Natural disasters are inevitable.
Earthquakes, typhoons, flooding, and the like are unforeseen catastrophes that could strike at any time so, you must be prepared.
Being ready for a natural disaster will help you and your family prevent harm and save lives.
This International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction, here are 5 tips that can help you and your family become ready for a natural disaster.
1. Create a family evacuation plan
Planning ahead of time makes all the difference in disaster preparedness. Healthychildren.org emphasized that it is important to involve all the family members in the preparation before a natural disaster.
Talk with your family members and train them on what to do before, during, and after a disaster strikes.
Aside from this, you can also conduct family drills once in a while. Remember to discuss all the necessary hotlines and evacuation details they need to know in case of calamities.
2. Be updated with the latest news and information
Always keep yourself informed with the latest news coverage on the natural disaster. Make sure to have a list and know the locations of nearby evacuation centers.
Before a calamity strikes, prepare an updated directory of local news stations for information and government hotlines for rescue and evacuation.
Also, healthychildren.org emphasized that making a plan and building a kit are as important as being informed. Prepare a charger and enough batteries for your means of communication. Have a working radio, cellular phone, and extra power banks in case of extended power interruption.
3. Build a kit with enough basic food supplies and medicine
Another thing to prepare is your food supplies which, according to CNN, should last for at least one week.
Stock up on basic food supplies like canned goods, bread, and potable water. Better to pack food that will not spoil even without refrigeration. Stock up on ready-to-eat or easy-to-cook food.
Aside from water and food provision, prepare a stock of your basic medicines and a first aid kit. Prepare a separate kit for those who have a health condition for their own medication. Make sure you have enough medicines and medical supplies to last for at least a week.
4. Encourage others to be disaster-ready
As you prepare as a family, it is important to help others be disaster-ready too. By simply sharing the tips on disaster preparedness on your social media or other means of communication, you can encourage your neighbors and community to be disaster-ready.
Youth.gov also shared that young people can generate creative ideas in sharing disaster preparedness programs, making the tips more engaging and easier to grasp.
Through these efforts, together as a community, you can save lives.
5. Stay calm and pray for God’s protection
Most of all, it is best to stay calm and seek God’s deliverance and protection amid catastrophes. Rest your heart knowing that God is in control no matter what disaster that will come your way.
When you or your loved ones are troubled with all the disasters happening in the world, remember that you can always seek refuge in God’s presence through prayer.
“I prayed to the Lord, and He answered me. He freed me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:4 NIV)
Do you still feel distressed and worried? Let us pray for you. Call CBN Asia’s Prayer Center at 8-737-0-700 anytime.
And if you want to experience the fullness of God’s protection amid any disaster, visit this page to start your journey of faith today.
