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What is the Best Plan for Disaster Safety?

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

Disasters are catastrophic events, such as earthquakes, floods, fires, hurricanes, or bombings, that can seriously alter circumstances in a short amount of time. Most can be dangerous and create life-threatening situations both during and following the event. Although no disaster safety plan is foolproof, being amply prepared for likely disasters can help keep people safe during and following an emergency.

When considering disaster safety, remember that precautions can prevent dangerous problems from arising during a disaster. In regions where earthquakes are common, furnishings, like high dressers, mirrors, and shelves should be carefully secured to walls and the floor to prevent them from falling in case of an earthquake. Many people who live in areas where tornadoes occur have underground storm cellars that can protect people from the violence of the storm. Understanding the weather and geological situation of the region can help families and individuals take adequate precautions for the most likely disasters.

Many families develop disaster plans, especially in areas prone to hurricanes or other natural disasters.
Many families develop disaster plans, especially in areas prone to hurricanes or other natural disasters.

In some severe catastrophes, disaster safety steps extend far past the immediate event. After a disaster, roads may be damaged or impassable, normal communication lines may be unavailable, and services like electricity, water, and gas may become compromised. Providing for basic needs that may arise after a hurricane, earthquake or other disaster is an important part of disaster safety.

Individuals in areas that are routinely affected by severe weather, such as coastal areas that are near hurricane paths, should follow meteorological reports.
Individuals in areas that are routinely affected by severe weather, such as coastal areas that are near hurricane paths, should follow meteorological reports.

Some safety experts recommend having a survival kit prepared in the event of an emergency. This kit can be tailored to fit individual needs and supplies will alter for different people. At minimum, disaster safety kits typically include non-perishable food rations, clean water for several days, and some means of warmth, like blankets.

Other supplies to consider putting in a disaster safety kit include basic medicines and first aid supplies, such as bandages, antiseptic creams or ointments, pain relievers, and sterile gloves. Having solar or battery-powered radios and flashlights may also be greatly helpful if power lines are down. In some cases, a disaster safety kit may also include flares or reflectors to attract emergency personnel and alert them to a person's presence. By carefully maintaining and regularly updating an emergency kit, the safety of a home or office's inhabitants can be greatly increased.

Batteries may be useful in an emergency kit.
Batteries may be useful in an emergency kit.

For families with children, safety experts say it is very important to explain disaster safety and have a comprehensive plan in place that the children can understand and follow. In case of fires, children should be aware of escape routes and have a set meeting place near the house, as well as near school, where the family can meet in case of emergency. Children should also be aware of where disaster supply kits are stored around the home, and also be made aware of what type of disasters may occur in the region. Consider conducting drills a few times a year to reinforce good emergency procedure tactics around the home.

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a WiseGEEK writer.

Learn more...
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a WiseGEEK writer.

Learn more...

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    • Many families develop disaster plans, especially in areas prone to hurricanes or other natural disasters.
      By: Brian Nolan
      Many families develop disaster plans, especially in areas prone to hurricanes or other natural disasters.
    • Individuals in areas that are routinely affected by severe weather, such as coastal areas that are near hurricane paths, should follow meteorological reports.
      By: razlomov
      Individuals in areas that are routinely affected by severe weather, such as coastal areas that are near hurricane paths, should follow meteorological reports.
    • Batteries may be useful in an emergency kit.
      By: Gudellaphoto
      Batteries may be useful in an emergency kit.
    • Emergency kits should contain a flashlight.
      By: Petr Malyshev
      Emergency kits should contain a flashlight.
    • Personal hygiene items, like soap, should be included in an emergency kit.
      By: picsfive
      Personal hygiene items, like soap, should be included in an emergency kit.
    • An emergency kit should contain non-perishable snacks, like chips.
      By: Xuejun li
      An emergency kit should contain non-perishable snacks, like chips.
    • Photocopies of personal documents, like social security cards and passports, should be kept in an emergency kit.
      By: AR Images
      Photocopies of personal documents, like social security cards and passports, should be kept in an emergency kit.
    • Medications for all household members should be included in a disaster safety kit.
      By: Feng Yu
      Medications for all household members should be included in a disaster safety kit.
    • Disaster experts recommend that bottled water be kept with a home or vehicle's emergency kit.
      By: Neiromobile
      Disaster experts recommend that bottled water be kept with a home or vehicle's emergency kit.
    • Stockpiling canned goods is an important part of disaster safety.
      By: simmittorok
      Stockpiling canned goods is an important part of disaster safety.
    • A basement or cellar can be used when seeking protection from a tornado.
      By: Steven Baines
      A basement or cellar can be used when seeking protection from a tornado.
    • People need to seek shelter during severe thunderstorms.
      By: valdezrl
      People need to seek shelter during severe thunderstorms.
    • Keeping an emergency kit can help increase people's chances of surviving after a large earthquake.
      By: LG Images
      Keeping an emergency kit can help increase people's chances of surviving after a large earthquake.
    • Putting together a first aid kit before a disaster occurs is recommended.
      By: Paul Gibbings
      Putting together a first aid kit before a disaster occurs is recommended.