Emergency Guides: Know The Risks

Natural hazards and emergencies can come in various shapes and forms, each providing their own unique challenges.  First step in emergency preparedness is to identify the hazards local to you.  This will help you focus your supplies and energy properly.  We will cover the most common natural disasters.

 Earthquakes
As the earths tectonic plates slowly move and release pressure, it causes tremors and earthquakes.  It is unfortunate that earthquakes cannot be predicted thus making it even more important to be prepared and ready to react at any time.  Earthquakes in rural areas can be destructive, but there are less hazards than when they strike urban centers.  Earthquakes in urban centers can bring gas leaks, fire, water and sewage failures as well as building collapse and power outages.  Earthquakes can disrupt emergency services so being able to fend for yourself and families basic needs for a minimum of a week is recommended.  Having an Earthquake Emergency Checklist is a must.

Floods
Floods are commonly caused by heavy rainfall during severe weather, rapid melting of snow and ice, ice jams in rivers or storm surges.  In such occasions potable water is affected, low lying areas are unreachable and emergency services disrupted.  As seen during Katrina in the US, flooding can last for days or weeks and leaves long lasting destruction.  Having an escape route to high ground, an emergency kit including water filtration and clothes to keep dry will help during flood situations.  Having a Pre-Flood Checklist is a must.

Severe Weather
Hurricanes, Snow Blizzards and Tornadoes are some of the most destructive and disruptive weather events that can happen.  Snow Blizzards can keep you house bound for days so having enough supplies and being ready for possible power outages are a must as well as having a secondary way of heating your home if you use electric heat.  Hurricanes affect coastal areas and bring wind damage, heavy rain, flooding and storm surges.  Tornadoes also bring heavy wind damage as Hurricanes however Tornadoes do not have the advantage of early detection so having an emergency plan and kit for a quick departure is essential.

These are only the most common natural disasters and there are others such as Wild Fires, Tsunamis, Landslides to name a few that are all relevant.  The important thing to take back from this article is to simply look at your local area and have an emergency plan for the natural hazards that are applicable to you and your family.  Most items in an emergency kit will be the same, but the plan and execution is the key to success.