Preparing For Disasters Makes Survival Easier
By Tom Herrin
Many people may be a little more concerned about surviving emergency situations due to some of the most recent events along the coasts. When monstrous storms approach vulnerable areas, they are met with all kinds of different frames of thought. Many people feel the comfort that since they have survived such things before, they will be able to do it again. They fail to calculate the fact that all emergencies are not the same. Preparing for a storm surge and high winds in a hurricane may be very different from dealing with rising water as a result of water being released from reservoirs upstream. Either way, a good disaster plan can help people avoid a personal catastrophe.
Emergency Kits Should Be Kept Handy
It is important for people to keep in mind that serious situations can occur whether they are at home or away. In such a case, people should have something available for use at home or in their cars. A good kit should contain those items that are essential for sustaining life for a few days and a few other things. Bottled water, food that does not require cooking, first aid supplies, and copies of important documents are all helpful for basic survival.
Training For Family Members Is Important
Everyone should have basic understanding of things that may need to be done. Since no one knows who may be injured and who may need to provide first aid, everyone needs to know some of it. The other thing they all need to know is how to shut off utilities. In serious damage, electricity and gas can both be dangerous. Broken water lines can add to flooding, as well as deplete water supplies. A brief walk around the house once a month demonstrating how to shut things off would be a good idea, especially for younger members of the family.
Be Sure Everyone Has Important Contact Information
Your family could be scattered widely at the the time an emergency happens. Each member needs to have a list of phone numbers and email addresses in the event they are separated from each other. Communication could be disrupted and normal means may not be available. Whatever your plan is, involving the entire family in making the plan can make it more effective. The more decisions that can be made ahead of time, the better the chance of survival for all.
Also important is being in good health to withstand the turmoil your life will be in. Don't take your health for granted, either. It may save your life.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Colorado Springs, Colo.
