Natural Disasters: how prepared are you?
Despite the fact that Natural Disasters don't announce they are coming, Nations have invested heavily in scientific research to ease the damages to properties and life. Hurricanes (Katrina, Harvey and the likes), earthquakes, tornadoes, floods and wildfires; have cost countries billions of dollars and massive loss of life.
The aftermath of every natural disaster is the same. People are in desperate need of food, water and other basic necessities, in fact Puerto Rico, St. Martin and the Virgin Island are still suffering from the effects of Hurricane Maria. The emergence and steady rise of global warming haven’t helped matters, simple brush fires sometimes turn out to be uncontrollable (in Africa, North America and Asia); and due to the heat, it becomes out of control.
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What exactly is disaster preparedness?
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Disaster preparedness simply refers to measures taken to reduce the severity of a disaster. The aim is to minimize the impact of a natural disaster on vulnerable individuals. The process involves designing a plan that allows us to move quickly and accurately when a crisis occurs. Aside the fact that lives will be saved, impact on properties can also be minimized which will ensure a quicker return to normalcy.
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What do you need?
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Develop a continuity plan.
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Develop a Kit for Natural Disaster (include everything you’ll need for at least two weeks).
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Special Safe to keep important documents.
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Check the Red Cross website regularly for crucial updates.
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It is important to know the basic first aid rules:
First aid or emergency first aid is the care that is given to an injured or sick person prior to treatment by medically trained personnel. Some self-limiting illnesses or minor injuries may only require first aid intervention, and no further treatment. First aid training involves basic principles, such as knowing how to use an adhesive bandage or applying direct pressure on a bleed, are often acquired passively through life experiences. However, to provide effective, life-saving first aid interventions requires instruction and practical training. Human bodies are susceptible to injuries, illnesses and trauma. one never knows when an injury may happen. Thus, it is always good to have some amount of basic knowledge to take care of critical situations.
Basic first aid knowledge is very helpful in dealing with trauma situations. Not just the medical help they provide, but the confidence they exhibit is very helpful during casualties. Being trained to provide first aid is useful to oneself and society. In the case of a natural disaster, those trained can help out greatly; not only providing support for their families but providing support for the wider community.
Do not underestimate the power of being prepared for a natural disaster; start from the basics. If you already live in an area prone to one; look out for early signs.
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