Being A Safe Distance Last Time May Not Be Enough
By Tom Herrin
Plano is a pretty good distance from Houston. While Harvey was bearing down on the coast, it felt reasonably safe to be so far from there. Just because one weather emergency or disaster has passed by, it doesn’t offer any guarantee that the next one won’t be coming squarely at the Dallas area. If it isn’t a hurricane, it could be tornadoes, earthquakes, wildfires, or floods in general. A key to surviving such disasters is to be as prepared as possible. It is well advised for each family to have a disaster plan. When people have one, they are able to get through emergencies with their health and safety intact.
Forming A Plan Can Be A Project
It can work best to get all family members, or interested parties, involved in creating a disaster plan. While there are many models available for use in developing a plan, if all people affected can have input in developing it, the plan becomes more personalized and designed to meet specific needs. Agencies such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, have plenty of available resources to help and sometimes purchase. Getting the whole family involved will assure that there is more ownership, therefore it is more likely to be put into place.
Include What Is Needed To Survive
Something that would obviously be at the top of the list is water. It is suggested that enough bottled water to last for at least three days be stored. After that, food that does not require cooking is another essential. First aid supplies and instructions on how to use them can help to manage injuries until other help is available. The last thing on the list is copies of important papers such as birth certificates and insurance papers.
Give Lessons On How To Turn Off Utilities
A lot of people have no idea how to turn off their utilities. In the case of conditions where utility lines have been severely damaged, a danger can exist. Electrocution, toxic fumes or explosion from natural gas, or flooding from water lines, can all create problems. A simple lesson and a regular reminder about turning off these utilities can help your family members be able to safely perform these simple tasks. Don’t take comfort by what seems to be a safe distance, get better prepared by formulating a good plan. It can take last-minute decisions out of the mix.
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 Plano, Tex.