Survival strategies for natural disasters

Natural disasters are events that occur naturally and can have a significant impact on communities and individuals. These events can include earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires. It is essential to be prepared for natural disasters to protect yourself and your loved ones and minimize damage to your property.

 

Types of natural disasters

Several different types of natural disasters can occur. Some common types include:

 

Earthquakes

 

Tectonic plates’ movement causes earthquakes, which can occur anywhere in the world. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), there are approximately 500,000 detectable earthquakes worldwide each year. Of these, about 100,000 can be felt, and around 100 cause damage.

 

Floods

 

Floods are brought on by prolonged periods of heavy rain or the overflow of waterways like rivers or oceans. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States, and they can cause significant damage to homes and businesses.

 

Hurricanes

 

Hurricanes are tropical storms with winds of 74 miles per hour or more. These storms can cause heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), every year, from June 1 to November 30 is hurricane season in the Atlantic.

 

Tornadoes

 

Tornadoes are intense, cyclonic winds that can cause significant damage to homes and buildings. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the majority of the nation’s tornadoes, which average 1,200 each year, strike the central and southern regions of the United States.

 

Wildfires

 

Wildfires are large fires that burn out of control in natural areas, such as forests or grasslands. These fires can be caused by lightning, but humans can also start them. According to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), there were more than 64,835 wildfires in the United States in 2022, which burned over 7,421,439 acres of land.

 

Detailed Table for Natural Disasters and their effects

Natural Disaster	Number of Occurrences per Year (approximate)	Impact	Most Common Locations	Causes
Earthquakes	500,000	100,000 can be felt; 100 cause damage	Can occur anywhere in the world	Movement of tectonic plates
Floods	Most common natural disaster in the US	Can cause significant damage to homes and businesses	Can occur anywhere, but most common in low-lying areas	Heavy rain or the overflow of bodies of water
Hurricanes	Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th	Can cause heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding	Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico	Tropical storms with winds of 74 miles per hour or more
Tornadoes	1,200	Can cause significant damage to homes and buildings	Central and southern parts of the US	Intense, cyclonic winds
Wildfires	64,835 in the US in 2022	Can burn over 10 million acres of land	Natural areas, such as forests or grasslands	Can be caused by lightning or humans

Preparing for natural disasters

It is important to be prepared for natural disasters to protect yourself and your loved ones. Here are some preparations you can make:

 

Create an emergency kit

An emergency kit should include enough supplies to last for at least three days. Some essential items to include are:

• Water (at least one gallon per person per day)
• Non-perishable food (such as canned goods, granola bars, and peanut butter)
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Medications (if needed)
• Cash (in small denominations)
• Copies of essential documents (such as driver’s licenses, insurance documents, and birth certificates)
• Radio (preferably a NOAA weather radio)
• Cell phone and charger
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to create a shelter)
• Hygiene items (such as toothbrush, toothpaste, and hand sanitizer)
• Clothing (such as extra warm layers and sturdy shoes)

 

Make a plan

It is crucial to have a plan in place in case of a natural disaster. This should include an evacuation plan, as well as a plan for how to stay in touch with family and friends. Make sure to discuss your plan with everyone in your household so that everyone knows what to do.

 

Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes

If you are ordered to evacuate, it is essential to know the best route to take. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the evacuation routes in your area and have a plan for where you will go if you need to leave your home.

 

During a natural disaster

If you are caught in a natural disaster, it is important to follow the steps below to protect yourself:

 

Find shelter

If you are in a natural disaster, you must find shelter as soon as possible. If you are inside, stay in a room with no windows, such as a basement or bathroom. If you are outside, try to find a sturdy building or a car to take shelter in. Avoid being outside during a natural disaster if at all possible.

 

Stay safe

If you are in a natural disaster, staying as safe as possible is essential. Avoid standing near windows, and try to avoid heavy objects that could fall. If you’re driving during a natural disaster, stop by the side of the road and remain there.

 

Protect yourself from injury

It is crucial to shield yourself from harm if you are in a natural disaster. If you are in a natural disaster, it is essential to protect yourself from injury. Wear protective clothing, such as gloves and sturdy shoes, and be cautious when moving around. Get under a desk or table if you live in an earthquake-prone location to shield yourself from falling debris.

 

After a natural disaster

After a natural disaster, it is crucial to take the following steps:

 

Seek medical attention if needed

Seek medical care as quickly as possible if a natural disaster has damaged you or someone you know. Call emergency medical services if you cannot get to a hospital.

 

Check on friends and family

It’s crucial to check on your friends and family after a natural disaster to make sure they’re okay. Contact authorities or the American Red Cross for assistance if you cannot reach them.

 

Assess damage and make necessary repairs

After a natural disaster, it is essential to assess the damage to your home or business and make any necessary repairs. If you need assistance, contact your insurance company or local authorities for help.

 

Conclusion

Although natural catastrophes can be catastrophic, being ready can help you and your loved ones be protected. It is important to have an emergency kit, make a plan, and familiarize yourself with evacuation routes. Finding shelter, staying safe, and protecting yourself from injury are essential if you are caught in a natural disaster. After a natural disaster, make sure to seek medical attention if needed, check on friends and family, and assess the damage to your home or business. Following these steps can help protect yourself and your loved ones during a natural disaster.