Dealing with the Aftermath of Natural Disasters

Dealing with the Aftermath of Natural Disasters is something I feel isn’t often discussed – BEFORE an unsavory situation occurs. It doesn’t matter what kind of natural disaster we are talking about – we pretty much need to follow all of the same steps going forward. Think of it like dealing with the standard steps of grieving, you need to work your way through it all so you can move forward.

Dealing with the Aftermath of Natural Disasters showing an earthquake mess

There are probably a few more steps in here that you might experience, I am just covering the big basics. The bottom line? If YOU have survived a natural disaster, you CAN move forward and get past all of this.

Dealing with the Aftermath of Natural Disasters

What constitutes a natural disaster? Natural disasters are catastrophic events with atmospheric, geological, and hydrological origins (e.g., droughts, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, landslides) that can cause fatalities, property damage and social environmental disruption.

Whew- isn’t that a mouthful?

Basically, it is anything that the planet can throw at us that majorly disrupts our way of life.

Knowing that, we can plan ahead for only so much. We can have our first aid, food stores, water supply, and bug out bags – but depending on the situation? We may or may not have the access to all of that. Let’s look at what we might have to deal with:

Handling the Initial Shock

It can be very shocking at first when you see your home severely damaged by a storm, but you have to remain calm and collected.

I remember when tornadoes hit Stoughton Wisconsin in 2005. There was an F3 that leveled a few homes and farms – spreading contents everywhere. The local community pulled together and volunteers combed the area to help clean up and collect belongings for the original owners.

A mom brought her little girl along, maybe seven years old, thinking it would not only be a great service opportunity, but a lesson on nature, disaster preparation, and survival.

It backfired big time.

That poor kiddo was traumatized at seeing toys spread across a field, some speared by corn stalks. The mere thought of that happening to HER belongings was more than she could conceptualize and they had to leave.

She is probably still in therapy to this very day – the poor kiddo.

That is the thing to keep in mind though, it IS shocking to see the aftermath.

  • The remnants of your belongings scattered across an area.
  • The watermarks up to the second story of your flooded home.
  • Your yard covered in feet of sand and silt.
  • Your belongings under layers of rubble.

You need to be mentally prepared for WHAT you might be looking at after an extreme event – maybe watch a few videos, together as a family, to get an idea what might happen so there are no surprises.

Here is a great video on Earthquakes: Earthquakes 101 | National Geographic

Aftermath of Natural Disasters: Assess the Extent of the Damage

Sometimes storm damage can look worse than it really is. A few shingles missing from a roof isn’t really as bad as it seems, but broken windows or caved in structures can be quite bad.

It is important to decide if your structure is safe enough to actually stay in post-disaster. Can your windows be boarded up? Do you need to add a support beam or two for floors? Is everything soaked beyond belief?

Eventually, insurance will get involved, etc – but from the history of events in the United States? It can take months, if not years, for everything to be settled. Just look at the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. That is the lack of efficiency at its best – with government fund mismanagement and insurance fraud.

It will also need to be defensible against rioters or looters – there might be other, more desperate people out there to be aware of.

You need to decide if your home is safe enough to live in right now, or not.

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What to do if your house is gone

Severe disasters can sometimes completely level houses or damage them to a point beyond repair, so you will need to figure out if a shelter or temporary housing is the best option.

Rough it

If you have camping supplies, a tent, or even a pop-up camper, you can probably make it through without having to leave the area if the environment is safe enough. It certainly beats those FEMA trailers that turned out to not only be toxic but designed for a short-term living situation. We are talking six months or so.

Public Shelters

The Red Cross often sets up shelters in schools and community centers. This may be a viable option – but those are usually build on the cheapest land and that land gets hit the hardest. Schools are often leveled in an earthquake.

Friends and family

If none of those are workable options for you then seeing if there is a family couch you can surf might be the next best step. I know I could have stayed with my mom in an instant if I needed to – and have offered my sister in Florida a safe haven when hurricanes have invaded.

They will no doubt be the most understanding if there are a lot of personal items that are destroyed. You can try to regroup and look ahead for a brighter future.

Dealing with the Aftermath of Natural Disasters picture of flooding

Don’t Try to Deal with it All by Yourself

You should seek out help after a natural disaster to have your home at least somewhat restored. If a disaster is serious enough, many people around the world or country will donate, even the government at some points.

While this is true, it can take a LOT of time for the funds to trickle down to those who actually need it. Some insurance companies are awesome and set up “drive-thru” clinics to speed the process along.

People will come in droves to assist – usually bringing food, water, clothes, etc and then, the manpower will come. Even kids in church youth groups will arrive to help clear debris and restore some semblance of normalcy once an area is deemed safe.

This is where you can have some faith in humanity – they WILL pull together and help you, mostly the average Joe.

Aftermath of Natural Disasters: Tensions can be High

You’ll have a lot of emotions running through your head after a disaster, but learn to handle them rather than lashing out on people who couldn’t have done anything about it.

Everyone involved are going through some of the 7 stages of grief:

  • Shock and denial. This is a state of disbelief and numbed feelings.
  • Pain and guilt.
  • Anger and bargaining.
  • Depression.
  • The upward turn.
  • Reconstruction and working through.
  • Acceptance and hope.

While you do need to protect you and yours, you need to realize you are part of a larger community that is going through the same thing.

When downtown Sun Prairie exploded, I couldn’t believe all of the fundraisers and volunteers! I still see #SunPraireStrong bumper stickers and T-shirts to this day – and some of those who received help? They have gone on to pay it forward for other unfortunate incidents in our community.

The bottom line when dealing with the Aftermath of Natural Disasters? It is all about your mindset. Be ready for what you MAY experience and know that we can do anything, for a short period of time. If the people you love have survived, you have saved everything that is really the most important in life. You will be OK going forward, even if it is a rocky journey at times.

Tornado aftermath of a tree that fell through a house

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Mentally Preparing for a Weather Catastrophe

It can be a very scary feeling to watch the local TV stations and see an impending weather event heading your way. Mentally Preparing for a Weather Catastrophe is one small thing that is important for you to navigate the situation effectively.

Mentally Preparing for a Weather Catastrophe article cover image with a hurricane

In Wisconsin, we only have thirteen minutes max from when they declare a tornado warning until it would hit. That isn’t a lot of time to panic or prepare – really just enough time to hit the basement or lowest part of your home.

It is different for those that have to watch a hurricane heading their way on TV for several days, up to a week. Are they tracking the path correctly? Is the intensity going to be what they plan? Are shelves being cleared as people stock up on water and canned food?

How do the hardware stores look- is plywood vanishing as people are trying to board up windows? Are highways crowded as people move inland?

The wildfires of the west are tracked and people try to decide if they need to leave their homes and all of their belongings just because the wind shifts.

You can see how the mental strain of watching something possible come up leaves people with a feeling of helplessness – and as they look for a semblance of control there are some things to consider.

Mentally Preparing for a Weather Catastrophe

Yes, I said MENTALLY. The illusion of control is very important to people and that is why the cold war had a ton of “duck and cover” campaigns. Looking back now, we understand that “duck and cover” would do absolutely nothing for us in the event of a nuclear bomb hitting our area – but it gave people something to focus on.

Learn How to Not Panic

Panicking is the worst thing you can do in any survival situation. It doesn’t help anything at best, and at worst it hinders you greatly.

This goes against our natural fight or flight response, but a clear head can make all of the difference. You need to be able to handle dealing with the aftermath of natural disasters and that means pushing the panic aside.

After outside help arrives, or everything is back to normal, THEN you can fall apart. Let all of those adrenalin endorphins dump and breathe – but get through the first few moments first.

Understand the severity of your situation

Not every weather catastrophe is the end of the world. Hurricanes for example may be bad, but it’s not going to kill you if you do everything right.

Are they calling for an evacuation or are they saying to shelter in place? Can you safely board up windows and hunker down? Do you need sandbags? It is a category 1 or 5?

There are so many things to take into consideration, but you need a clear head to do it.

Mentally Preparing for a Weather Catastrophe: Look on the brighter side of things

After a disaster, it can be easy to wallow in what you’ve lost, but try to look on the bright side of what you’ve kept, such as family.

Everything can be replaced. Every. Single. Thing.

It may take time, may take money, and may not be exactly the same as what you had before, but it can be replaced.

People can’t.

Hug your loved ones and keep your chin up – you are still together!

Taking Steps Before a Disaster Can Put You at Ease

Knowing that you’re well stocked up and prepared to take on the disaster can make it a lot easier in your mind, making you less likely to panic. This is a good thing to get the kids engaged so they have that illusion of control that I mentioned. It will help keep them from feeling helpless.

Do better – BE better than the FEMA guidelines that suggest a 72-hour supply for everyone. Think weeks, if not months of food, water, and medical supplies.

It’s a well-known fact that when a crisis is raging, there’s often panic among the masses. One of these reasons is because the media will often hype up situations in order to drive up the ratings.

This works because what it does is whips people into a frenzy and they make a run on supplies. You’ve probably seen empty grocery store shelves during times of uncertain weather.

When this is going on, it will often create a state where the demand will exceed the supply, which in turn only fuels more panic. What retailers do in response to this panic is they will jack up the prices.

just before a hurricane hits

Mentally Preparing for a Weather Catastrophe: Food storage

When stocking up on food – try keeping track of what you normally eat, as a family for a month. Look at that list, and then try to find the shelf-stable equivalent for your food storage.

You don’t need to gather tons of freeze-dried items or even MREs but can work through canned food, your own dehydrated fruits, and veggies, and your own canned soups, stews, and meals.

I know we have a lot of “heat and eat” meals ready to go – that not only make beyond busy weeks a breeze but are there for when we have to use a grill in the backyard to heat up a pot of planned goodness to fill our bellies.

You’ll need to do this for every member of your family – including your pets. For your water supply, you’ll want to look for ones labeled emergency water pouches or survival water pouches if you are looking at short-term supplies.

Water storage:

I have talked about this a lot – from rain barrels to bottled water, this is the biggie we need to make sure we have enough of. Keep an eye out on sales and pick up a case of water here and there, slowly adding to your stash instead of being in the checkout lines with the panic shoppers when something wicked is heading your way.

First Aid Supplies:

Build that extensive first aid kit before an emergency. It is good to have everything from ace bandages to pain killers on hand for helping possibly wounded survivors. You won’t feel horrible stacking people in a triage situation where they have to lay in misery until outside help arrives.

You’ll see sales on holidays like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and other days. Watch for the supplies you need to go on sale then, especially if they’re the more expensive items.

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Watch the sales

Pay attention to in-store sales, discount sales, and bulk buying sales. You can usually find something on sale in every one of the categories on your list. Keep it handy (and updated) and carry it with you at all times just in case.

Survival and prepping is something every household should be doing, regardless of their level of income. Dire situations don’t discriminate when it comes to wreaking havoc on society, and you want to be just as ready as your neighbors (if not more so) when anything causes you to go into bug-out mode.

No amount of prepping is too small. If all you can buy is an extra 3-pound bag of rice, then do it. A couple of cans of soup here and there is also a start. Don’t wait until you have plenty of extra money to buy everything all at once.

Having a Radio Can Make a Big Difference

Hearing constant updates about the situation can put your mind at a lot of ease compared to just hoping it’s safe outside constantly. A Hand-crank weather radio will be your best friend, especially if you have no power.

That is great for hearing about what is going on but won’t let you communicate with others. For that, you’ll want to splurge on a communication device such as ham radio or world band radio. You might also want to consider a short-wave radio. Splurge on a decent antenna and a solar charging system.

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How to Prepare Your Family For a Flood

How to Prepare Your Family For a Flood? If you live in a flood plain, it makes sense to prepare your family for the potential of a flood. Floods can be extremely damaging and deadly if you’re not careful.

How to Prepare Your Family For a Flood

Just ask the people who live in parts of Texas and Louisiana right now. Making sure that your family is as best prepared as they can be maybe one of the most important things you can do for them. Take a look at these 15 tips to prepare for a flood:

Steps to Prepare for a Flood

These steps are a combination of things you can do way in advance and as soon as you get the flash flood warning.

Before the Flood: Prepare Your Family For a Flood

Flood Insurance

Most people who live in a flood plain know that you need to have flood insurance, but if you don’t? Get it today. Flood insurance is not available through your insurance company and instead is offered by the government at a very affordable price.

This is certainly the number one item on your list if you live in an area that has been known to flood. If the worst case scenario hits, you will be protected.

Prevent water from entering your home

If you are expecting heavy rains or storms to hit your locality, particularly if you live in a flood-prone area, you should cover your doors, or even windows, with metal sheets, sandbags, or plywood. You can also use silicone sealant to ensure that water will not enter your home.

Some of these things you should have on hand, especially if you live in a flood-prone area.

Shut off your utilities

You should remember to turn off all your utilities, such as gas, electricity and even water, at the mains. You should also remember to unplug all your electrical appliances and store them at high places, on the second floor, if possible.

Be mindful of your appliances and furniture

You need to ensure that your furniture and appliances are kept in high areas or upstairs. If you do not have a second floor, you can just raise such items on blocks or bricks. Be sure to remove carpets, curtains, and even internal doors. Store them all in high places to ensure that they are protected from water.

Fire safe box

I realize that a fire-safe box is for fires, but most of the good quality ones are also somewhat watertight. Keep certified copies of your important documents and flash drives with your family photos inside of them just in case you lose your other copies. It may not protect them.

Important papers, pictures, and other personal items really should be placed on higher ground, particularly on the second floor of your house. If not, you should put important papers on sealed bags to ensure that they are protected from the impending deluge.

72 Hour Bag

If you live on a flood plain, you may very well have to evacuate quickly. Having a well stocked 72 hour bag is a MUST! Your bag needs to include 3 days change of clothing, quick food, water, medicines, personal documents (certified copies), cash, debit or credit cards, and anything else you might think you need. Too many people have been left with nothing because of a rising flash flood to skip this step.

Check the perimeter

Make sure that all objects outside your house, such as rakes, are kept in a safe place. Floodwater can easily float these items, which can pose danger to others.

Raft or canoe

I know it may seem excessive, however, in a flash flood, you may not be able to get your car out of the driveway (or even get to your car for that matter). Having something you can paddle out in could save your life in case the water rises too quickly.

Lifejackets

Along with the raft or canoe, you need to be sure that you have a lifejacket for every single member of your family. If something would happen and they couldn’t get out of the water, they would at least be covered that way. It really could be the difference between life and death for them.

Use the Top shelf

The words top shelf doesn’t apply just to liquor. Keep your important documents and a few days of food and water on a top shelf for storage in case of rapidly rising water.

Also look for anything that is poisonous. We tend to keep those items under our kitchen sink, but we certainly don’t want those toxins getting into the water, should it enter your home. If you have pets? It would be a death sentence.

During the Flood: Prepare Your Family For a Flood

Use a weather radio

Information is crucial during situations like these so a hand-crank weather radio is a must-have. Thus, you need to always listen to the radio for announcements and updates. Be sure to cooperate fully with local authorities and emergency services. If they require you to evacuate, follow them and do not dillydally.

Burn Daylight

Since electricity will almost certainly be unavailable, you must ensure that you do all the things you need to do during the day. It is much more difficult and unsafe to do things in the dark.

Stay Inside

Just because you made sure all sharp implements were pretty much nailed down, it doesn’t mean that all your neighbors did the same thing. Be sure to stay inside your house. There may be objects floating in the water, so do not attempt to swim through it.

Floodwater can kill, especially when it is raging, so do not attempt to go out. It is important to note that rapid-flowing water that is six inches high could make you fall, while two feet of water could make your car float. You can either be swept away or be knocked over by objects that are in the water.

Avoid the Water

Floodwater may be dirty and contaminated with sewage, so you should avoid contact if possible. It would be a shame that you survived the flooding but fell ill because of contaminated water.

Keep off the roads

River bridges, sea defenses, and riverbanks are very dangerous places to be in during floods, so be sure to steer away from them if possible. There have been many cases wherein floodwater has destroyed or collapsed bridges and defenses.

These 15 tips aren’t complicated to do at all, but they could not only help you save your precious documents but your life as well. If you live in an area that has flooded in the past, you can bet that it will again at some point. It may not be tomorrow, but it will happen eventually. Making sure you’re prepared for that possibility isn’t a bad thing. It’s just plain smart.

Strong tropical storms and hurricanes often cause flooding, even in areas that are not prone to such an event. With the extreme weather conditions that we are facing today, everybody should be prepared for anything, particularly flooding.

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