|  | Public Health Safety | Emergency Preparedness

What to Do When a Disaster Hits

Disasters, in most cases, cannot be predicted. Although some systems have been created to warn people of incoming danger in some circumstances, survival is still largely up to the individual. This is why it is essential to have knowledge of what to do during emergency situations.

  1. Fires

    • Fires can cause extensive damage. Before this happens to your home or office, have a contingency plan for a worst-case scenario. One part of the plan is to know your escape routes. You should have at least two routes available to make sure you can get out of a burning building safely. Never take time to gather your belongings when a fire occurs. The moment you see fire, evacuate the area and call 911.

    Earthquakes

    • Earthquakes are no stranger to the headlines of today's newspapers. If one hits your area, the first thing to do is to duck, cover, and hold. Find a sturdy table to get under or a door opening to stand in during the quake. This is to make sure nothing falls onto you. Once the shaking is over, quickly evacuate the building and go to a specified evacuation area. If you are caught outside during a quake, stay away from tall buildings and lamp posts; always stay low.

    Typhoons and Hurricanes

    • Typhoons and hurricanes provide one of the most dreaded sources of damage in cases of emergencies --- water. However, they provide the benefit of prediction, making surviving this type of calamity possible if you are prepared. Always have an emergency kit prepared. Include emergency supplies, such as food, water, and medical supplies, and make sure it can be easily accessed. Listen to the news in some form, as alerts about safety in your local area are often broadcast. Purchase a portable radio that works on batteries. If you are planning to stay at home, secure all windows, as well as doors, and cut off the electricity to your home as well as gas if necessary. If flooding is imminent, seek higher ground.

    Tornadoes

    • Tornadoes -- unlike hurricanes -- can be very unpredictable. If one hits your area, instantly go to your basement or to the most interior area of your house. Stay away from windows and doors. In case your house gets directly hit, whistles can be useful supplies to include in your emergency kit, as it will allow you to get the attention of rescuers in a worst-case scenario.

Emergency Preparedness - Related Articles