Natural disasters are a common phenomenon in our world. However, they are occurring more frequently because of climate change. Some of these disasters can pose a severe problem for our homes and our families.
Natural disasters such as floods affect 11 million Americans and cause $125 billion in structural damage every year. These disasters may no longer pose the same threat as they did before due to technological advancements but not preparing for them can still lead to worse case scenarios. However, preparing for them might not be as simple as you think.
Preparation for disasters is both a mental and physical effort. It’s not just about stocking up on supplies and preparing for the worse. You need to be ready for whatever happens. Here are some ways you can prepare your home and family for natural disasters.
Stay Calm and Be Calm During the Disaster
People who panic during disasters are more likely to make dangerous decisions for themselves and their families. But fear is a fundamental emotion and something we need to control if we want to make the right decisions during a disaster. But how do we manage our fears?
Psychologists believe that controlling our fears is more of a lifestyle change than it is a gradual change in our lives. Therefore, it doesn’t necessarily mean that we have to expose ourselves to fear every day to get used to it. But instead, we have to feel calm most of our lives, regardless of what life brings to us. One way to do this is through meditation and other self-awareness exercises.
People usually feel when they fear something is a mix of anxiety, stress, and helplessness. So what’s been good at treating two of these things? Those are meditation and self-awareness exercises. We’re not telling you to do these things during a disaster. We’re telling you to do it every day so it will prepare you for all kinds of disasters. It can also be a fun activity with your family once you start implementing it every day.
Keep Fit and Healthy
Staying fit can keep you alert and calm during disasters. It will also give your body the mobility it needs when worse comes to worst. Keeping fit and healthy can make a lot of difference when you’re in a middle of a disaster. It can save you alert, which is crucial if you need to assess your given situation. It can also help you control your adrenaline and look into the most important things that need to be done.
If you want to stay fit, you must exercise every day. It doesn’t have to be too long of an exercise. Light 30-minute workouts can undoubtedly make a difference. If you combine this with meditation, you’ll be more prepared than you think for any disaster.
Stock up on Supplies
Stocking up on supplies is also a crucial part of preparing for a coming disaster. One tip that can help you save up on essential supplies is to purchase them in bulk and at a discount. In addition, the supplies you need for a disaster need to be non-perishable, so concentrate your funds and efforts on those. But make sure you do this days ahead of the coming catastrophe because when it hits, you’ll probably be forced to stay at home.
Create a Communication Plan
Another essential thing your family is going to need during a natural disaster is communication. Purchasing a walkie-talkie beforehand will certainly make a difference just in case you get separated during a storm. It will also be good to have a communication plan to inform each other about what’s happening around them. In addition, it will make a difference in spotting dangers that are approaching your home.
Fix the Structural Integrity of Your Home
Before the disaster, you’ll also have to look after your home. First, look around your home and see what needs repairs and changes. Our tip is that you start from top to bottom. This is because the roof of your home will play a crucial role in protecting you and your family. If you see any damages, then repair what you can immediately.
If your home is bigger than average and utilizes commercial roofing, then you must schedule a repair service for commercial roofs. This is because commercial roofs can’t be repaired through normal means and require specialized equipment to repair them. You can also ask the service to make your roof more resilient if you’re anticipating a coming storm.
Being mentally and physically prepared will help you make the right decisions during a disaster. In addition, this will save your family from harm when the disaster hits. So make sure you implement these suggestions to your family days before a coming natural disaster.
