subject: Disaster Prevention; What We Can Learn From Hurricane Sandy [print this page] A quick look online or into your local newspaper during the time that hurricane Sandy was battering the east coast probably presented you with hundreds of post-apocalyptic images. Cars transported to unnatural locations, streets turned to rushing waterways that more closely resembled the canals of Venice then an asphalt roadway. For the citizens of New York, living in one of the affected suburbs during this time presented a set of challenges and adversities to which were previously unimaginable. Out of the many things this disaster has taught us, the need to be prepared and ready for such situations is never out of the question.
Adequately preparing for a disaster scenarios, regardless of your location in the United States, can be an important step in alleviating some of the problems that can result from such a scenario. Below are some great tips to help prepare any home for the worst case scenario.
A great first step to take when planning for the worst is to access your home's current ability to keep its inhabitants warm and comfortable during a time when things like power, gas and water may be cut off. To begin, make sure your home is properly equipped with a gas generator. Generators can do wonders for your home when electricity is out and you have no other alternatives for powering essential things like a stove, lights and perhaps even a furnace.
Most generators run on gasoline or propane. During hurricane Sandy's destruction, seventy-five percent of the gas stations in the New York area were without gas. Those that had the precious commodity saw lines that wrapped around blocks and blocks as anxious citizens hoped that they too would have a chance at bringing home some for themselves.
The next thing to anticipate is your home's food supply. Stocking your house with water and food for these situations relies on an items perishable date. Canned goods are of course a great commodity for preparedness as is bottled water. Clear out a space in your home where you can store these items and make sure you have enough of each to supply each member of your family the daily recommended amount. Getting enough food and water during a disaster can be one of the most important things you can do for yourself as your body will be operating at increased levels of stress.
The last thing to put into your home is an adequate disaster preparedness kit. The items and objects in a kit such as this can prove to be essential during the times of an emergency. Most of these items are easily attainable as well. Your kit should include; a battery powered radio, a sturdy flashlight with backup batteries, a small first aid kit, a whistle to signal for help or alert others of your location, a few masks to filter out debris from entering your lungs, duct tape and window sheeting to seal of windows in the event of an airborne attack, a hand can opener, garbage bags, pet food and prescription medication that you or others might need
This is by no means an exhaustive list and everyone household's situation will be different. Access you needs and make sure that you are always prepared for the worst.
