We are all concerned with the possibility of further public health emergencies arising in the wake of recent hurricanes, tsunamis, acts of terrorism, and floods. Though some people feel it is impossible to be prepared for unexpected events, the truth is that taking preparedness actions helps people deal with disasters of all sorts much more effectively when they do occur.
Hurricanes are among the most dramatic, damaging and potentially deadly weather events. The force of hurricane winds alone can cause tremendous devastation, toppling trees and power lines, closing roads; they cause flooding and severe damage to buildings.
On August 28th, 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit the southern coast of the United States with devastating effect. The storm surge breached the city’s levees at multiple points, leaving 80 percent of the city submerged, tens of thousands of victims clinging to rooftops, and hundreds of thousands scattered to shelters around the country.
Now, three years later, how many of us have prepared ourselves to survive the next natural disaster?
Will you be able to survive those first critical 3 days of a disaster with no electricity, water or medical help?
WILL YOU?
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) says “To survive a natural or man-made disaster we must have the tools and plans in place to make it on our own, at least for a period of time, no matter where we are when the disaster strikes. Just like having a working smoke detector in the case of a fire, preparing for the unexpected makes sense.”
When preparing for a possible emergency situation, it’s best to think first about the basics of survival: fresh water, food, clean air and warmth. To ensure these basics you need to have the following available for you and your family.
· Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
· Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
· A comprehensive First aid kit
· Flashlight and extra batteries
· Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio and extra batteries for both
· Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
· Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
· Whistle to signal for help
· Wrench to turn off utilities
· Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
The same preparedness is true for any natural or manmade disaster or emergency situation that catches you off-guard. The gear necessary to provide you and your family with the basics for survival are the same no matter where you live.
One of the most frightening and destructive phenomena of nature is a severe earthquake and its terrible after effects.
Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently, and without warning at any time of the day or night. If an earthquake occurs in a populated area, it may cause many deaths and injuries and extensive property damage.
Although there are no guarantees of safety during an earthquake, identifying potential hazards ahead of time and advance planning can save lives and significantly reduce injuries and property damage.
A magnitude 5.4 earthquake rocked southern California on July 29, 2008. This earthquake is a reminder to make the important changes we need to survive the inevitable.
Winter storms can bring heavy snowfall and extreme cold that can immobilize an entire region. Even areas that normally experience mild winters can be hit with a major snowstorm or extreme cold. Winter storms can result in flooding, storm surge, closed highways, blocked roads, downed power lines and hypothermia.
Floods are one of the most common hazards in the United States. Flood effects can be local, impacting a neighbourhood or community, or if very large like Katrina, affecting entire river basins and multiple states.
The most disturbing news that the latest surveys have given us is that fewer than 50% of households located in earthquake zones have disaster supply kits at hand. Even after the graphic videos provided by the news media, half of our population makes no effort to prepare!
Remember, you will likely be on your own in the hours and days following an earthquake, flood, and severe storm or any major emergency. I urge you to be prepared for the unexpected with emergency drinking water, food, first aid supplies, and medications regardless of where you live.
I hope that this article has given you some incentive to bring your family to a better prepared condition.
Sincerely:
Allan Wright
First Aid Kit Products
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