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Natural Disaster Preparedness Promotes Resilience

Natural Disaster
  • Published
  • 9 October 2024
  • Category
  • General

Mother Nature and human threats can deliver harsh lessons no matter how well prepared you or your organization may be. Forests regenerate after wildfires, fierce winds, avalanches and volcanic eruptions because they have grown deep, interconnected root systems to withstand these threats. Similarly, people are more resilient when they have a plan and are prepared to join forces in the event of a natural disaster.

Preparedness involves anticipating and planning for challenges such as a need for medical care, loss of electricity, communication lapses, lack of safe shelter, and limited supplies of fresh water, food, fuel and other necessities. After-effects to consider include exposure to hazardous conditions during clean-up operations, economic impacts and post-traumatic stress.

Natural disaster victims often experience stress responses such as depression, anxiety, grief and hypervigilance. In addition to basic first-aid knowledge and planning for access to survival essentials such as food, water, shelter and fuel, it’s also important to be aware of ways to protect emotional health during an emergency. Physical and mental self-care enables people to help each other and promotes recovery over time. People with preexisting physical and mental health conditions should be ready to continue with their treatment plans during an emergency and monitor for any new symptoms.

Preparedness Plan

Here are some simple ways to be better prepared:

  1. Familiarize yourself with the types of natural disasters that could occur and their effects.
  2. Develop preparedness plans in collaboration with others – businesses, employees, local officials, family members, friends and neighbors.
  3. Create and share an emergency contact list.
  4. Identify ways to reconnect if communication is cut off, such as a meeting place.
  5. Identify evacuation routes and potential shelter (in place or elsewhere).
  6. Make sure your vehicle is in good mechanical condition and has enough fuel/battery storage.
  7. Assemble personal disaster preparedness kits for your home, vehicle(s) and workplace.
  8. Take a natural disaster planning/first-aid course. Join community preparedness activities.

It’s advisable to tailor plans and supplies to daily routines such as work, school or appointments, as well as personal needs. For example, essential workers, infants, children, frail elderly or disabled people may need special assistance. Other considerations may include:

  • Dietary restrictions and preferences
  • Medications and medical equipment
  • Language, cultural and religious beliefs
  • Care of pets or service animals

A mock drill to test a preparedness plan can be used to identify any potential gaps or limitations.

Survival kit supplies should be stored in airtight containers or bags and kept in sturdy backpacks. Enough water to last at least three days during an evacuation and for two weeks at home should be securely stored. Plan on one gallon per person, per day. Emergency supplies should be inspected annually and replaced after expiration dates.

Essential Communication

Not knowing what is going on causes confusion and anxiety. It’s a wise practice to follow the directions of emergency response personnel, whose primary job is to protect lives. Regarding communication, plan to have an alternative power source available for a mobile phone and/or computer in case there is no electricity. A text message uses less bandwidth and may be received when a phone call won’t connect.

Here are some other sources of information:

  • Integrated Public Alert and Warning System: Delivers messages as texts with unique sound and vibration.
  • Emergency Alert System: National public warning system that requires broadcasters, satellite digital audio service and direct broadcast satellite providers, cable television and wireless cable systems to allow authorities to deliver emergency information.
  • NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR): A nationwide network of radio stations that broadcasts continuous weather information from the nearest National Weather Service office.

More Recommended Resources

WorkCare advises companies on preparedness planning and supports the health and safety of employees who respond to natural disasters. Our Incident Intervention telehealth program features 24/7 self-care guidance and referrals to local providers for non-emergency conditions. We also provide work-related injury prevention programs and medical surveillance services for employees with exposure risks. Contact sales@workcare.com to learn more.