How to Survive a Natural Disaster
It may be your worst nightmare to find yourself in the middle of a hurricane, tornado, earthquake or flood. The best way to help calm your worries is to have a plan in place if one of these disasters finds its way to your apartment. The staff at Apartments.com has compiled expert advice from around the country so that apartment-dwellers everywhere know what to do in an emergency. You may want to post the natural disaster tips that apply to your area of the country in a prominent place in your apartment building so that all your neighbors feel safer too.
Hurricanes
From June-November coastal residents need to have a plan in place for surviving these angry storms. The National Weather Service provides this plan if a hurricane warning has been issued:
- Leave low-lying areas.
- Moor your boat securely or evacuate it.
- Protect your windows with boards or shutters, NOT tape. Tape will not protect you.
- Secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors.
- Fuel your car.
- Have several days’ water supply in reserve.
- Stay at home if your residence is sturdy and on high ground.
- Leave mobile homes for more substantial shelter.
- Stay indoors during the hurricane.
Hurricane watches indicate a possible threat in your area, while hurricane warnings mean that hurricane conditions are expected in your area within the next 24 hours. Do not call the weather service or police in your area to ask about weather conditions. Instead, listen to the radio, as it is your best source of information once a warning has been issued.
Earthquakes
If you live in a high-risk area, you should start by having a preparedness kit on hand. Here are items you should include in your kit:
- Plenty of bottled water (three gallons or more).
- Nonperishable food (energy bars, canned meats, canned vegetables).
- Non-electric can opener.
- Fire extinguisher (small canister ABC-type).
- Basic first-aid kit (ibuprofen or acetaminophen, adhesive bandages, flexible bandages for wrapping joints, antibiotic ointment, antihistamines, prescription drugs, sterile gauze pads).
- Battery-operated radio with extra batteries.
- Flashlight with extra batteries and chemical light sticks.
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