How to Survive a Natural Disaster
- Waterproof matches and 100-hour candles.
- Sturdy shoes.
- Gloves (to protect you from broken glass).
- Dust masks.
- Map (to locate shelters).
- Garbage bags.
- Toilet paper.
- Antibacterial, “no-water-needed” liquid soap.
- Identification.
- Copies of important family documents.
- Cell phone.
- List of important phone numbers including: electric, gas, water company and fire department, Red Cross, family members, friends and neighbors.
- Money (in cash form).
Here are some additional steps to take to prepare for an earthquake:
- Identify hazards, like heavy items placed high on shelves, and remove them.
- Fasten shelves, bookcases, and other furniture securely to the wall.
- Install strong latches on cupboards and store flammable items inside them.
- Contact your local Red Cross to learn where shelters are located.
- Find hiding places that are under study furniture, away from glass and against a wall with no large objects near you.
- Make sure you have a functioning fire extinguisher.
- Designate an out-of-state contact person who can be reached if the local lines become jammed.
Tornadoes
This type of disaster requires that you have somewhere safe to go below ground.
- Residents of “Tornado Alley” are advised to have an underground shelter built in advance. If you live in an apartment you must know how to access the basement of your building.
- If your building does not have a basement, locate another building very close to your apartment that does. Make sure you know how to get to the area as quickly as possible.
- If a major storm arises, you should have a battery-operated radio tuned to a local weather station. A tornado watch means that you should be prepared to move to a shelter if necessary. A tornado warning means that a tornado has been detected and you need to move to your shelter immediately. Stay away from glass windows and put a book or other hard object over your head.
- If you get stuck in a car or are outdoors, find a ditch or low-lying area to lie in immediately. Never try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle as they can switch direction quickly.
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