Stock up on the essentials
The best thing you can do well in advance of a natural disaster is to stock up on the essentials. It means having enough food, water, and other supplies prepared to last at least a week. In many disaster situations, you won’t be able to rely on clean tap water. Hence, it is helpful to have enough bottled water stored to keep you survive for several days. Prepare one gallon of water per person per day.
Also, you need to ensure that you have enough nonperishable food on hand to last a week. Any food items that do not require refrigeration will do. If you bring canned food in your disaster supplies, don’t forget to have a manual can opener, too. After that, make sure you provide first aid and prescription medication. It is recommended to keep a fully stocked first aid kit and at least a week’s supply of medications on hand at all times, just to be safe.
Prepare your house and car
Although your preparations may be different based on what type of natural disaster you encounter, you still need to do whatever you can to prepare for it. In the case of hurricanes and tornadoes, that might suggest boarding up your windows, while in the case of earthquakes, that will mean bolting appliances, water heaters, and large furniture to the walls or floors. You need to know where the gas valves are in your home and how to turn them off. It’s also necessary to fill the gas tank in your car, just in case emergencies happen, and you need to leave the area quickly.
Stay informed
If you are aware that a storm, fire, or other threat is on the way, it is critical to tune into local radio or television stations or NOAA radio. You need good information to stay ahead of any developments and evacuation orders. Another helpful way to do this is to find the best channels for emergency information ahead of time, long before you need it. For this reason, you will know where to turn for the information you need at a critical time. When you do leave your house, know which routes will help you best avoid floodwater, first responders, or traffic jams.
Be ready for anything
Basic preparedness can play an essential role in helping you make it through any natural disaster. But always remember to plan for a range of possibilities. For instance, even if you don’t live in a flood zone, you will still need to keep important documents, passports, and so on in a waterproof and fireproof container. Losing your important papers will only make your life harder after the disaster. Furthermore, if you own any animals, don’t forget that your emergency plans include them. Make sure they wear tags or that their microchip information is up-to-date. Therefore, you increase your chances of being reunited with your pets in a while.
Although natural disasters are unpredictable, emergency preparedness is not. You can take important steps now and in the early stages of the conditions to ensure that you have what you need to make it through harmlessly. If you have questions learning how to prepare for a disaster in your rental, contact Real Property Management Hampton Roads today or call us at 757-395-4274 for more information.