Natural Disasters

Learn how to prepare for any natural disaster

There is no place on Earth that’s entirely immune to the threat of natural disasters. Even though you’re safe from forest fires and landslides if you live on the plains, tornadoes could rip through with little warning. Arid locales may not have a hurricane risk, but wildfires are a constant threat.

To protect yourself and your family, it’s important to know which natural disasters your area may be prone to, and what to do if one should strike. The last thing you want is to be left running around in a panic when you need to stay calm and take decisive action.

Common Natural Disasters and How to Handle Them

The following general guidelines for different types of emergencies will aid your disaster planning efforts:

  • Tornadoes. If heavy storms are expected in your area, get up-to-date tornado information from a trusted weather service. When the storm approaches, get into a storm shelter or your basement. If you don’t have a basement, stay on the lowest level of your house and seek refuge under a sturdy piece of furniture. Stay away from windows and doors. If you live in a mobile home, abandon it and lay flat in a ditch or depressed area if you can’t get into a safe indoor place.
  • Hurricanes. While in-home precautionary measures are the same as for tornadoes, you have the advantage of advance warning when it comes to hurricanes. If possible, leave the area and head to a place where violent storms aren’t expected.
  • Earthquakes. If you’re trapped in your house during an earthquake, move away from tall, heavy furniture that may fall over. Stand against an interior wall or, if possible, hide under a table or a desk. At all times, stay away from electrical appliances, fireplaces and windows.
  • Mudslides. If you live in a hilly region, you might experience a mudslide after a heavy rainstorm. Remember that driving in such conditions can be extremely hazardous. If a storm is expected which may cause a mudslide, consider leaving the area before the storm hits. Evacuation is the best protection against a mudslide. The same is true of landslides.
  • Forest fires. Should a forest fire pose a threat to your home, you’ll be evacuated. However, forest fires can strike during camping trips. If you smell smoke, leave the area immediately. Should you be trapped by flames, wet any blankets or fabrics you have and hide underneath them. Stay calm; forest fires tend to pass quickly as they move through a wooded area.

Preparedness can mean the difference between surviving a natural disaster or becoming a statistic. Taking the time to learn how to protect yourself and your family is a small investment with a potentially enormous return.