Seasons are always changing but are you ready for the next Emergency? What if a Fire sparks close to your home? What if a Hurricane is coming closer and picking up wind speed? ARE YOU PREPARED? Do you live in an area with Tornadoes that twist with a vengeance or Earthquakes strike when you are least prepared? We live in a time where natural disasters happen frequently no matter what part of the world you live in. Unfortunately, when we aren't affected directly we don't even think about it. Should you wait for a calamity to hit your area before you even think to have a plan?
Here are our top 10 Tips on how to prepare for the next natural disaster and don't forget to check out this month's contest below!
1. Create a Plan and Know the Risks You Might Be Facing
Know your area and what disasters you might encounter – this will help you plan appropriately. Create a plan that includes knowing all exit routes, local emergency numbers and make sure that all your family members know them. It's also important to create a meet-up plan if family members become separated or if the house is uninhabitable. Finally, generate a printed or written contact list and include at least one out of town contact.
2. Food and Water is a Must
Have at least one gallon of drinking water per person per day for at least 3 days. Have at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food and a can opener (that's a must have tool). If you have pets make sure you have food and water for them too. Here is a great check list for pets from the ASPCA https://www.aspca.org/sites/default/files/preparedness_for_pets_sep_2015.pdf. Speaking of our furry friends, one recommendation from a C. Crane team member that lived through hurricanes Irma and Maria, is that you make sure you keep your pets up to date on their vaccinations and obtain the proper paperwork from their vet in case evacuation is necessary.
3. Emergency Radio with extra batteries.
A reliable way to stay informed at all times during an emergency is with an all hazards weather radio. Radio communication will always stay in operation, with reliable sources like Ham Operators. Ham Operators are local and have equipment ready to help coordinate local emergency efforts and aid. The CC Radio 2E is C. Crane's all hazards AM, FM, Weather and Weather Alert with the 2 Meter Ham Band Radio. (4 "D" size NiMH or alkaline batteries can be used in lieu of the AC adapter if the power goes out).
The CC Solar Observer is also a fantastic emergency radio. It covers AM, FM and the Weather band, and can be powered by using the built-in hand crank, by the built-in solar panel or by using 3 "AA"alkaline batteries. It comes with a built-in flashlight, and in an emergency, it can charge cell phones. Also make sure you have plenty of extra batteries on hand.
4. The perfect light to add to your Preparedness Kit
Do you have the right light so you can see in a power outage? The CC LED Spot XB Spotlight's (takes 3 "C" batteries) brightness is nearly equal to a 100 watt old style incandescent spotlight. It will run with usable light for up to 60 hours and is lightweight and easy to use.
Also, the Unity Plus LED Flashlight is a reliable flashlight to have in your emergency kit. It's light weight, runs on 2 "C" batteries and will give you up to 22 hours of usable light. The Unity Plus is rugged and is the perfect combination of power, size and weight.
5. First Aid Kit
Keep it simple. Nothing big, but make sure you have Band-Aids, a bandage wrap, antiseptic, moist and dry towelettes, bug spray & bug bite ointment and tweezers in your emergency kit.
6. Emergency Tool Kit
Create a 72-hour emergency kit with the essentials for each family member including cash, duct tape (really – you'll never be sorry you included duct tape), toilet paper, wet wipes, personal hygiene items, blankets or sleeping bags, children/Infant Items (if applicable – think diapers, wipes, formula, etc.), prescription medications including inhalers or allergy medication, clothing, bleach to clean mold as a result of a disaster, a fire starter that will help to start a fire to help keep you warm and large garbage bags that will serve a multitude of purposes such as a makeshift parka in the rain to actual shelter if necessary. Keep a wrench and pliers in your kit to turn off utilities like gas and water and know how to turn off the main power to your home. If it's in the budget, a heavy-duty chainsaw and generator can also be useful.
7. Important Documents
Create copies of important documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, insurance policies, etc. and store them in a secure location, such as a fire proof safe, a safety deposit box or with a trusted family member.
8. PRACTICE Your Plan
Nothing beats a real live drill especially if you have any kind of special needs or young children or grandchildren.
9. Check your Emergency Kit
Put a reminder in your calendar for twice a year to check your kit and your plan and update or modify as necessary.
10. Stay Calm
If you've followed the steps above you have a plan and a kit. You're in GREAT shape to survive a disaster.
Fail to Plan, Plan to Fail! Whether you have experienced any, all or none of these Natural Disasters, we all have the opportunity now to prepare for those "What if" chain of events.
C.Crane is dedicated to helping you have the equipment necessary to communicate and function in times of emergency. Check out our complete line of emergency supplies by clicking here.