Natural disasters, whether they be floods, earthquakes or other extreme weather events, can be incredibly inconvenient and disruptive to everyday life, as well as unsafe. By following the tips below, you and your family can be maximally prepared for whatever may happen.
Make A Plan With Your Family
Spend some time with your family making a plan for if there is a natural disaster – for example, will you evacuate or stay in your home? If you evacuate, where will you go and how will you get there? Make sure you have everybody's phone number, and that your child's school has an up-to-date emergency contact number. You may also want to choose a meeting place away from your hometown, such as the home of a friend or family member, in case you are separated and can't get home. Finally, as Hill's Pet explains, you should make a plan for your furry friend, ensuring they are microchipped and that their carrier and supplies are ready to go.
Consider A Backup Power Generator
One of the most annoying and inconvenient aspects of a natural disaster or weather event is often power cuts, whether one long power cut or frequent blackouts. By buying a generator to power your home (or at least some important appliances!) during a power cut, you'll be able to contact friends and family more easily, keep your home lit up and avoid having to throw away all the food in the fridge and freezer. Amazon offers many suggestions about what type of generators to buy for your home, recommending that you spend some time finding out about the wattage required to power your essential items. However, if you're finding it hard to choose or want some extra advice, search for a local company who can help you find a solution to suit your needs.
Create A Disaster Kit
Whether you evacuate your home or stay put, you'll need to make sure you have everything you need, as you might not be able to get to a shop. If you're evacuating, Forbes has some tips on what to take, from essential paperwork like birth certificates to sensible clothing and basic toiletries. Have all these things in accessible places, and make sure every member of your family knows where to find them. If you're staying at home, keep lots of bottled water and non-perishable food in your kitchen, as well as torches and candles to keep your home lit if you don't have a reliable generator.
No matter how prepared you are, disasters are sure to be difficult and disruptive. However, by following the above suggestions, you can be as prepared as possible and experience minimal disruption to your daily life.