Surviving Natural Disasters
GET PREPARED!
The key to survival planning is preparation. A few questions asked and answered; relatively inexpensive supplies gathered and ready; and a personal procedure plan; will increase the likelihood of your survival in the event of a natural disaster that touches your city and home.
THE WILL TO SURVIVE
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
HEALTH PREPARATIONS
Now is the time to take seriously your commitment to improving your overall health. Adequate sleep, regular exercise and healthy food choices will build up your resistance to infection. Your susceptibility to disease will be reduced if you have a healthy immune system, and maintain current immunizations. Begin taking antioxidants to give your body the extra help it may require. Pat Robertson has written an excellent guide to Antioxidant therapy in his newsletter called: Pat’s Age-Defying Antioxidants. You can receive a free copy by calling 1-800-413-9876 or log on to CBN.com. Make an appointment to see your dentist and repair any teeth that need attention. During an emergency, adequate dental care may not be available. You can avoid serious infection, pain and mental distraction that can be caused by getting your teeth cared for now.
PREPARE A SURVIVAL KIT
You will have an advantage in coping with disaster if you have prepared a survival kit before danger strikes. Assemble the following items in an easy to carry container such as a large covered trash can with handles. Kits for the car, office or school, can be placed in a waterproof backpack. There are six basic areas to supply: water, food, first aid supplies; clothing; bedding; and emergency tools and equipment. Here are a few important factors to consider regarding the two main necessities for survival:
Water – Store water in plastic containers. You will need one gallon of water per person, per day. Keep at least a week’s supply of water on hand. In the event your water supply is depleted you can procure water from other sources. Purify water of uncertain purity before using it to drink, prepare or cook food, or for personal hygiene. Boiling is the safest method for water purification. Bring water to a rolling boil for ten minutes. Also, adding ten drops of household bleach to one gallon of water will purify it, or you can buy purification tablets at a camping or drug store. Water from a moving source, such as a river or spring will be safer to use than water from a stagnant or standing source, such as a pond or lake.
Follow these directions to make a simple water filter:
Purchase a large metal bucket. Poke holes in the bottom of bucket. Cut a circle of clean cloth a little larger than the top of the bucket and press down into the bottom of the bucket. Then fill bucket with three inches of gravel. Now fill the bucket with water and allow it to drain through into a clean container below. Boil the drained water for ten minutes and let it cool.
FOOD – Store a week’s supply of non-perishable food. Choose foods that require no refrigeration, cooking or preparation. Rotate your supplies every six months. Food can remain edible after that time period, but its nutritional value is depleted. Include a few comfort foods in your supply. Items such as packaged cookies, instant coffee and teabags, the things your family enjoys will help lift your spirits in hard times.
Here is your checklist:
• The Bible
• Bottled water (1 gallon per person, per day)
• Water filter and purification tablets
• Chlorine bleach
• Food (non-perishable, little or no cooking)
• Unbreakable plates and utensils
• Vitamins
• Energy food bars
• Salt
• Camping cooking stove and fuel
• Battery operated radios (2) and extra batteries
• Flashlights (extra batteries and spare bulb)
• First Aid Kit and manual
• Fire extinguisher
• Crescent and pipe wrenches for turning off utilities
• Spare eyeglasses
• All prescription medications taken by family
• Pliers, pocket knife, screw driver, hatchet and shovel
• Tissues, toilet paper, and sanitary napkins
• Soap, toothbrushes and paste, and personal care items
• Pet food (if pets are present)
• Candles and matches (keep in plastic bag)
• Rain gear
• Plastic bags, wrap and aluminum foil
• Sleeping bag ( one per person)
• Cash
• Road flares
• Headache and pain medication.
• Plastic tubing for siphoning
• Nausea and diarrhea medication
• Large garbage can with cover
• Manual can opener
• Solar blanket
• Complete set of clothes for each family member
• Extra socks and shoes for each family member
• Paper, pen and pencils
• Extra set of house and car keys
• Important phone numbers
• Important Photos
PREPARE A FAMILY PLAN OF ACTION
Having a family disaster plan will enable you to cope and act quickly when an emergency arises. Working together to create this plan will give your family a sense of confidence and readiness, as well as fostering teamwork and unity. Here are a few suggestions on items you need to cover:
• Choose an out-of-state family contact person. Each member of your family should memorize this phone number and check in with the contact as soon as possible should disaster strike.
• Discuss the types of disasters that could occur and agree on a plan for each situation.
• Call local government and find out about disaster plans for your community.
• Check on pet policies at local shelters and remember to plan for your pet’s welfare.
• If evacuation is not required, check your home for damages. Turn off power, gas and water if needed.
• Listen to your battery powered radio and follow travel routes advised by local authorities.
• Check on elderly or disabled neighbors.
• Have a set of protective clothing and sturdy shoes for each member of your family. Have survival drills and practice getting on protective clothing and getting out to the car.
• Assign specific tasks to family members as age and ability allow.
UNDERSTANDING THE DANGERS
We’ve often heard it said “knowledge gives power.” In a survival situation this is especially true. Understanding the particular nature of the disaster and its potential harm will give you the ability to make correct decisions when an emergency arises.
BE A PREPARED STUDENT – LEARN AND LIVE
There is a wealth of information available today that will help you in the event of a national emergency. If you do not have personal access to the internet visit your local library and the librarian there will help you find your way to the sites listed below. Community bookstores will also carry informative books on surviving these types of attacks. Check out the web-sites listed in the resource section of this fact sheet and be proactive in preparing yourself and your family for uncertain future events.
