While it’s nearly impossible to predict when a natural disaster will strike, you can greatly improve your chances by preparing for a disastrous situation in advance. There are many things that you can do to get ready; ensuring you have the proper knowledge and supplies is crucial and can sometimes be the deciding factor between life and death in a disaster. Always make sure you have all the things you need on hand so that you can quickly take life-saving action if a natural disaster comes.
Stock up on the essentials
The first priority is stocking up on essentials. You must have sufficient food, water, and other supplies for at least one week during disasters. This means having bottled water to last several days—aim for one gallon per person per day—and ensuring enough nonperishable food is stored, ideally choosing food items that do not require refrigeration.
If you include canned food in your disaster supplies, remember to be sure you have a manual can opener. Additionally, put together a fully stocked first aid kit and keep ample first aid and prescription medication along with any extra medications you might need.
Prepare your house and car
While your preparations may differ depending on what type of natural disaster you’re facing, you should still do what you can to be ready. For hurricanes and tornadoes, that might mean boarding up your windows, while for earthquakes, that means bolting appliances, water heaters, and large furniture to the walls or floors.
Furthermore, always ensure you know where the gas valves are in your house and how to turn them off. Additionally, be sure to fill the gas tank in your car so that you can leave the area quickly if necessary.
Stay informed
Once you know that a storm, fire, or other threat is on the way, it’s essential to tune into local radio or television stations, or NOAA radio. This will empower you with the right information to stay ahead of any developments and evacuation orders, giving you a sense of control in a potentially chaotic situation.
One of the most helpful things you can do is identify the best channels for emergency information before you actually need it. This way, you’ll know where to find the information you require during a critical situation. If you do leave your house, know which routes will help you best avoid floodwater, first responders, or traffic jams.
Prepare yourself for any situation
Finally, adopting basic preparedness measures is crucial for ensuring you can make it through any natural disaster. Even if you do not live in a flood zone, protect your important documents and important papers by storing them in a waterproof and fireproof container. If you own any animals, ensure that your emergency plans always include them by confirming they have tags and that their microchip information is up-to-date, thereby increasing your chance of reuniting with your pets if separated.
While natural disasters are unpredictable, emergency preparedness is not. You can take essential steps now and in the early stages of the situation to ensure you have what you need to make it through safely.
If you have questions about effectively preparing for a disaster in your La Verkin rental property, Real Property Management Southern Utah is here to assist you. Our team is committed to ensuring your safety and peace of mind. We can provide valuable resources, tips, and guidelines tailored to your situation. Feel free to reach out to us online today or call us at 435-673-4242. We’re here to help you navigate your disaster preparedness plan!
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
