Natural disasters are often unexpected and can truly devastate persons and properties. When disasters happen, they can affect many factors including social, mental, emotional, financial and physical. It always helps to know what to do and be prepared at all times.
Knowing what to do during unforeseen events can help reduce the impact on your finances, well-being and security. You can also keep every member of your family safe, including your pets.
Although natural calamities are natural occurrences in Australia. These disasters include bushfires, typhoons, severe flooding, cyclones and earthquakes. To remain safe in times of emergencies, you should know and understand what can happen during disasters.
Basic Information on Natural Disaster Safety
Preparedness can help you get through any disasters.
Here are some pointers that you may want to consider to ensure your safety in case of disaster happens:
1. Understand the Hazards that Come with the Disaster
Knowing what you will face can help you get a head start. You can prepare for the worst situation that can happen. It is best to understand the dangers that go hand in hand with every disaster.
● Bushfire: These are sometimes referred to as wildfires that typically happen during dry, hot, summer days. If you are living in areas where bushfires are rampant, it may cause severe fire damage to your property. The trees and plants around your property may also catch fire.
● Earthquake: Earthquakes are natural disasters that can happen when you least expect them. In some cases, it is the result of geothermal plate displacements or volcanic activities. This may cause damages to properties and may even result in financial losses. Worse cases may result in loss of lives especially when buildings collapse.
● Cyclone: This natural disaster is frequently experienced along with the coastal areas north of Perth. It typically happens between November and April. Cyclones can cause property destruction and loss of livelihood and life.
● Typhoon and Strong Storms: One of the most common natural calamities is strong rains. Some are coupled with thunderstorms and others are accompanied by strong winds and gustiness. Some typhoons can blow off your roof or flood your surroundings. Some also affect the greenery and can even uproot trees.
● Flooding: If you are caught driving in the middle of a flood, many dangers can happen. It can also impact your vehicle. Floods can also damage and cause deterioration to appliances, equipment and furniture. Some people may get carried away by the strong currents of the flood and may lead to missing persons or even death by drowning.
2. Plan Ahead
Now that you know the dangers that come with every disaster, it may be best to plan the things you can do to keep you, your family and your property safe.
● Bushfire: If you are living in areas where bushfires are rampant, it may be best to observe safety precautions, like cleaning up your surroundings from dry leaves and other combustible materials. You should also have a survival plan and a safe place that can help get you to safety. Lastly, be mindful of alert warnings and know the alert level your area is in so you can do the necessary safety precautions.
● Earthquake: Before an earthquake happens, it is best to know where you should evacuate and the exits of the building you are in. Keep in mind the 3 basic steps of drop, cover and hold.
● Cyclone: Before a cyclone happens and if your house is located, make sure that the structure of your building can withstand its hazards. If there are tree branches that need to be cleared, it may be best to do so before the cyclone hits your place. During the disaster, make sure to listen to the radio for the latest updates.
● Typhoon and Strong Storms: Just like in cyclones, it may be best to stay indoors and avoid accidents and other emergencies from happening. You also have to make sure that you have made necessary repairs to your house to ensure the safety of everyone.
● Flooding: It may be best to alight your vehicle and find a safe place to stay until the rains and floods are over. When your area has been flooded, it may be best to find higher grounds until the flood subsides. Appliances, furniture, and other things should be secured before the flood arises.
3. Stay Connected
Communication is a very important aspect of everyday life. It is especially helpful in times of emergencies and unwarranted circumstances. Make sure to establish a good communication system with the people you love. In case a disaster happens, make sure that you can readily connect with everyone, including the agencies that you can turn to in times of emergency.
4. Identify Your Emergency Kit
Emergency kits should contain the necessary and basic things that can help you survive the urgency of the catastrophe. It should at least contain the basic things of survival, like food, clothing for warmth, drinking water, medicine, batteries, flashlight and blankets.
You should also make sure to pack important documents in your survival kit. Make sure that your emergency kit can last for about 2 weeks. One of the important things that you should include in your survival kit is a battery-operated radio so you can be updated with the development of the calamity.
While natural disasters are usually unexpected, the dangers that come with them can be prevented if you are prepared.
Contact Workplace Emergency Management for more information today!
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