What should I do to help if a natural disaster happens in my area?

Answer 1

many levels to what seems a simple question
first we have duty to care for ourselves to not place further burden to those helping
2 de we are obligated to make our familly and guests secure , then to make secure immediate dangers to others [while not endangering our selves]
to clear the roads [or block them from say an invading hoard] much depends on the natural ness of the disaster
securing debri and clearing roads is an important first sstep
hang a flag upside down to indicate distress
if there are dead make them secure away from the survival zone ,protect water and food from despoiling [leave the dehydrated and canned stuff till last
remember our nion working pipes and water heaters yet hold water
close off gas leaks , collect fire wood , in case there is cold , make a self supporting communal area ,organise neighbourhood security details bury the dead , avoid power lines
yoyu have no idea what you are asking it seems so simple but really be a bit more specific of that ''natural '' disaster you fear ,the sumnami will be different from the quake , and the typhoone divergent from the hell of insurection

Answer 2

I remember being down in Florida during Hurricane Andrew when I was in law enforcement. I think one of the greatest demands after a disaster is clean water. When you're in the comfort of your own home, you really do take it for granted. And when your home is no longer there, you really do take notice when the water is gone.

So perhaps you could stockpile bottled water during the year, and if a disaster happens in your area, you could supply the storm victims with needed water. You would really be suprised how much it's appreciated.

There are many things that can be done, but water is a need that is immediate, and just about anyone can supply it.

Answer 3

Secure your own physical safety first. Then, secure your own house. Turn off gas lines and shut down the electricity at your fuse box. Put out fire if present. Stay off phones. ALL phones. If water is available, fill every possible clean container with tap water and store. Aid and secure the property of your neighbors on all four sides in the same way, including water. Then, report on foot if possible to your nearest fire department for assignment. If a hospital or clinic is closer, report there. Do exactly as you are told promptly. Carry water, some food, rain gear, a winter coat, a second pair of clothes AND shoes, a knife and a flashlight in a backpack that should be packed and readied prior to a disaster. Cash should be included in backpack. Keep indentification on your person.

Answer 4

Be prepared, the time tested boy scout motto. always keep you gas tank atleast half full, have about 5 gallon of water stored away fordrinking, have a first aide kit, have copies aof all important personal info, such as drivers licence, ssn, marriage certificate, legal papers, contracts etc in another place besides you hme or neighborhood, also make copies and put in your own e-mail, along with a list of phone numbers you would want to have of freinds and realtives if you loose your phone etc. always have a blanket and some basic tools in your trunk and always have about a weeks worth of food (canned), some matches or lighters, a few candles, extra meds if your on them .boxed up and available, tell friends and relatives where to go or call to link up later. Maybe the city hall or check in a police dept later on. And don't stress yourself wondering if and when, and last but not least, don't blame the city,state or federal government that they didn't help you out, it's your own responsibility to watch out for you and your family, and any other help is extra.

Answer 5

Make a plan ahead of time and prepare a disaster kit (including spare food, water, flashlight, maps, spare batteries, a radio etc.) and an evacuation plan. If you have pets, you'll need to take special precautions. You can go to the disaster preparedness page of the US Humane Society below. You should also try to locate pet shelters on your evacuation route ahead of time, in case you can not take your pet(s) with you to your shelter.

Probably the best advice would be to evacuate well ahead of time if you can. Try to help some other people out if you have a car.

Answer 6

Get trained on how to help before the disaster occurs. The Red Cross and other disaster agencies need people who are trained to help - they offer classes and welcome volunteers when crises are not happening. It can be very difficult for them to manage all the "unknown" volunteers who come out of the woodwork during or right after the disaster. If you are trained, ready, and known to the Red Cross, Citizen Corps, volunteer search and rescue, etc., you will be of much more help to those around you during and after a disaster of any type.

Answer 7

Oh Ramses, O Great Pharaoh, are you so dull? Have you forgotten the lessons of the past? YOU of all people ask what YOU should do?

REPENT! REPENT, man - that is the first thing YOU should do!

Have you forgotten the plague of gnats? The river of blood? The death of the first born? And what about the sea that opened up and swallowed your soldiers, horses, chariots and all?

Ramses, are YOU serious? If a natural disaster happens in your area - GET DOWN ON YOUR KNEES AND PRAY!!!!

Answer 8

It's my advice you begin now to stock up, slowly---say....twice a month, on NON-PERISHABLE foods, batteries, flashlights (the waterproof kinds), tough durable radios, OTC medications (asprin, bandages, anti-septics....etc) and bottled waters and well secured, leak-proof fuel containers and motor oils. You're also gonna want to stock up good on paper plates, plastic spoons, forks, knives and cups--trust me on this one.

You might also want to look into purchasing one or two very durable, reliable generators and chain saws--these might prove handy. Take the time to also know how to use them safely. Also buy a few, say six or so, LARGE clean plastic garbage cans that can collect water for toilet flushing as well as the water held in bath-tubs for the very same reason.

Remember---there's NO rush right now, just do this at a barely noticeable routine. This way, by time an oncomming natural disaster approaches, you'll be prepared supply wise while others bolt panic run into stores....and you'll have what's needed for the duration......you hope.

On the immediate, plan out realistic scenarios involving your home. What are you to do if say a fire, windstorm (tornado, hurricane) or flood threatens your house and family inside.

Drill your family from time to time---where staying calm is key--and a good safe emergency evacuation plan is vital and important.

Highway evacuation routes---might want to map those out--and expect them to be jammed, too. ALWAYS REMAIN CALM!! Fear can hurt---even kill you.

Online resources and tips from American Red Cross can be a huge help. I'd also look into their First Responder/First Aid and CPR classes as well.

When it comes to disasters--espicially now that we're facing some extreme climatic (and radically threatening ) weather, it's best to expect the unexpected now while we have the time to prepare without panic shopping or jamming vital roadways.

Answer 9

First stock up on food and water. According to Fema.com each household should have at a minimum of 3-days of food and water stored incase of a disaster. You can't help others if you cant help your self. Next find out if your community has a local Cert (community emergency response team) and try volunteering. They will give you supplies and train you on CB radio's etc. Cert is usually connected with your mayor and police and will be able to deploy you where they need you.

Answer 10

This is hard but this is true - don't panic.

If it's an earthquake, don't run...when you feel the earth shaking, drop down to your knees and protect your head and duck, or look for a safer place near you - under the table, or chair. And hold still. When the quaking ends, run to any open space outside the building and don't go near any gas stations..any open space that has no near building where anything can drop.