Managing Health Can Also Help In Disasters
By Tom Herrin
Most people are well aware of the need to get in shape and stay that way. Many times, it is to manage weight, blood pressure, diabetes, or deal with various injuries. Good health can serve some other purposes as well. A look around at many of the emergency situations in which disasters occur may enlighten people on the importance of staying healthy in order to improve the chances of survival when these things happen. Once people are in situations in which medications and other resources may not be readily available, their chances of success will be better if they are in good enough health that they have no need of these things.
The Element Of Surprise Can Isolate People
Any kind of emergencies that are part of major disasters can totally disrupt life as most people know it. Whether it is an earthquake, tornado, hurricane, or any other kind of crisis, public services can be interrupted in an instant. Electricity, water supplies, phone service, and television can all be cut off without notice. When people suddenly become isolated, they may have to survive for days without help. Good health may be tested. It is critical for people to have some degree of preparation such as storing some supplies.
What Are Useful Supplies?
Water is always an essential. When Hurricane Harvey hit the Texas coast, water treatment facilities in Beaumont, Texas were damaged as a result; bottled water had to be shipped in to provide drinking water for the residents. Bottled water for a few days should be kept on hand. Food that does not require cooking is another essential. Add to this some basic first aid supplies and copies of important papers. With careful packing, a five gallon bucket could be packed for each family member that could be picked up and carried in an evacuation.
Be Sure You Can Communicate
Phone numbers of family members and other trusted contacts should be kept somewhere, not in just your cell phone. There should also be a list of emails. There should be a good understanding of where to go if you lose contact with each other, and everyone should know what the most trusted sources of information are. Plans should be gone over as a group on a regular basis so that each family member understands. Pair this with good health practices, and you will increase your chances of survival in a disaster.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Brentwood, Calif.