In many areas, during certain times of the year natural disasters are common. Residents become accustomed to preparing for floods, hurricanes or whatever Mother Nature sends their way. Images from Hurricane Katrina, Rita, and the earthquake in Haiti remind us of how important it is to have a plan when a natural disaster strikes. It is difficult to plan for a “man-made” disaster such as the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001, but some of the principles discussed below may be of help.
Know the “disaster history” of where you live
Survival Skills – Do You Need Survival Skills In Order To Survive A Disaster?
Many of us probably think we could survive various disaster scenarios, but it may be a completely different story when our survival skills are actually put to the test. There are so many varieties and various degrees of disasters and so many ways in which we might react.
Be Prepared in the Event of an Emergency
Urban disasters can strike at any time. Sometimes we are warned and other times we are taken by surprise. In either case it is best to be prepared. Often, it is the first few days that are the hardest. That is when we start running out of fresh water and foods, batteries die and we realize we are out of certain medicines, band-aids and seasonal items such as coats and blankets. Preparing now will prevent hardship later.
You Can Survive an Urban Disaster
While no one wants to expect the sky to fall and urban disaster to strike, the reality is that floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornados, and acts of terrorism are ever-present threats to residents of many cities in this country and around the world. Since the average emergency response to a major disaster is at least 72 hours, you need to be able to hold on for at least that length of time if you are planning to survive. And planning is the key. Being well-prepared could mean the difference between life and death when an unexpected disaster happens.