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One of the best ways to be prepared is not to have a plan for each any every possible disaster but to have a plan that can apply to multiple disasters or emergencies. It is often overlooked when it comes to preparing for disasters but it is essential to have the ability to think through how a disaster affects you personally. When flooding hits an area, the person who is able to evacuate in their car is going to be affected differently than the person who is wheel-chair bound and relies on medical transportation. When you are aware of how a disaster can affect you, you can prepare accordingly. In order to become more disaster resilient you have to take a closer look at what your risks and hazards are.
Defining what a hazard is can be tricky. A hazard is the potential of harm to something. Therefore, an all hazards approach is to essentially be prepared for everything that puts you at risk. It does not have to be a major disaster like a wildfire or hurricane. An extended power outage due to extreme heat could cause issues as well. For example, an assisted living facility that experiences a power outage puts people at risk who depend on electrical medical devices as well as not being able to have air conditioning when there is no backup power source. One way to mitigate that hazard is for residents to have a power outage plan that could including leaving to stay with a family member or get a hotel. A plan to stay with a family member or get a hotel could also apply if evacuation orders are given or after widespread damage from a tornado.
Consider preparing for disasters like having a toolbox. Having some tools is better than having no tools at all when something breaks. Ensuring that you have taken small steps to be prepared is much better than not having a plan at all. For example, if orders are given to shelter-in-place, having some nonperishable foods on hand is better than having to go to the store during a disaster to get supplies. Additionally, everyone’s tool box will look different. The preparedness plans for a family of two adults will look drastically different than that of a family of four which includes children. Also consider the emotional impacts that a disaster can have on anyone. Don’t hesitate to seek help if you experience any symptoms such as anxiety or depression. Let your disaster toolbox be full of things that will apply to all types of disasters but also that will work for you specifically.
The goal of becoming a better disaster decision maker is not only plan for one specific disaster but to know that it can help you during any disaster. When you have a family communication plan, that type of tool in your toolbox can be used in any disaster. You should have a plan to communicate with your family in the event you cannot use your cellphone or if your landline, often powered by the internet isn’t working. One idea to have a family meeting location where everyone knows to meet even though you can’t speak to each other. It is also a good idea to have a backup plan for your primary meeting location in case that place is damaged or not accessible.
One of the main goals of creating a disaster resilient community is to lessen the impacts of a disaster. When people are more prepared, the less they will have to rely on outside resources for help. Systems such as 911, police, and fire can become inundated with calls for help so the more individuals and thus communities can be prepared, the more it helps our communities as a whole. Lessening the impacts of a disaster also helps when the time comes for recovery. Preparing for what happens during a disaster is just as important as planning for what happens when the disaster is over. It is absolutely essential to stay informed of what is happening in your community after a disaster. You may need to find out about localized damage, road closures and more. Most local government agencies are now communicating emergency information via text and even email. Check with your local officials or city webpage to find out if emergency alerts are available. Recovering is also a time when neighbors can help out each other so communicate ahead of time to see in what ways you can lend a hand. Remember, having something in your disaster toolbox is better than not having anything at all and everyone can do something to be prepared for all types of disasters.
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Raynika Battle is the executive director of Do1Thing. Raynika has taken pride in being prepared for emergencies for as long as she can remember. With a passion for nonprofit management, her experience provides several years of nonprofit and community services work in the Lansing, MI area. Raynika holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University in Political Theory & Constitutional Democracy. She also holds a Master of Science degree from Capella University in Human Services and Non Profit Management. She also has a post-graduate certificate in Strategic Management from Davenport University. Additionally she holds two certificates from Liberty University in Biblical Studies and Biblical Leadership. She is currently pursuing her Professional Emergency Manager (PEM) certification with the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division. Raynika is also a Community Emergency Response Team member and certified by the Red Cross in Disaster Mental Health. Raynika is a proud wife and mother of two children.
More articles by the writer
One of the best ways to be prepared is not to have a plan for each any every possible disaster but to have a plan that can apply to multiple disasters or emergencies. It is often overlooked when it comes to preparing for disasters but it is essential to have the ability to think through how a disaster affects you personally. When flooding hits an area, the person who is able to evacuate in their car is going to be affected differently than the person who is wheel-chair bound and relies on medical transportation. When you are aware of how a disaster can affect you, you can prepare accordingly. In order to become more disaster resilient you have to take a closer look at what your risks and hazards are.
Defining what a hazard is can be tricky. A hazard is the potential of harm to something. Therefore, an all hazards approach is to essentially be prepared for everything that puts you at risk. It does not have to be a major disaster like a wildfire or hurricane. An extended power outage due to extreme heat could cause issues as well. For example, an assisted living facility that experiences a power outage puts people at risk who depend on electrical medical devices as well as not being able to have air conditioning when there is no backup power source. One way to mitigate that hazard is for residents to have a power outage plan that could including leaving to stay with a family member or get a hotel. A plan to stay with a family member or get a hotel could also apply if evacuation orders are given or after widespread damage from a tornado.
Consider preparing for disasters like having a toolbox. Having some tools is better than having no tools at all when something breaks. Ensuring that you have taken small steps to be prepared is much better than not having a plan at all. For example, if orders are given to shelter-in-place, having some nonperishable foods on hand is better than having to go to the store during a disaster to get supplies. Additionally, everyone’s tool box will look different. The preparedness plans for a family of two adults will look drastically different than that of a family of four which includes children. Also consider the emotional impacts that a disaster can have on anyone. Don’t hesitate to seek help if you experience any symptoms such as anxiety or depression. Let your disaster toolbox be full of things that will apply to all types of disasters but also that will work for you specifically.
The goal of becoming a better disaster decision maker is not only plan for one specific disaster but to know that it can help you during any disaster. When you have a family communication plan, that type of tool in your toolbox can be used in any disaster. You should have a plan to communicate with your family in the event you cannot use your cellphone or if your landline, often powered by the internet isn’t working. One idea to have a family meeting location where everyone knows to meet even though you can’t speak to each other. It is also a good idea to have a backup plan for your primary meeting location in case that place is damaged or not accessible.
One of the main goals of creating a disaster resilient community is to lessen the impacts of a disaster. When people are more prepared, the less they will have to rely on outside resources for help. Systems such as 911, police, and fire can become inundated with calls for help so the more individuals and thus communities can be prepared, the more it helps our communities as a whole. Lessening the impacts of a disaster also helps when the time comes for recovery. Preparing for what happens during a disaster is just as important as planning for what happens when the disaster is over. It is absolutely essential to stay informed of what is happening in your community after a disaster. You may need to find out about localized damage, road closures and more. Most local government agencies are now communicating emergency information via text and even email. Check with your local officials or city webpage to find out if emergency alerts are available. Recovering is also a time when neighbors can help out each other so communicate ahead of time to see in what ways you can lend a hand. Remember, having something in your disaster toolbox is better than not having anything at all and everyone can do something to be prepared for all types of disasters.
Vlad Magdalin
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