Location = Home > Coping With Natural Disasters

Coping With Natural Disasters

Sometimes you will have advance warning so that you can prepare for a disaster but often a disaster will strike quickly and without warning. However, if you have a pre-prepared family disaster plan and a disaster emergency kit it will be much easier to cope with an unexpected disaster.

A Family Disaster Plan - Families can - and do - cope with disaster by preparing in advance and working together as a team. You need to prepare a disaster plan for your family.

A Disaster Emergency Kit - Assemble a Disaster Emergency Kit with all the items you may need in case you need to evacuate your home for a few days.

If A Disaster Strikes Without Warning

Remain calm and put your family disaster plan into action.
Check for injuries. Give first aid and get help for seriously injured people.
If the electricity supply has failed listen to your battery powered radio for news and instructions.
Evacuate your home if advised to do so. Turn off the electricity, water and gas supplies before you go. Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes. Take your disaster emergency kit with you. Leave a note saying where you have gone to.

Check For Damage In Your Home

Use flashlights - do not light matches or turn on electrical equipment, if you suspect damage.
Check for fires, fire hazards and other household hazards.
Sniff for gas leaks, starting at the water heater. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open windows, and get everyone outside quickly.
Shut off any other damaged utilities.
Clean up any spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline or other flammable liquids immediately.
If you have young children you need comfort them as they may not understand what is happening. You need to appear calm as this will help to reassure them.
Confine or secure your pets - they may run away if they are allowed outside. Your pets may be agitated and frightened so try to calm them down but be careful that they don't bite you.
Call your family contact to let them know that you and your family are safe - but do not use the telephone again unless it is a life-threatening emergency.
Make sure you have an adequate supply of drinking water in case the service is cut off for a few days or has become contaminated.

Check For Damage In Your Garden

Check that the trees in your garden have not been damaged and are about to fall on your home.
Stay away from downed power lines as they may still be live.

Check On Your Neighbors

Check on your neighbors, especially if they are elderly, disabled persons or are families with young children.