Being Prepared for Natural Disasters: My Story and Tips for Staying Safe
Over the years, I’ve lived through my fair share of natural disasters, each one teaching me valuable lessons about preparedness. From the intense winds of two cyclones colliding off the coast of Oregon into hurricane force winds to the devastating fires that swept through the West, and now living in a place where tornadoes occasionally threaten, I’ve learned firsthand how important it is to be prepared. Being proactive about emergencies can mean the difference between chaos and calm, so I want to share what I’ve learned about preparing for whatever Mother Nature throws your way.
The Importance of Preparation
Living through these experiences has made me realize that disasters can happen when you least expect them, and the key to getting through them is to be as prepared as possible. Whether you’re dealing with hurricanes, wildfires, or tornadoes, the same principles apply: stay alert, be organized, and make sure you have everything you need in place ahead of time.
In Oregon, I learned just how powerful weather can be when we experienced 3 days of winds up to 130 mph. I never imagined I’d be facing something like that in Oregon, where we’re known for rain, not storms like those. We had no power for nearly a week, and it was an eye-opening experience that taught me how to make the most of the resources we had, and to always be prepared.
When I moved to Kentucky, I encountered a new challenge—severe weather with the occasional tornado. There’s something eerie about knowing that tornadoes could touch down anytime, and the fact that they can happen quickly without much warning made me realize just how important it is to have a solid plan in place.
Key Steps to Staying Alert and Prepared
From all these experiences, here’s what I’ve learned about staying safe and prepared during a natural disaster:
1. Stay Informed
The first step to staying prepared is knowing what’s going on in your area.
• Get a reliable weather app or follow your local news for updates. For example, I rely on a local weather enthusiast who sends out emergency weather texts for just $1 a month. Even if a storm is coming at midnight, he’ll send us a text so we know exactly when to take cover.
• NOAA weather radios are also invaluable for receiving weather alerts when the power goes out.
2. Prepare Your Shelter
You never know when you’ll need to take cover, so having a designated shelter is crucial.
• If you’re in an area prone to tornadoes, make sure your shelter is a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room with no windows. Never shelter in the crawl space of a house & stay out of trailers or vehicles.
• In your shelter, keep important documents, a flashlight, wind-up emergency radio, first-aid kit, and helmets. A helmet can make all the difference during a tornado, as debris is often flying everywhere.
• Don’t forget to grab your go-bag, which should include personal items like your purse, keys, reading glasses and valuables. You never know how long you’ll be in the shelter or away from your home, so comfort items like a pillow or blanket can also be lifesavers.
3. Water and Food Supplies
One of the most essential parts of disaster preparedness is making sure you have enough resources to last. I always make sure to fill 5 gallon buckets with water for the animals, and for flushing. And of course enough fresh water to fill the Berkey, tea pot, coffee carafe and a spray bottle for washing. We have a generator, but if we store enough water for these basic needs ahead of time, we won't have to waste the energy running our pump. It’s crucial to pre-load on essentials like bread, milk, butter, and any non-perishable foods you might need in case you can’t get out to the store. If the power is out, having a camping stove or propane grill will allow you to cook meals without relying on the electricity.
4. Keep Your Gas Tank Full
During a storm, gas stations can quickly run out of fuel or be unreachable, so always make sure to fill up your gas tank ahead of time. This can be a game-changer if you need to use your vehicle to get to safety or help neighbors. And if you have one, park your vehicles in your garage.
5. Prepare for Pets
Our pets are part of the family, so don’t forget to pack a bag for your pets with food, treats, and any necessary medications. For my dog, I keep her collar, leash, treats and poo bags handy, just in case we need to go on a quick walk to stay calm during the storm.
6. Have Emergency Light Sources
When the power goes out, candles can be helpful, but flashlights are even more reliable. Keep several flashlights around the house and in your shelter area, and make sure to have extra batteries on hand. You can find great wind-up NOAA radios with built in flashlights & charging ports at any hardware store.
7. Mental Health Matters
Disasters can be emotionally taxing, and it’s essential to keep yourself occupied and comforted. During a power outage, we had no phones, internet, or TV, so I relied on games and notebooks to keep myself grounded. But the most important thing was having a transistor radio to keep us informed. Pack some simple activities like a deck of cards or a good book to help you unwind during if you have to be locked in for a while.
After the Storm
Once the immediate danger has passed, it’s essential to be prepared to clean up and rest. This is where keeping your house tidy in advance can be a huge help. I like to make sure the house is organized and clean before the storm hits, so that I’m not dealing with extra stress during the aftermath. We sometimes get up to a week to prepare, so I like to have everything in its place to eliminate stress. This also means doing things like laundry, dishes, and taking a shower beforehand, so I don’t have to worry about them when the storm is over.
Creating Your Own Emergency Plan
I’ve learned that it’s not just about having supplies on hand, but also knowing exactly what to do and when. Practice your emergency plan, and make sure your family knows where to go and what to do in case of an emergency. Consider the two-minute drill: When you hear a tornado warning, can you get to your shelter in two minutes? Set out a “go-bag” by the front door to catch any valuables and necessities you want to keep near. And putting on good pair of tennis shoes is a must in case you encounter any sharp debris. Have a list of emergency contacts and make sure everyone in your household knows how to reach each other if you get separated.
Downloadable Emergency Preparedness Checklist
If you live in a potential tornado zone, I’ve compiled everything into a printable checklist to make your preparation even easier. You can print this off and keep it in a handy spot, so you’re always ready when disaster strikes.
Click HERE to download: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGhvvfUOtY/pBL1s93A_dR3w2T9KLwVag/view?utm_content=DAGhvvfUOtY&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h850d38c09c