergency cases in crisis areas through evangelism and development.

Disaster Relief Organizations: NECHAMA

NECHAMA is a Jewish-based disaster relief organization and volunteering group that works to change the way the world recovers from a natural disaster or emergency. They have been providing relief services and have impacted the lives of thousands across the country.

The team bases its mission on seven core factors that include: “Building Relationships, Acts of Lovingkindness, Charity/Justice, Love The Stranger, Don’t Stand Idly By, Compassion and Repairing The World.

These Disaster Relief Organizations need your help, so whether you can donate in cash or kind or by volunteering, they would appreciate it, and the lives you change will be grateful. 

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What To Put On Your Disaster Prepper Check List

You can only predict some natural disasters like hurricanes and a possible volcanic eruption, but mother nature has her way even then. What we expect sometimes turns out to come in different forms and forces us to make other plans on the spot.

However, if we had plans in place, it wouldn’t have been so hard to adjust to any change in the conditions. For a fact, when a natural disaster strikes, you may have little or no time to get particular stuff done, which should have already been in place.

The best bet…prepare now and be on the safe side even if it doesn’t come! Planning is the best way to cope and protect yourself and your family in the case of an emergency. But what is the best way to know what you need to have and do? Create Disaster Prepper Check List.

Prepper Check List

What To Put On Your Disaster Prepper Check List

Why Have A Disaster Prepper Check List?

A disater preparedness checklist is the best way to be sure you have all the items you need and what you should do when an emergency arises. It provides a guide for the entire family and reduces the risk of potential panicking. When you create a checklist, discuss it with your family as well as put it up around the home where everyone can see it (refrigerator, notice board, or even in the kitchen).

To protect your community by extension, you can check with your local office or authorities about the disaster which may happen in the area. Checklists come in many different forms, and all are vitally important. When planning, you need to:  

Prepare a Disaster Supplies Kit

This task is, by far, one of the most important stages of preparing for an emergency. You can store the items in a backpack or travel bag (or whatever you deem fit) that is portable and can move with when rushing. This kit includes:

  • Water – Every member you are preparing for should have enough drinking and cooking water to serve for a few weeks or months (an estimated one gallon per person per day).
  • Non-perishable Foods – These include canned foods or those packaged foods (no refrigeration needed).
  • Clothing – Rain gear, sturdy boots, and warm clothes
  • Blankets, sleeping bags or sponges
  • Medication (including prescription), and first aid kit (bandage tape, rubbing alcohol, pain killers, cotton, etc.)
  • Battery-powered flashlights, radios (and fans if needed), and a few packs of batteries
  • Cash and credit card (you never know if you may need to purchase something along the way!)
  • Extra set of car and house keys
  • Emergency contact numbers including contacts for the family doctor(s)
  • Personal and essential documents should be kept in a fire and water-proof holder (ID, Driver’s License, Passport, Birth Certificates, etc.)
  • Important items necessary for infants and the elderly (such as unique serial numbers for medical devices like glasses, wheelchairs, pacemakers, etc.)

There are other items you can add to the kit as you deem fit, which you may need if you have to move out.

Disaster Preparedness Checklist

Contact Your Local Emergency Management Office(s)

Are you aware of potential disasters or emergency activities prone to your area? If not, contacting your emergency management office is the best option. They will have all the information you need to help you to prepare adequately. You can find out details such as:

  • Disasters that happen most in the area
  • The best way to prepare for any potential disaster
  • How they issue warnings in an impending disaster (so you can keep your radio or television on)
  • The evacuation routes for the area
  • Possible assistance for infants, elderly and the disabled

It is also essential to check your workplace emergency plans, your school, and that of your children (including daycare).

Emergency Family Planning

Every family needs to have a time they set aside to discuss details should an emergency strike. Enlighten them about disasters such as fire, weather, earthquakes, and more are essential.

Also, the response action for each should be detailed. A safe spot in the home should a disaster strike is necessary and should have all the emergency items listed in the kit above. However, when choosing this location, ensure there is an alternative escape you other than the main entrance. But what should you discuss with your family? Here is a guide on what you may talk about:

  • Power outages and how to respond to them
  • What to do in case you get injured during the emergency
  • Design a floor plan and highlight two escape routes for each room
  • How to disable the power, water and gas switches should the need arise
  • Distribute a list of all emergency contacts as well as place them beside home phones. You should also discuss when it is necessary to call 911 or any other emergency contact. Also, give a local and out of state friend and family contact should there be separation during an emergency. (The central communication point will be able to provide location and whereabouts of each member).
  • Central assemble areas close to your home and out of the area in case you have to evacuate.
Prepper Check List

Discuss basic first aid and CPR practices (demonstrate if needed) Discuss essential details such as:

  • Before opening a door, check the bottom of the said door with the palm. If the door is hot, then it is safer to use another escape route (during a fire).
  • In case of a fire, it is safer to stay low on the ground and crawl to safety.

You should also consider having the following items when preparing for an emergency:

  • A collapsible ladder if one has to escape from a high-rise building
  • A fire extinguisher (one that all family members can operate)
  • A whistle to alert unsuspecting family members of an emergency
  • Smoke detectors
  • Water sprinklers

Be Flexible & Proactive With An Escape Plan

You need an escape plan for every type of emergency, as not all require the same. You should develop a plan for your home and discuss it with your family because emergency calls for flexibility and fast action. Detail every route and how to get there no matter what area of the house you are.

Also, a note to add, putting emergency kits close to evacuation routes, is ideal, and you can grab on the way out. This detailed plan should show everything that is required (highlight the gas, water and electrical switches in different colors, etc.) Once you highlight all escape routes, emergency kit location, switches, and other necessary ems, you need to point a safe area outside where all family members should meet (driveway, lawn, poolside, play area, etc.).

However, the best way to know if everyone understands it is to practice. At least twice per year, one should do a mock emergency evacuation drill.

Your Car

Your car could be a critical tool in case of an emergency, and you have to travel out of the area or even stay put for a while. As such, having a disaster preparedness checklist for this is important! Having a ready kit will go a far way. For this kit, you should have:

  • Battery-powered flashlight and radio (with extra batteries)
  • Blankets and other items of clothing for you and the family
  • Fire Extinguishers (you can research which is best to use)
  • Booster cables
  • First aid kit and medical kit
  • Water and non-perishable foods
  • Spare tire and kit (air pumps, etc.)
  • Charging cables for your phone

Additional Tips To Consider:

  • Prepare pet evacuation
  • Design home with an emergency in mind (strap large appliances to walls or ground, hang picture and glasses away from the bed, store hazardous chemicals in non-leak containers, fasten shelves to prevent falling, etc.)
  • Repair defective wiring and gas leaks
  • Other actions you feel are necessary.

Emergency happens when it sees fit, and though you may prepare, one still has to be on their guard. Last, but certainly not the least, if you have to evacuate, remember to lock your doors as not everyone is up to good while a disaster is on. Stay safe and alive!

Other posts you may enjoy once you have a disaster Prepper Check List:

How To Prepare A Winter Home Safety Kit

How To Prepare A Winter Home Safety Kit? Winter is a time that almost everyone fears because of what generally happens…everything freezes! It is often what you do and how you prepare for the weather that determines the outcome.

How To Prepare A Winter Home Safety Kit

The preparation process can be comfortable or cumbersome depending on where you live, the impending weather, or the size of your home. However, the items you use to prepare are most times lying around the house, and a little is all you need to get to work.

How To Prepare A Winter Home Safety Kit

During a winter storm, you have to “expect the unexpected” as there is no telling what can happen. But, your organization is essential to making the perfect emergency winter kit.

Many people are up for creating only the “stay warm and survive” kit while others prepare for “an apocalypse.”. Whichever way, it is safer to make than to be sorry. When you set out to make an emergency kit, you may consider putting it into a few categories. These include:

Emergency Items

These emergency items vary, and depending on your needs, the size of the kit may differ. Before the brunt of the winter weather hits, you should consider putting these items together:

* Plastic Bag or Water-proof bags/container

The winter season can get wet from all the snow and potential rain that may fall. As such, securing your relevant documents and valuables from the excess moist is necessary.

* Medication

This is one of the essential items to have in your kit. A lot of people tend to forget it, when the need arises, they are left confused and pondering what to do. Also, you should secure your prescription in this kit, as well.

* Medical Items

These items include alcohol, bandage tape, hydrogen peroxide, skin sprays (for insects, etc.), and other essential things you will need for emergency aid.

* Extra Set of Car & House Keys

When an emergency hits, you have no time to run around to get to necessary tools you need but to grab your emergency kit and head out. The extra pair of keys will help you become mobile quickly.

* Flashlight & Extra Batteries

Natural light might not be available, and you need to get around, so having a flashlight will help you. You will also need some extra batteries as the power outage may be lengthy.

* Battery-powered or Crank Radio

There will be no electricity, so you need to have a media source that will keep you informed. A good hand-crank weather radio is what you need. If it has a solar charging option? Even better.

* Hand Tools

Many people will wonder what these are doing in an emergency kit, but as the winter season comes on and the snow crawls in, you will need to get out. This list includes items like a small pocket knife, scissors, pliers, hammer, and screwdriver. You may also need to add a shovel as you never know what can happen with the extra snow.

* Toiletries

These items include paper towels, napkins, and pampers (both adult and children sizes). You also need to add sanitizers, soap, mouthwash, and other deodorizing essentials. If you have to leave and stay out for a while, you have to keep fresh.

* Petty Cash

A little cash on hand is helpful if you have to run out fast.

How To Prepare A Winter Home Safety Kit

Food

Food is essential and needs to be a part of your preparation kit for the winter holidays. You never know when the weather strikes, you cannot go, and you get pretty hungry. You have to stock up on non-perishable food items like tin food, biscuits, and more.

However, it is not safe to store foods that go in the refrigerator as you never know if the power will go out at any time. Bear in mind, the meal does not only include adults but also kids, so adding a few formulas is necessary.

Water

Have enough water to last for a few weeks if possible to clean, cook, and drink. If needed, you can also store water for showering as the pipelines can get bad in the intense weather.

How To Prepare A Winter Home Safety Kit

Clothing

The time is cold, and the only way to feel at ease is to warm your body the way you know how to. You have to equip yourself with ideal clothing (preferably wool), socks, gloves, and headgear.

Sleeping Gear

You need somewhere to sleep, and sleeping bags and sponges are essential to have in times of emergency. You may have to move out, and a portable bed is necessary if you have kids. You will also need to stock up on a few warm blankets to wrap.

Alternative Heating

One of the main things the winter season calls for is heat, and the more you have, the better. There is the possibility of the power going out, and you may have to find alternative sources for warming your body.

Believe it or not, heat sources are a part of the emergency kit because the cold can cause health problems like frostbite and other issues. Your heat sources may include candles, match, wood and coal stoves, your outdoor grill, or a portable fuel-run indoor generator.

Sources of Communication

You may need to contact your friends and family to check if they are okay. Fully charge your cellphone ahead of time in case the power goes out. Also, add a car charger just in case the battery runs out.

Your car is a means of communicating with those near and far as you can travel across town (if possible). Full your tanks a few days in advance of any potential winter storms.

Your life is worth protecting, and the little you do can help you go a far way. Many people do not see it fit to put away all these items but rather scamper around when it is too late. Of course, we don’t expect all these items to be in the same location, but briefing the entire family on the easiest way to access them is essential.

The weather is on to us, and we wish you a safe one and do stay warm. We hope that How To Prepare A Winter Home Safety Kit helps you do just that.

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Emergency Tips For Staying Safe In An Earthquake

Emergency Tips For Staying Safe In An Earthquake? Mother nature knows how to give us the best and the worst, and how we deal with it determines the outcome.

Earthquake safety tips

Like most natural disasters, you can predict, an earthquake can come at any time and in whatever magnitude it chooses.

Emergency Tips For Staying Safe In An Earthquake

The only way to walk “free” from the ills of an earthquake is to prepare yourself for the possible effects that may occur. But the question has been asked countless times how to prepare for such a disaster. We have compiled a few tips to consider for the before, during, and after-effects of an earthquake. Read on…

Before An Earthquake:

The first step to preparing for an earthquake is to consider the three most important areas, your home, family, and community. Practicing the fundamental movements is vital, so one would know precisely how to respond, such as the drop, cover, and hold on moves. All the emergency contact numbers are also a must-have for all members.

Other factors to consider when planning for an earthquake are to create an emergency exit and assemble areas in your home and the community by extension. You need to do a proper tour of your home and detail the activities to do if it occurs while they are there. Also, an emergency kit with the following items should be in close reach at all times:

  • Non-perishable Foods + Water
  • Medication + Prescription
  • Fire Extinguishers
  • Flashlights
  • Petty Cash for emergency payments
  • Your car with adequate gas for travel
  • First-Aid Kit (Alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, bandage tape, dust masks, battery-operated radios, cotton, etc.)

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You need to ensure your main electrical switches, gas, and main water lines disconnection methods are understood if it needs to be switched off by any member of the family.

Every home needs a family meeting to discuss the details of natural disasters such as these and ensure everyone is up to date on the basics. Do you live in a tsunami-prone area? Not sure? Then, you may need to find out.

Doing your research and contacting the relevant disaster-preparedness authorities in your area will also provide you with essential details on whether you live in an area where earthquakes occur frequently or not.

The safety of yourself, your family, and your home depends on how proactive you are. As you prepare your home and family for the onset of a potential earthquake, do not forget your pets. They may not understand what is happening, and they solely depend on you to protect them.

General Checklist For Preparing Your Homes:

  • Heavy objects should be placed on lower shelves.
  • Store breakables (glass, bottles, utensils, etc.) in closed lower areas of your cabinet.
  • Repair electrical and gas leakage issues.
  • Secure large appliances and furniture such as refrigerators, water heaters, washing & drying machines, etc. by strapping to walls or via floor bolting.
  • Ensure all flammable items and liquids are in areas that won’t allow them to spill in the case of heavy vibration.
  • Do not place heavy objects close to exit areas like doors, windows, or staircases.
  • Trim dangling trees from over your homes or driveway.
Emergency Tips For Staying Safe In An Earthquake

During An Earthquake: Emergency Tips For Staying Safe In An Earthquake

In the past few decades, reports have shown that most casualties of an earthquake occur as a result of what takes place during the event (fallen objects, moving, etc.). Either concussion from flying or falling objects or other vibrating-cause effects.

If you happen to be inside during an earthquake, experts recommend that you stay indoors and take cover from the potential falling or dangling objects. While, if you are outdoors, stay put and never try to venture inside until authorities say it is safe to do so.

During the earthquake, here are a few “DOs & DON’Ts” to consider:

While Indoors…

  • Drop (to the floor) and take cover under a desk or a table. This action will help to prevent direct objects from hitting you. Also, ensure you hold on firmly until the vibration stops.
  • Stay inside until all shaking has ceased. Objects may still be dangling, and with an aftershock, they may fall and hurt you.
  • Do not stand close to high-rise furniture like bookcases and shelves, nor should you stand close to windows and lighting fixtures.
  • If you are lying down, move swiftly to go under the bed, but if not possible, use a pillow to cover your head and face in case objects or glass may shatter and fly.
  • If you are a wheelchair user, roll to a safe location and lock the wheels. Then protect your head and neck from potential moving objects. If possible, it is safe to carry a small cushion while in a wheelchair, as you can use it to protect your head and face.
  • In the case of no covering being in close range, move as fast as possible to a doorway and brace yourself between the jambs until the shaking stops (even though it may not be an ideal place according to some experts, it still works).

While Outdoors…

  • Drop-in an open space that has no buildings, powerlines, trees, or where no loose objects can reach you easily.
  • If you are driving, safely park in a hazard-free zone and pull the handbrakes. Ensure there are no trees, powerlines, or buildings that can fall on your car. Also, it is essential to avoid parking along bridges or overpasses.
  • If you are in a stadium or theatre, stay put in your seat and protect your head and neck. Do not try to venture out as there can be dangling objects ready to fall.
Emergency Tips For Staying Safe In An Earthquake

After An Earthquake: Emergency Tips For Staying Safe In An Earthquake

As you stay in position until the shaking has stopped, be sure to watch your every step on your way to safety. Always keep your hand or pillow on your head to prevent being hit by dangling objects.

However, there are strong possibilities of aftershocks occurring even if it was a minor earthquake, and these too can still be dangerous. Wherever you were for safety, stay there for a few minutes and check if after vibrations are happening. If not, move swiftly (but with care!) to an open assembly area.

When you are out, contact an emergency portal (whichever way possible) and let them know of the impact on the area. They will dispatch teams to do a damage assessment. While you wait and recover, check for your friends and family to see if everyone is doing fine.

Amidst everything, experts recommend during the event, one SHOULD NOT PANIC as this can allow you to forget every preparation tips you planned. With our Emergency Tips For Staying Safe In An Earthquake, you should be all set!

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