Natural disasters can happen at any time during the year. Are you prepared to handle them if they affect your home? Floods, tornadoes, wildfire, hurricanes, and other environmental catastrophes are unpredictable. Be wise and prepare for them before they strike.
25 Things to Prepare for Disaster in 2021
1. Portable Water Filters
During a disaster, many people soon experience the scarcity of safe drinking water. You should always have access to drinking water by using a device that purifies water from rain, puddles, rivers, and other water sources.
2. Source of Light
Waterproof matches, flashlights, candles, and other light sources are necessary, especially during the night. Prepare extra batteries as well. When you use up all electrical sources of light, you can use candles as an alternative.
3. First-aid Kit
Drug stores usually sell basic first-aid kits. Add some vital medications if you have certain medical conditions. Always be prepared for the worst-case scenario. Band-aids, antibiotics, antiseptics, and tourniquets become useful during emergencies.
4. Emergency Food Supply
You should always have emergency food supplies ready at any time. High-calorie foods, canned foods, granola bars, and other foods with long shelf life can sustain you and your family for days.
5. Multi-tool Pocket Knife
A multi-tool pocket knife will come in handy during disasters. Make sure it has a can opener and bottle opener for your canned and bottled food supply.
6. Solar Power Bank
Use the solar power bank to charge phones, batteries, and other electronic gadgets. The sun is your best friend when there is no other source of electricity.
7. Map of Emergency Evacuation Routes
Having a map of emergency evacuation routes allow you to navigate to the nearest shelter in case of a storm or a giant flood. Study these maps as early as possible, in case you lose them.
8. Ropes
Ropes are useful in tying things down, especially during strong hurricane winds. You can also use the ropes to climb up or down elevated areas. Have different sizes of ropes for various purposes.
9. Duct Tape
Duct tape is a versatile tool during disasters. You can use it to patch holes, fix cracks, mend broken poles, keep your feet warm, seal containers, and many more.
10. Portable Cooking Stove and Fuel
Buy portable cooking stoves to heat water and food. Also, buy denatured alcohol, natural gas, or butane to use as a fuel source for the stoves. You are going to need hot water and hot food in many instances.
11. Keep Extra Gas for Your Car
You should always have extra gas for your car in case of an emergency. If you live in an area prone to natural disasters, you should never let your gas tank be nearly empty at all times.
12. Diapers, Wipes, Instant Formula, and Bottles
If you have a baby or a toddler, always keep extra diapers, wipes, instant formula, and bottles. You want every member of your family to survive a disaster.
13. Pet Food and Cages
If you have a dog, cat, or any other pets, always prepare extra food for them, too. Place them in watertight containers to avoid getting moist. Prepare cages for them as well, in case you need to transport them to an evacuation center.
14. Extra Cash - Gold - Silver - Bitcoin
When disaster strikes, you may not be able to use your credit cards or withdraw cash from ATMs. Always have extra money with you. Make sure you have small changes, too. You may need to purchase some essentials from stores.
15. Towels
Towels are versatile. You can use them to wipe yourself for sanitation, cover your head to avoid heatstroke, use them as a dust mask, cover your body for insulation, and dry yourself when you get soaking wet.
16. Whistle
A whistle is useful when you cannot shout for help. You can use a whistle to signal distress. If you remember the movie "Titanic," Rose used a whistle to call for help. If it were not for the whistle, she would have frozen to death in the icy ocean.
17. Tent and Sleeping Bags
You can use tents as temporary shelter for your and your family. Prepare sleeping bags for each member, as well. If you live in a cold area, prepare extra blankets as well.
18. Important Identification Documents
Always seal pertinent IDs and documents in a watertight case. You are going to need these documents for proof of identity. In case you get unconscious, anyone can identify you through these documents.
19. Printed Emergency Contact Information
IN a disaster or emergency your phone and iPad might not be an option. We recommend a paper printed address book, analog printed maps. If you live away from your family members, keep a list of emergency contact information. In case you get rescued, your rescuers can give your family members a call.
20. Surgical Masks/N95 Masks
During a pandemic, a surgical mask is useful. These tools will keep you safe from deadly viruses and other airborne diseases lurking in the environment.
21. Battery Operated Analog or Solar Crank Radio
When you have no other information source during a disaster, you can turn to the old-fashioned radio for news. You need as much information as you can to assess your next decisions.
22. Umbrellas or Raincoats
These are essential items if you live in areas prone to heavy rainfall and hurricanes. Raincoats are more appropriate if the winds get strong.
23. Learn CPR
A cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving procedure. You can use this skill to revive someone who experiences cardiac arrest.
24. Learn to Swim
Swimming is an essential skill, especially when you live near water or a flood-prone area. You can also use this skill to save someone who is drowning.
25. Insurance
Insurance is necessary, especially if you have family members who depend on you financially. Although it cannot save lives or stop disasters, it can help you recover from the economic effects of an unforeseen catastrophe.
Last Words
Hopefully, you and your family will not face any major disaster. In case nature is unforgiving, this checklist will help you prepare for the worst to come. Remember that being ready is always better. You cannot always depend on luck.
