Daily concerns like work, school, and family often keep us so busy that we have no time to think about other things. Natural disasters seem far away from everyday life; we spend very little time thinking about them. However, they are more real than we think: earthquakes and tornadoes happen all the time. Are you prepared to survive a natural disaster?
Here is a collection of tips on how to survive some of the most common types of disasters:
“Earthquakes are among the most destructive natural disasters. They occur mainly near the edges of tectonic plates, but they can happen just about anywhere. Earthquakes cannot be predicted, but your chances of survival are much better if you prepare in advance and you know what to do when an earthquake strikes.”
“Floods can strike quickly in many parts of the world. Surviving a flood is a combination of preparation and taking appropriate action as soon as the natural disaster begins.”
“It is often said that tornadoes are nature’s most violent storms, and for good reason. Not only do tornadoes carry winds up to 300 mph (480 km/h)–winds that can level buildings and carry cars through the air 80 feet (25 m) or more–they are also often accompanied by lightning, heavy rains (and flash floods), and hail. When a tornado strikes, your every choice can mean the difference between life and death.”
“A tsunami is a series of destructive and very dangerous waves that result from earthquake activity or some other type of underwater disturbance. In recent years, tsunamis have caused an incredible amount of damage. In order to survive a tsunami, you must be prepared, vigilant, and calm. This article sets out steps that can help you to survive a tsunami, provided you learn and act upon these steps in advance.”
“Volcanic activity can result in explosions called Plinian eruptions that shoot rocks, ash, and gas hundreds of feet into the air. While not all types of volcanic eruptions are so dramatic, they can all be terrifying. Fortunately, most volcanoes are carefully monitored, and scientists can usually provide some advance warning before a serious event. But if you live near a volcano or get an opportunity to visit one, you are always at risk, and it’s important to know how to prepare for an eruption and escape one alive.”
“A drought occurs when there is a less-than-normal amount of rainfall over a range of time. Droughts can impact families by reducing items they depend on daily such as crops, livestock, trees, and hydroelectric power. Rivers and lakes are also dried up during long periods without rain, slowing down the trade industry by limiting barge and ship travel. Move on to Step 1 to start learning how to prepare for a drought.”
Resilience is not just about how we respond after something bad happens. It is also about how we make sure that bad things have a smaller effect on us when they do occur. That’s where preparation comes in…take a little time to think about and prepare for natural disasters!