Steps to Prepare for Disasters (Revised)
Preparing for disasters is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of yourself and your loved ones. My brother recently went through a disaster in North Carolina with the flood in Asheville and after talking to him about things he would do differently to prepare, I added a few things to this list. Here are some important steps you can take to be better prepared:
Create an emergency plan: Develop a detailed plan with your family or household members. Include evacuation routes, designated meeting points, and a communication strategy. Assign roles and responsibilities to each family member.
Build an emergency kit: Assemble a well-stocked emergency kit that includes essential supplies such as water, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, flashlights, batteries, a battery-powered radio, medications, and important documents. Ensure the kit is easily accessible. Emphasis on Food and Water. Stock as much as you can afford and have room for.
Stay informed: Sign up for emergency alerts and notifications in your area. Stay updated on weather forecasts, local news, and emergency instructions. Install relevant apps or follow social media accounts of local authorities.
Secure your home: Identify potential hazards in your home and take necessary precautions. Secure heavy furniture, appliances, and water heaters. Install smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and carbon monoxide detectors. Consider reinforcing windows and doors. Also, consider a firearm for protection (We recommend proper training and safety protocols, especially with small children in the home)
Develop a Communication Plan: In a disaster, staying connected with family and friends is crucial. Establish multiple ways to communicate, and choose an out-of-town contact person as a central point for updates. Plan for alternatives like text messages or social media. But what happens if cell towers and Wi-Fi go down? While satellite phones are an option, they can be expensive. Enter Starlink—Elon Musk’s groundbreaking satellite network that provides communication when everything else fails. For example, during major flooding in Asheville, North Carolina, Starlink users still had access to Wi-Fi and could make calls even when power, cable, and cell towers were out (though a generator is required to power the system)."
Know evacuation routes: Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes in your area. Identify multiple routes in case one is blocked or congested. Practice evacuation drills with your family to ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency.
Maintain important documents: Make copies of important documents such as identification papers, insurance policies, medical records, and proof of address. Store them in a waterproof and portable container. Consider keeping digital copies as well.
Prepare for specific disasters: Research the types of disasters common in your region and take specific measures accordingly. For example, if you live in an earthquake-prone area, secure heavy items and learn how to "Drop, Cover, and Hold On."
Consider special needs: Take into account the specific needs of family members, including children, elderly individuals, and pets. Plan for their unique requirements, such as medications, medical equipment, pet supplies, and comfort items.
Keep cash on hand (as much as possible) in small bills $5s $ 10s and $ 20s If power and the internet go out, the store's cash registers will not work and they will only accept cash.
Keep Extra Fuel: If you have a generator (If you don't have one, get one) it will need fuel so keep plenty of Gas on hand (20 Gallons or more if possible) because in a disaster Gas stations may be closed down for a while or run out of gas completely. Also, consider purchasing and filling extra propane tanks for your Gas Grill (If you don't have one get one) If the electricity goes out you can still cook food.
Personal protection: Unfortunately some people will take advantage of a bad situation, these are people who didn't prepare for disaster and will resort to lawlessness to take what they need from others so having some form of personal protection (IE: Firearm) is a good thing to have on hand to protect your family and home from unwanted guest. So with that being said, proper handling and storage of the firearm is important. see other Blog post on that. https://www.coventrytactical.com/post/unlocking-the-benefits-of-firearm-target-practice-precision-safety-and-skill-enhancement
Regularly review and practice: Revisit your emergency plan and kit regularly. Update contact information, replenish supplies, and ensure everyone understands their roles. Conduct drills and practice evacuation procedures to reinforce preparedness.
Remember, preparedness is an ongoing process. By taking these steps, you can enhance your readiness for disasters and increase your chances of staying safe during challenging times. Coventry Tactical
Comentarios