Natural disasters are frequently occurring events that can meaningfully impact the life, health, and well-being of many people. Any severe weather that poses a substantial threat to human life, property, and critical infrastructure essential for the functioning of society and government can be viewed as a natural disaster (U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 2021). Millions of people live in multi-hazard environments and are at a high risk of being exposed to various natural disasters (Bronfman et al., 2019). Therefore, it is crucial to be ready for severe weather conditions in different regions and know the basic principles of natural disaster preparation.
There are specific measures that should be implemented in order to prepare for different natural disasters adequately. However, several common steps should be followed in planning for catastrophes. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (2022) recommends that individuals assemble an emergency kit stocked with essential items in order to be able to survive critical infrastructure being damaged. The recommended list includes non-perishable food items and water supplies sufficient for several days for each household member (U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 2022).
Due to the water supply to residential buildings being under substantial threat of damage, personal sanitation items should be put in the kit (U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 2022). As the probability of electricity being shut down is high, the government recommends storing portable power banks, batteries, flashlights, and radios to ensure the availability of basic communication (U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 2022). First aid kits and masks to filter contaminants from the air are critical for disaster preparation.
Furthermore, an emergency kit should include any items and products vital for the functioning of each person and animal in the household. For example, people dependent on medication should store their prescription drugs to avoid running out during a crisis (U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 2022). Similarly, people with children and pets should ensure their well-being during an emergency and stockpile all necessary items to provide adequate care. Thus, an emergency kit should include pet food, additional water, baby formula, bottles, diapers, and other products (U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 2022).
As weather damage can be severe, it is important to safeguard vital documents, such as identification, passports, and bank account and insurance records, by placing them in secure containers (U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 2022). These documents should be easy to reach if an evacuation takes place. Furthermore, as a state of emergency can last several days, personal comfort items and entertainment should be included in a kit.
In addition, natural disaster preparation involves the development of a plan for action following a disaster. For each type of natural catastrophe common in an area, citizens are recommended to learn the relevant alerts and warnings, locate the nearest shelters, and establish safe evacuation routes (U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 2022). Communication plans with the family members, as well as meeting locations, should be discussed and selected. Research indicates that children often pass away and sustain severe injuries during natural disasters (Midtbust et al., 2018).
Thus, it is critical to prepare children to respond to natural disasters and explain why following a specific plan is essential. Many public education organizations offer activities that help teach children about appropriate natural disaster responses (Midtbust et al., 2018). Nevertheless, each household with children should ensure they are familiar with the family plan for natural catastrophes and can follow trusted adult instructions in cases of emergency.
In summary, natural disasters can incur irreparable damage to communities, cause loss of human life, and inflict physical injuries on numerous people. As the majority of natural catastrophes cannot be prevented, it is crucial to be ready for them and know how to act in different circumstances. Common steps in preparing for natural disasters include assembling an emergency kit, developing a plan of action in case of a catastrophe, and educating children.
References
Bronfman, N. C., Cisternas, P. C., Repetto, P. B., & Castañeda, J. V. (2019). Natural disaster preparedness in a multi-hazard environment: Characterizing the sociodemographic profile of those better (worse) prepared. Plos One, 14(4), 1–18. Web.
Midtbust, L. G., Dyregrov, A., & Djup, H. W. (2018). Communicating with children and adolescents about the risk of natural disasters. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 9(2), 1–11. Web.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (2021). Natural disasters. Web.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (2022). Build a kit. Ready. Web.