Be Prepared

I wish we had better weather forecast so that everyone could prepare in advance for any natural disaster that comes our way. Unfortunately, the only time we get to prepare for a storm is when it has already arrived.

“Pedring”

Anyway, the best solution, for now, is to be prepared at all times. Here are some suggestions:

Disaster prevention includes modifying your home to strengthen it against storms so that you can be as safe as possible. It also includes having the supplies on hand to weather the storm. The suggestions provided here are only guides. You should use common sense in your disaster prevention.

It is important for you and your family to HAVE A PLAN that makes you as safe as possible in your home.

DEVELOP A FAMILY PLAN – You should keep a written plan and share your plan with other friends or family.
CREATE A EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT – The emergency supply kit is a useful tool in making you as safe as possible in your home.
SECURE YOUR HOME – There are things that you can do to make your home more secure and able to withstand stronger storms.
ONLINE INFO – There are web sites that can give you information about your communities vulnerability to specific hazards.

Here’s a simple guide from eHow on how to make an emergency survival kit:

1. Designate a large duffel bag, trunk or storage container for the kit. The container should be large enough to hold all of the supplies.
2. Gather canned food or dry goods such as soups, beans, vegetables, crackers, peanut butter and other food that lasts without refrigeration. Make sure you have enough food to sustain your entire family for at least three days.
3. Put enough bottled water in the kit to last three days. Each member of your family needs to drink at least 2 liters of water each day. Have extra water for cleaning and hygiene.

First Aid Kit

4. Purchase a first aid kit with bandages, burn cream, pain relievers, sting treatment, rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide. Include a week’s worth of any required prescription medications. Purchase any needed nebulizer or portable oxygen tanks from a medical supply store.
5. Include a portable radio in the emergency survival kit to get updates and crucial information during the emergency.
6. Place candles and flashlights in the kit. Include dry matches or a lighter and extra batteries.
7. Buy a small gas camp stove and fuel for the stove. Find these at any sporting goods store. Keep three full fuel canisters in the kit at all times.
8. Include games, cards, books and toys. Make them age-appropriate for those in your family. Remember to get items that are lightweight in case you have to move from your location.
9. Pack any tools, pocketknives or utensils that might be needed.
10. Purchase a small whistle for the kit. Whistles are used to attract attention if you need to evacuate.
11. Place the kit in the house and show everyone in the family where it is. Show them what is inside the kit and explain its contents are only to be used an emergency.

Hopefully you will never need this kit, but you’ll be happy that you have it in the event of a major storm.

Aaaand, here’s how to survive a storm with kids:

Break glass/kit in case of emergencies! Haha!

* Explain to your kids what a storm is.
* Bust out the game boards, cards, and Wii!
* Have fun indoors!
* Teach them basic emergency procedures.
* Keep it light at home. The worst thing to do is to panic.

Obviously, this is not the time to go out and buy supplies. Just gather what you have at home and prepare them in a bag. Once the storm has passed, keep the list and build your family’s emergency kits.

Be safe everyone!