Published: September 01, 2023

Being Prepared for Major Disasters

Being prepared for major disasters is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of yourself and your loved ones. While predicting the exact nature and timing of disasters is impossible, you can take certain steps to be better prepared. Here are some general guidelines for being prepared in case of five major disasters:

Earthquake:

• Secure heavy furniture and appliances to prevent them from toppling over.
• Identify safe spots in each room, such as under sturdy furniture or against an interior wall, away from windows, mirrors, and heavy objects.
• Create an emergency kit with essential supplies, including food, water, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, and a battery-powered radio.
• Develop an emergency communication plan with your family and establish meeting points.

Hurricane:

• Stay informed about approaching hurricanes through local news and weather forecasts.
• In a waterproof container, prepare a hurricane emergency kit with non-perishable food, water, medications, batteries, flashlights, a first aid kit, and important documents.
• Trim trees and secure outdoor objects that could become projectiles in high winds.
• Reinforce windows and doors with storm shutters or plywood.
• Evacuate if instructed to do so by local authorities.

Wildfire:

• Maintain defensible space around your property by clearing dry vegetation and creating a buffer zone.
• Prepare an emergency supply kit with essential items, including an N95 respirator mask, goggles, and a battery-operated radio.
• Develop an evacuation plan and identify multiple escape routes.
• Keep your vehicle fueled and ready to go in case of a sudden evacuation order.
• Stay updated on fire conditions through local authorities and evacuate early if necessary.

Flood:

• Stay informed about flood risks in your area and heed evacuation orders if given.
• Create an emergency kit with food, water, medications, a first aid kit, flashlights, batteries, and waterproof containers for important documents.
• Keep sandbags or other flood barriers on hand to protect your property.
• Elevate critical utilities like electrical panels, appliances, and heating systems.
• Develop a family communication plan and establish meeting points.

Tornado:

• Designate a safe space in your home, such as a basement or an interior room on the lowest level, away from windows.
• Install a weather radio and stay tuned to local weather alerts.
• Secure heavy objects and reinforce windows and doors.
• Create an emergency kit with essential supplies, including food, water, a first aid kit, flashlights, and batteries.
• Have helmets or other protective headgear available to protect against flying debris.

Remember, these are general guidelines, and adapting them to your specific location and circumstances is important. Stay informed, have a plan, and regularly update your emergency supplies to ensure you are well-prepared for any major disaster that may occur in your area.

Visit UNITS Moving and Portable Storage of Northeast Massachusetts or call (978) 800-8648 for more information.