Preparing for, and Surviving, Natural Disasters

Experts agree everyone will have to confront at least one type of natural or man-made disaster in their lifetime. Researching methods to prepare and survive will increase the odds of survival and a better quality of life following a disaster no matter where you live or travel. Good resources will allow for customization and personalizing each step to preparedness and develop self-reliance. Increase knowledge for a better realization as to why to want to be prepared before, during and after each kind of disaster and develop a personalized Emergency Plan.

EARTHQUAKE:

Although uncommon, Earthquakes do impact the Northeast occasionally and it is important to know the correct actions to take to remain safe.
Many will remember the 5.8 magnitude on August 23, 2011 originating in Virginia that was felt in more than a dozen states.
Upon feeling the effects of the Earthquake you should:
• Drop to the ground
  
• If you are inside a building or house, DO NOT exit, to prevent injury from falling debris
  
• Take cover under a table or desk or inside a building
  
• Hold on until the shaking stops

Additional resources:
• The Great SouthEast ShakeOut website contains videos, education materials and games all designed to help prepare you for an earthquake.
• FEMA.gov/earthquake
• What To Do Before, During, and After an Earthquake
• Earthquake Safety Checklist

FLOOD:

7 Ways to Flood-Proof Your House
Flood Proofing
FEMA Documents of Flood Prevention and Restoration
Do You Live in a Flood Zone?
FEMA National Flood Insurance Program
How to use Sandbags To Stop Water [or Bullets]

SNOWSTORM:

The weather forecast is calling for snow. Lots of snow. This is how to prepare:
• Get the children involved in the preparations to train and keep them busy.
• Make sure the car, the house, each out-building and each family member has their own Emergency Kit with extra blankets and warm clothing.
• Make sure there is plenty of food and bedding for the animals and warm, dry areas to protect them from blizzard conditions.
• Inspect and reinforce the house for insulation and structural concerns.
• Check and perform maintenance on the home heating source(s) to make sure they are working properly.
• Winterize equipment. Add fuel, oil and anti-freeze to motorized equipment that is used in the winter and drain fuel from "warm-temp" equipment like lawn mowers.
• Read More Winter Storm Preparedness Tips

WILDFIRE:

There are methods to prevent structures from igniting during Wildfires. Embers (fire brands), from the larger fire, are the cause of fire reaching the house. Dry and flammable items are ound the house are the fuel that the embers ignite to bring the fire against the structure.
• Separate the structure (residence and out-buildings) from potential fire areas, by at least 100 feet.
  
• Remove dead, dry leaves, pine needles and other dry flammable materials from around the house, the roof and rain gutters.
  
• Keep lawn/grass trimmed down.
  
• Use fine-mesh, metal screens to cover roof vents to prevent embers from entering the attic.
  
• Acquire fire-retardent lawn/deck furniture/cushions.
  

Additional resources:
• Video to Help Your House Survive a Wildfire
  
• NFPA's Wildfire Division information, knowledge, and tools to reduce Wildfire risk
  
• Fire Retardant Spray

SAFE PLACES:

Surviving a natural disaster with an understanding of safe points where you are at the time of the disaster may vary depending upon the region of the country where you are at the time. But, it is important to be aware and to prepare for surviving a natural disaster of any type with a knowledge of safe points. Consider building a "Safe Room".
Surviving Natural Disasters: Safe Points in the Household