Where To Go In An Emergency
Essentials for Any and Every Situation
Some emergencies can be small and uneventful. However, some can be enormous and completely unexpected. You may not be able to prepare for any and every disaster, but you can still have a game plan in place despite not knowing what might come your way.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), you should always have supplies on hand that will last you at least 72 hours.
This includes things like food, water, flashlights, a survival kit, batteries, and so on. People might think you’re crazy for having a few hundred bottles of water and that second freezer full of meat in your basement, but they’ll be wishing they had one, too, when they’re out there trying to survive events like the coronavirus with a can of refried beans and no toilet paper.
Last but not least, be prepared to react appropriately, mentally speaking. We know emergencies can be scary, but freaking out and running around like a chicken with their head cut off is never a good idea.
Okay, now that we’ve covered the basics let’s dive into more specific scenarios.
Where to go during a flood
The DHS states that floods are the most common natural disaster in America. It doesn’t matter if you live in balmy Florida or chilly New York — you’re at risk of experiencing a flood. Floods can happen for a number of reasons, such as hurricanes, dam failures, or the inability for dry land to soak up sudden, heavy rains.
Regardless of the reason, you’ll want to find safe shelter right away. If your state is ordering people to evacuate the area, get out as soon as possible with an emergency go-bag. However, keep in mind to never drive through a flood itself. As little as one foot of moving water can sweep your car away, no problem.
If you’re in a situation where you’re unable to leave your home, don’t panic. Move to higher ground and collect essential supplies in a backpack to bring with you. Remember to never go into an attic in case you become stuck from rising waters. If the water is rising, go to your roof and signal for help.
The good news is you can prepare for potential floods. FEMA has a Flood Map Service Center where you can get to know the type of flood risks in your area so you can plan an evacuation route.
Where to go in a tornado and hurricane
Tornados and hurricanes aren’t technically the same thing, as tornadoes form over land and hurricanes typically form at sea due to a tropical storm. However, your emergency evacuation checklist should be pretty similar for both.
In most cases, you’ll probably be given a warning that a tornado or hurricane is going to hit your area. However, sometimes people aren’t given enough time to evacuate properly.
In an event like this, you’ll want to seek shelter immediately – whether it be a storm shelter, a safe area like a basement (not subject to flooding), or a small, interior, windowless room.
It’s important to communicate with a family member or friend where you are just in case you get stuck. Be sure to keep a backup battery on-hand, too, in the event that your cell phone dies.
If you don’t have a safe place to go in your home, research your nearby safety shelters and head there if your local authorities say you have enough time to do so. You can search for open shelters by texting SHELTER and ZIP code to 43362.
For more tips on how to be prepared for when a storm comes, check out this video by FEMA.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsjUfdaW67k
Where to go in an earthquake
Earthquakes are sudden and unpredictable. The shaking that comes from rocks shifting beneath the earth’s surface can lead to severe damage to roads, and in extreme cases, cause fires, landslides, avalanches, and more.
In spite of the unheralded danger of this kind of an emergency, you can still rest assured that with a safety plan in place, you can be prepared.
According to the DHS, the rule of thumb is to “drop,” “cover,” and “hold on.” This means:
Drop to the ground wherever you are;
Cover your head and neck with your arms for protection;
Crawl away from windows to a nearby table or desk;
Hold on to said table or desk and be prepared to move with it if it moves.
If you’re in a…
Car: Pull over, stop, and put your parking brake on
Bed: Lay on your stomach and cover your head with a pillow
Outside: Stay away from buildings and trees
If you’re a serious prepper, you can secure items in your house like refrigerators, bookcases, and other heavy objects that might severely injure someone in the event of an earthquake.
And don’t forget to make an earthquake emergency kit list, too, with items like a sleeping bag, battery operated radio, matches, and candles.
Where to go in a pandemic
Just when the world thought pandemics were something out of the Middle Ages, the coronavirus struck, leaving us all fending for chicken meat and toilet paper.
If we’ve learned anything from COVID-19, it’s time to raise chickens, stock up on that soft, white double ply, and have a plan to keep your family safe no matter what.
While it’s essential to stockpile necessary items like medicine, you’ll want to stay away from the grocery store and other public places as much as possible. In other words, instead of leaving you no other option but to rush out to the store without thinking, have some shelves in your pantry or basement pre-stocked and dedicated to emergencies of this nature.
Canned food and other non-perishable edibles are key. Since your safe place is your home, be sure to purchase other essentials, like deodorant, toothpaste, and soap, in bulk. It’s also a good idea to set aside some money to build an emergency fund just in case you get let go from a job.
If you’re in an apartment, don’t worry, you can still be prepared! Check out our tips on how to prepare for quarantine in an apartment.
Even if you’re practicing social distancing and good hygiene, you might get sick, and that’s okay. Stay calm and contact your doctor to see what steps you should take in response. Chances are these will vary depending on the current state of affairs.
It’s also a good idea to talk to your loved ones about how you can care for and support one another from a distance, as well.
Where to go in a nuclear explosion
It’s time to get radical – with nuclear explosions.
It may seem crazy to be talking about a nuclear apocalypse, but if we’re honest, our generation is more likely than any other to experience one. So, why not be prepared?
A nuclear explosion may occur with or without warning. What makes nuclear explosions so dangerous isn’t just the explosion and heat that comes with it, but the radiation that follows after.
The most important thing to do if you experience a nuclear explosion is to get inside of a building immediately. The DHS suggests going into a basement or nuclear safe building and staying there for 24 hours or until the government says otherwise.
If you happen to be outside when the explosion occurs, duck and cover to protect your body from the heat of the blast and flying debris. If you’re in a vehicle, turn off your car and duck down.
Head to a safe place as quickly as possible and take off any clothes that may have been exposed to radiation. If possible, shower or wash your body, and stay in a safe place until told otherwise.
Getting Prepared
Being prepared for an unexpected crisis probably seems like common sense, but the truth is only 17 percent of Americans claim to be very prepared for emergencies.
Whether it be a number to call, a safe location to go to, or having an emergency kit on hand, taking time to prep before a problem arises means you’ll be safer than most. So get out there, get prepared, and stock up on the essentials.
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