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. Severe Weather Survival Tactics

WEATHER FORECASTING WITHOUT GADGETS:

It's easy to turn to the Weather Channel or Smart Phone App when they're available. But if you want to know what's coming when these tools aren't around, it's nice to Know How To Read Weather Like A Sailor - Without Gadgets.
• Watch The Clouds - different cloud types, the presence/absence of clouds, position & color speaks volumes
• Look For a Rainbow - In the East = Sunny Day - In the West = Rain on the way.
• Look At The Moon At Night - Circle around the moon, rain or snow soon
• Red [Western] Sky At Night Sailor's Delight – Red [Eastern] Sky In The Morning, Sailor's Take Warning!
• Watch The Wind Direction and Speed and How Tree Leaves are acting
• Feel The Humidity
• Feel/Smell The Air - scents are stronger in moist air, associated with rainy weather
• Watch The Animals & Insects - They act differently, and prepare, to changes in weather
• Watch the Plants
• Watch How a Campfire Smoke Rises (should rise steadily) - Smoke that swirls and descends is caused by low pressure (rain on the way)
• Check grass for dew at sunrise - dry grass can mean rain in the forecast. If there's dew, it probably won't rain that day.
• Listen/Watch for Thunder/Lightning
• Read also: Natural Ways To Predict The Weather (Without a Forecast)

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" or Bunker.

• Doorways and entryways make excellent areas to be during an earthquake as well as underneath large tables and in the middle of the room away from windows that may shatter or objects that may fall off of or away from the walls.
• The basement provides Tornado protection from the house uprooting as most basements are already underground as well as a bathtub is built into the frame of the home allowing some of the most protection from natural disasters that threaten to demolish or partially demolish the home.
• In case of a hurricane seek shelter in the middle of a room away from windows and doors as well as underneath tables or desks. In case of severe flooding relocate to higher floors or even the roof.
• During a severe thunderstorm it is wise to stay away from all electrical appliances in case this occurs. Also, be sure to stay away from windows and doors
• During volcanic activity, seek shelter within the home and seal or board windows and doors as to prevent ash from seeping inside the home. It is advised to have spare gas masks if residing near an active volcano.

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]

HURRICANE / STORM:

Before the storm
• Stay up-to-date with weather alerts and warnings
  
• Keep cell phone(s) fully charged
  
• Ready and re-stock 72 hour emergency kits
  
• Family meetings on emergency safety (discuss what to expect and do in the case of an evacuation).
During the storm
• Listen to local radio for changes in the weather situation and instructions.
• Evacuation – what to do if you evacuate (or if you don't). If advised to evacuate, don't wait! Avoid flooded roads. Be sure to lock your home and take emergency supplies, clothing, and bedding with you.
• If you DO NOT evacuate, stay indoors and off the roads. Stay away from windows and doors.
• Make sure someone outside the storm area knows where you will be and how to reach you.
• Apply Flood safety measures Prepare for a power outage
After the storm
• Continue to monitor local radio for information.
• Return home only after authorities have announced it is safe to do so. When you reenter your home, do so cautiously. Check for displaced wildlife such as snakes. If necessary, open doors and windows to ventilate and help dry your home.
• Give First aid where necessary. Do not move a seriously injured person unless they are in imminent danger. Call for emergency help.
• Watch for and avoid downed power lines.
• Avoid using the phone except in emergency.
• Check and smell for damaged electrical wiring. Don't touch circuit breaker box.
• Avoid using candles, kerosene lamps, or other open flame sources for heat or light in case of a gas leak.
• If you smell or hear the hiss of leaking gas, leave the house.
• Inspect water lines and other plumbing for leaks. If any damage, avoid using toilets and do not drink the tap water.
• Check your freezer and refrigerator for spoiled food.
• Take photos of any damaged areas/items for insurance purposes.
Prepare and reduce injury and property damage left behind after a hurricane
Hurricane Survival Kit

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. Keep 100 feet garden hose attached to external water faucet. Keep chimney cleaned. Install Spark Arrestor. Avoid outdoor burning; recycle, compost and mulch instead. Keep trees 30-100 feet away from home. Keep other strucures, firewood and fuel supplies and burnable materials at least 30 feet away from home. Thin and prune evergreen trees/bushes. 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

STORM PROOFING:

Are You Living In A Storm-Proof House? Read about some trouble-free tips to make that happen.

LIGHTNING STRIKES

In less than a microsecond a lightning discharge can generate upwards of 200,000 amps of electricity. Preventing lightning from hitting your home is not always possible, but protecting your house and electrical appliances is. Read how.
Other Resources:
How to Protect Yourself From Lightning
When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!
4 WAYS TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM LIGHTNING STORMS
How to Prepare for Lightning Strikes While Boating