Preparing for Emergencies and Disasters

The disaster happening right now in the Philippines reminds us that an emergency can happen any time, any where. While our hearts and prayers are with those who are struggling to survive it’s a good time to take a look at our own disaster preparedness.

Many people do not have a concrete plan for what they would do in a disaster. While this will most likely not affect them at all, it could be seriously dangerous should disaster ever strike. Being prepared for an emergency is part of being an adult, and there are several steps that anyone can take in order to be better equipped.

Lists of emergency supplies that everyone should have on hand are readily available from organizations such as the Red Cross as well as online. Water is a major issue, with storage recommendations often exceeding the amount that people are able to keep around. For this reason, it is essential that some form of water purification be kept with other emergency supplies such as a UV sterilizer, purification pump or iodine tablets.

One thing that some people do is store their camping gear with their emergency supplies. This way, things that are potentially useful in an emergency, such as camp stoves, are positioned with the rest of the supplies. Storing dehydrated food, sleeping bags, and other outdoor gear in the same place as emergency supplies means that these items can serve double duty.

Some things that are not strictly necessary during an emergency are still nice to have. Camp stoves offer the option of warm food during an emergency where there is no power, as well as a way to boil water, thus purifying it. Because they can sometimes be bulky and storing large amounts of fuel is generally impossible, they seldom make the list of essential emergency gear. However, storing the camp stove along with other outdoor gear near the emergency supplies can be a good idea.

When putting together an emergency supplies kit, many people forget pet supplies. Most dogs and cats will eat human food if necessary, but it is important that any medications necessary for them are included, as well as a share of the water purification equipment. Homes with pets on special diets should store some in the emergency supplies as well.

These are just some of the most common steps you can take to protect yourself, and your family in the event there is ever an emergency or natural disaster.