10 Steps to Protect Your Family During Natural Disasters
It’s becoming common for natural disasters to strike with little to no warning. The increasing threat of wildfires, floods, droughts, and storms is real, leaving behind significant damage. Read on to learn how to stay prepared to protect your loved ones during natural disasters.
1. Consider an Emergency Plan
Most families don’t plan for emergencies until it’s too late. Imagine the panic when a flood hits, and you don’t know what to do or where to go. Creating a simple emergency plan ensures your family stays calm and knows exactly what to do in a crisis.
You should map out escape routes, identify safe zones, and decide on meeting points if you get separated at the height of a disaster. Make sure every member of the family memorises the plan. In a disaster, every second counts; don’t waste it on confusion.
2. Prepare an Emergency Kit
During such a crisis, the power can go out, stores can close, and you might be cut off from essential supplies. Your emergency kit should be ready and stocked with:
- Water (minimum 3-day supply per person).
- Non-perishable food.
- Flashlights and batteries.
- First-aid supplies.
- Important documents (IDs, insurance, and medical cover.).
- Multi-tool or pocketknife.
3. Stay Informed
When a natural disaster is imminent, the most dangerous thing you can do is be cut off from real-time communication and updates. Monitor local news, weather alerts, and disaster warnings regularly. Ensure you remain connected to the internet to receive emergency notifications and avoid being caught off guard about incoming threats.
4. Know the Dangers Specific to Your Location
In South Africa, natural disasters vary by region. If you live in the Western Cape, wildfires are a constant threat. In coastal areas like KwaZulu Natal, you’re at risk of floods and severe storms. It’s advisable to research local risks and plan accordingly to minimise the dangers you might face depending on where you are.
5. Evacuate Early
The most common mistake most people make is waiting too long to evacuate. However, when danger strikes, minutes can mean the difference between life and death. Don’t ignore evacuation orders, thinking the worst won’t happen to you because your belongings can be replaced, but your life can’t.
6. Secure Your Home
Even though you can’t stop a flooding or a fire from spreading, you can minimise damage. Take steps to protect your home before the worst happens. For fires, clear away flammable materials around your property and if floods are a high risk, ensure your home’s drainage system is working correctly.
7. Protect Your Health
After most natural disasters, health risks might increase due to contaminated water, food shortages, and injuries. Be prepared to manage minor injuries with a well-stocked first aid kit. Ensure you have access to clean water and are aware of safe food storage practices to avoid diseases like cholera that can spread quickly.
8. Get Insured
Most families are financially devastated after a natural disaster. If you don’t have the right insurance, recovering from a loss can be crippling, leading to stress that can affect your mental and physical health. Ensure your home, vehicle, and belongings are insured against the types of natural disasters common in your area.
9. Stay Calm
In a crisis, panic clouds judgment. The key to survival is staying calm, thinking clearly, and following your plan. Teach your children how to stay calm during a disaster and practice your family emergency drills regularly to keep you and your loved ones safe.
10. Be Ready to Adapt
No matter how well you prepare, natural disasters remain unpredictable, and your greatest proactive measure is adaptability. If the situation changes, be flexible enough to adjust your plan and act accordingly. Being rigid in the face of disaster can trap you in harm’s way. Stay alert, stay informed, and stay adaptable.
Natural disasters don’t wait for you to be ready, and the risk is always there. Whether it’s a wildfire, flood, or storm, your preparation will determine your survival. The FREE-to-use iER App is a proactive measure to protect you and your loved ones. iER provides 24/7 access to Disaster Relief services when facing the unexpected.