As a retired fire captain, I've seen just how unpredictable disasters can be. Whether it's wildfires, earthquakes, floods, or storms, these events often come without warning. And sometimes, they come all at once. It’s one thing to deal with a fire, but what happens when a flood hits right after? The truth is, multiple disasters happening at the same time are becoming more common, and being ready for anything is more important than ever.
FEMA put together simple, practical steps that families can take to be prepared, stay safe during, and recover from disasters. Even more importantly, FEMA offers guidance on how to protect yourself when two or more disasters happen at the same time. This is something many people don’t think about until it’s too late.
Here are a few tips I want to share with you:
- Know Your Risks: Take some time to learn about the risks where you live. Is your area prone to floods, wildfires, or earthquakes? Knowing what could happen helps you prepare better.
- Pack a Smart Disaster Kit: Your emergency kit should have the basics like water, food, and medicine, but think beyond that. Include things like extra batteries, a portable phone charger, and a flashlight. These small additions can make a huge difference if you're facing multiple disasters, like a power outage during a storm.
- Plan Different Ways Out: When disasters hit, your regular routes might be blocked. Make sure you have several escape routes planned out, just in case. FEMA’s guides can help you create a solid evacuation plan.
- Stay Informed: Make sure you have a way to get updates during a disaster. A crank-power radio or a phone app can help you stay informed when you need it most.
- Protect Your Home: If you live in an area that’s prone to multiple disasters, take steps to protect your property. Clear out any dry brush to reduce fire risk or install flood barriers if you live near water.
To help you take the first steps in disaster preparedness, I also want to offer you something valuable—our Free Life-Saving Skills Online Video Training. It covers the basics like breathing, bleeding control, and how to treat shock—simple skills that could save lives in any emergency. You can get it here: Free Life-Saving Skills Online Video Training.
Disasters are unpredictable, but your readiness doesn’t have to be. By taking these simple steps and accessing FEMA’s resources, you can make sure you and your family are prepared, no matter what comes your way.