It’s been fourteen months now, restrictions, lockdowns of one form or another, social distancing that includes family, friends and associates, and uncertainty of what the future holds for us in life as we know it. No one ever imagined that this situation was even possible, far less actionable in 2021. The mental stress is tremendous and varies so much from one person to another. Our whole lives have been changed in the blink of an eye and each of us can relate. It is important for us to realize that this can also happen when it comes to disaster, it can change our entire life in the blink of an eye.
Many have been impacted in the past and many have volunteered their time, effort, supplies and professional abilities to assist those affected in order to allow the victims some sort of relief and restoration in their lives. We have the ability to lessen the impact of disaster in our own circles. We can ease the effects of disaster for ourselves and those we love but we must be responsible for making the difference.
National Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Month is being recognized this month and will be so recognized every year in the month of May. The state is taking the responsibility to start the ball rolling by writing and amending policies, legislation, plans, protocol, training, educating the public and many more steps. We need now to take up the mantle and cover the gaps that may be apparent in our own spaces, use what we’ve learned, fix the things that we have been putting off for so long, correct the things that need correcting, so that we can experience a less impactful hit in the event of disaster.
Climate Change has impacted the world so negatively that there is no space that hasn’t felt its fury in some form. The weather systems have drastically changed, the sea levels are rising and reclaiming our land, the industrial impact on our environments has led to a new normal, just like the pandemic (a disaster of its own) that so many have been touched by.
There are ways that we can mark our own spaces to be able to ensure the safety of ourselves and our loved ones.
Go Kits
There are different kinds of Go Kits (< 72 hr. relief supplies), Better if we can store them already packed, in a safe place, just to grab and go.
Food and water (It is best to pack small things that do not take up too much space, non-perishable food items and power bars, water (1gal per person/per day), water sanitation tablets, salt, matches, soap, everyday tools, entertainment items (playing cards, board games) and other must have supplies)
Clothing and other apparel (At least 2 changes of clothes, personal sanitary products, underwear, towel, socks, shoes, masks, disposable gloves)
Medication (For NCD patients, have at least a one month supply, regular medication and supplies (pain medication, flu medication, meds for vomiting and diarrhea, peroxide and plasters) and other sustaining medication/ first aid kits).
Official Documentation (All original documents and copies of them should be kept in a waterproof sealed container along with a pen and paper to take regular notes as your recovery dictates)
Communication Kit (Each family should have a written communications plan, all electrical back up supply units should be packed, battery powered or crank transistor radio with spare batteries)
House-hold Readiness and Retrofitting
Ensure the guttering is regularly cleaned and ensure it is properly attached
Secure all items on the outside of your property (exterior furniture, plant pots and any other lose items in the periphery), keeps your trees properly trimmed and safe from damaging your property in the event of strong winds
Ensure that your electrical appliances, interior heavy furniture are secure and raised to avoid flood or seismic damage. Place heavy items on lower shelves
Prepare a safe room if possible
Ensure your roof is properly secured to the structure and attach hurricane straps if possible
Ensure your foundation is not susceptible to flood or seismic damage that can lead to structural instability
Secure your doors and windows with shutters to avoid seepage from flood waters and shattering by flying debris
Our homes are our castles and we must recognize that there are many natural hazards that can permeate our comfort and security. Hydro-hazards, seismic hazards, industrial hazards and man-made hazards are all a threat to each of us. We all have an equal role to play in preventing and/or preparing for the inevitable disaster. Each step we take will create an impact. Let’s make those steps positive ones. Let us stand together in making that positive change to make disasters less impactful for one and all, since every step can and will make a difference.
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