Are you prepared for a natural disaster?

1. 82

   Jacqueline4390posted 9 years ago

   Are you prepared for a natural disaster?
   
   We listen in horror when we hear about the 7.8 earthquake in Nepal with the death tolls nearing 2,000. But how prepared are you for such a natural event? Some may say “It could never happen to me—“but there is NO guarantee that it won’t.
   
   What have you done to safeguard yourself and your family if a natural disaster should happen?
   
   
   

   replyreport
2. 84

   tsmogposted 8 years ago

   Great question and very ominous too. I live at San Diego County in Southern California where earthquakes are the predominant thought for a natural disaster. That aside I think no matter where you live and what the potentials and probabilities for a natural disaster the thinking comes down to the basics - shelter, food, water, and security followed by a means to provide for comfort. Comfort can have many meanings, although what comes to mind is fire for heat, cooking, and light as an example.
   
   What I have done is I have a backpack sitting near my front door. It is packed with all the things recommended to survive for a week. As a guideline help should be available through the municipality and community services within that time frame. I always keep my car's gas tank between half and full as a measure of preparedness too. (I run it to low now and then. But, generally I try to keep it above half a tank). I know I can drive approximately 250 - 300 miles on a full tank depending on speed.
   
   The car I have is a Honda Fit. I bought it for several reasons including being able to pack it with necessities and be able to sleep in it. The passenger seat folds flat along with the back seat, so I could comfortably sleep in it while having some degree of feeling secure. The back seat folds upward so I could pack the driver side back seat area with supplies or what may be needed while being able to sleep on the passenger side.
   
   Backing up a moment is I live in a mobile home. Regarding an earthquake of the magnitude Nepal experienced a factor I must consider is the mobile home has concrete piling piers supporting the structure I-Beam foundation. A severe enough quake would rock the structure off those piers with the possibility of structure failure, hence the car as a place for shelter.
   
   I feel I am prepared enough based on the guidelines provided by the State of California and the many available websites. Of course an important factor for surviving a natural disaster once it has occurred is the cooperation of community - family, neighbors, township area(s), and etc.
   
   This is a great idea for a hub article. I think I will save it in my possible hub folder for looking into later. I think the challenge with this type of hub is moving from a very general perspective toward the specific of the most probable natural disaster. For instance the contrast between this area being earthquake prone and say where there are tornadoes, hurricanes or tropical storms, and even drought.

   replyreport
   1. 82

      Jacqueline4390posted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Great information and you are prepared which is also very good. Sometimes we tend to find a comfort zone and stay there.

      replyreport
3. 0

   Stargrrlposted 8 years ago

   I am not prepared.  If it ever does happen, I only hope I am with my family and not alone.

   replyreport
   1. 82

      Jacqueline4390posted 8 years agoin reply to this

      It is never too late to prepare until it happens. Make sure that your family has a plan to meet at a certain location and that you have access to emergency help if needed!

      replyreport
4. 71

   Jojo Yousefposted 8 years ago

   I'm not prepared, I feel afraid if I heard about earthquake

   replyreport
   1. 82

      Jacqueline4390posted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Don't be afraid. If you are prepared and nothing happens then that is ok. But if you are not prepared and something does happen then you are in trouble. Smart people prepare; others just sit back and wait for "Fate."

      replyreport
5. 75

   chuckandus6posted 8 years ago

   I don't worry about something like natural disaster end of the world, ext. If it happens it happens and there is np logic in worry

   replyreport
   1. 82

      Jacqueline4390posted 8 years agoin reply to this

      There is a distinct difference between worrying and being prepared. Just saying if it happens, it happens is like looking for a job and not preparing for it and saying well if I get the job, so be it. Even Christians prepare for things.

      replyreport
   2. 75

      chuckandus6posted 8 years agoin reply to this

      There is no true way to be prepared for disaster.just my opinion

      replyreport
   3. 82

      Jacqueline4390posted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I truly appreciate your opinion and in no way wish to be disrespectful. I just feel strongly that although we can't prevent disasters; we can lessen their effects. Having a plan whenever possible can and does save lives!

      replyreport
   4. 75

      chuckandus6posted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I too, respect your opinion and feel that people should do what makes them feel safe, and if that is preparing that is a good idea and I not against the idea. thank you.

      replyreport
   5. 82

      Jacqueline4390posted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Great, that's all I am saying. I think about Katrina, Andrew, Super Cell Sandy and others. I pray it never happens but I will talk to my family regarding taking precautions!

      replyreport