The first 72 hours after a disaster are crucial for survival. During this time, it is important to prioritize immediate life-threatening medical conditions and ensure there is enough food and water. In major disasters, it may take rescuers 72 hours or longer to arrive. Therefore, it is essential to know how to survive on your own after a disaster. It is advisable to prepare and practice survival skills well in advance, as it is difficult to predict when a disaster will occur. Reading emergency preparedness books that provide guidance on self-sufficiency and actions to take in various scenarios is recommended. Additionally, it is important to have 72-hour emergency survival kits stocked for yourself and your loved ones. Lastly, we suggest reviewing your survival plan with friends and family members at least twice a year.
Assemble a survival kit
Even if you don’t live in an area prone to tornadoes or other extreme weather, it is important for all families to have a survival kit packed and prepared. This kit, also referred to as a ‘bug out bag,’ should include all the necessities for surviving for at least three days. By having this bag ready to go, you can feel reassured when you hear about a potential disaster in the news. Instead of panicking and rushing to the store in the hopes of acquiring the necessary items, your bug out bag will already be prepared and waiting for you.
It is important to include a variety of essential items in a bug out bag for survival. These items should include a high-quality traditional flashlight, as well as a hand-crank flashlight, a battery-operated or hand-crank radio, and extra batteries. Additionally, it is crucial to have first aid supplies, including non-expired prescription medications and over-the-counter pain relievers. To ensure sufficient hydration, pack a generous supply of water per person and pet per day. It is also advisable to bring a basic set of utensils and dry clothes for every family member. Non-perishable food supplies, such as dehydrated, canned, or vacuum-sealed food, should also be included. It is wise to have local maps, a compass, a versatile multi-tool or Swiss army knife, baby wipes, sanitation supplies, diapers (if necessary), hand sanitizer, a manual can opener, matches, candles, glow sticks, a water filter, and cooking fuel. Clearly labeling all items is recommended. Additionally, it is a good idea to have an instant cell phone battery charger. Lastly, do not forget to keep several hundred dollars in small bills as cash in the bug out bag.
Prepare a survival plan
Create a simple emergency plan and ensure that all members of your family are acquainted with it. The plan should be adaptable to encompass various conceivable disasters and emergencies. Residing in the tornado belt means being ready for more than just tornado-related calamities.
Creating a written plan diminishes feelings of panic and helplessness in the event of an incident. Every family member will have clear instructions and be aware of the necessary actions to guarantee their safety and survival. The plan should specify the person in charge of loading the vehicle, the individual responsible for securing the property, and the appropriate contacts to notify of your safety and intended destination.
Don’t take chances
Most natural disasters have warning signs, and you usually have some time to get ready. For instance, if weather reports are alerting of a severe hurricane in your vicinity, it’s necessary to contemplate the necessary measures. It is crucial not to jeopardize your family’s safety. If authorities are recommending seeking shelter or leaving the area, it’s important to follow their advice. Property can be fixed and substituted.
How To Survive a Natural Disaster
Unsure of what to do next? Below is a list of tips to aid in your survival during and following a disaster.
1. Stop. Think. Don’t Panic.
When faced with natural or human-caused disasters, one’s typical response can be feeling unprepared and overwhelmed. It is crucial to maintain a calm and focused mindset as this is the most valuable resource. Allowing panic, stress, anger, or frustration only worsens the situation. Therefore, after a disaster strikes, it is important to calmly survey the area, evaluate immediate issues and potential hazards, and ultimately develop a plan to address and resolve the problem at hand.
2. Render First-Aid if Necessary and Possible
When evaluating the consequences of a disaster, ensure to stabilize the health of both yourself and any other individuals in critical condition. If there is severe bleeding, take necessary measures to prevent further blood loss. Confirm that everyone can breathe properly and that there are no obstructions in their airway. It is crucial for all individuals to remain calm and avoid going into shock. When assembling your first aid kit, make sure to include all necessary items and also include warm clothing or a wool blanket to preserve body heat.
3. Find a Safe Place
When a disaster occurs, evaluate your surroundings to determine the level of safety depending on your location. If the building is in a state of disrepair or subjected to potential dangers, relocate. Ensure that everyone you are responsible for is in a suitable condition for relocation. After reaching a safer place, pause, contemplate, observe, and strategize.
4. Signal for or Find Help
Finding help during a disaster can vary in difficulty depending on your location. However, do not allow this to deter you. Obtain signaling tools such as a whistle, flashlight, reflective mirrors, or bright clothing. If possible, ignite a fire to attract attention. However, exercise caution in urban settings where hazardous fumes or flammable objects may be present.
5. Find Drinkable Water
Staying alive is dependent on maintaining proper hydration, which is why it is crucial. If you have any doubts about the water you have access to, ensure that you boil, filter, or purify it to make it safe for consumption. When assembling your 72-hour kit, ensure that you have a minimum of 3 gallons of clean water or alternatively a water purifier or tablets. To prevent dehydration during a crisis, it is essential to prioritize staying hydrated.
6. Find Shelter
In order to stay alive following a disaster, it is crucial to locate a shelter that offers protection from external elements. Avoid exposure to wind, rain, sun, cold, and heat as prolonged contact can significantly impact your well-being. In certain situations, it might be necessary to construct a temporary shelter using available resources. Prioritize evaluating any potential risks or hazards in the vicinity.
7. Have a Way to Start a Fire
To remain emotionally and physically calm, it can be beneficial to have access to a fire. A fire provides warmth, the ability to boil water, and cook food. It is recommended to include waterproof matches, a lighter, and a magnesium fire starter in your 72-hour kit, if possible. Before beginning a fire, it is important to examine your surroundings and determine if it is safe to do so.
8. Have an outside contact
It is natural for family and friends residing in different places to be concerned if you are involved in a disaster. Assign one person as your point of contact and entrust them with the responsibility of keeping everyone informed. Regularly get in touch with this individual to ensure smooth communication. In case your family members in the affected area get separated, an outside contact can assist in organizing rendezvous.
9. Monitor radio and follow advice from authorities
During a natural disaster, it is crucial to have a dependable emergency radio to ensure survival. It is not advisable to depend on television or the internet for updates due to the possibility of power lines and antennae being non-functional. National and local authorities will transmit essential information and guidance. Opting for a radio equipped with a hand turbine for charging is a beneficial choice as it eliminates the need to be concerned about preserving battery power.
