This winter season, Americans have witnessed what has been called the fifth deadliest fire in California’s history; the Eaton wildfire destroyed countless homes and decimated entire Los Angeles communities. Months prior to the Eaton wildfire, the east coast saw brutal devastation with the impact of Hurricane Helene.
While the scourge wildfires and tropical storms are nothing new, the particular strength of these natural disasters serves as a reminder to us all to be prepared for such disasters, specifically as they pertain to whatever region we find ourselves living in, within the United States. No one should lose their loved ones or their homes to a natural disaster, and no one should be expected to improvise an effective shelter or evacuation plan under the panic of one such event.
The National Hispanic Council on Aging urges our communities and constituents to consider what an effective plan for natural disasters looks like, and what it can do to relieve us of worst-case scenarios in the aftermath of a natural disaster.
What should you expect?
First, consider what disasters are most typical or likely for your region. Across the United States, natural disasters are widely varied–wildfires, tropical storms, tornadoes, winter storms, and more. For tips specialized to each variety, check out Ready.gov! You should also consider any local alert systems that you can subscribe to. Emergency Alerts will reach you regardless of any subscription, but local alerts will often cover early stages of an event, before it can be considered a natural disaster, like the beginnings of a tropical storm, or snowfall ahead of a severe winter storm.
Assemble a Kit!
Next, and perhaps most importantly, assemble a kit of supplies. If your kit reflects a plan to take shelter, then these items will include:
• 1 Gallon of Water per person
• Non-perishable food
• Flashlight
• Extra batteries
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
• First aid kit
If your plan involves evacuating from your home and the general region, it may be hard to prepare these items for easy transportation. However, there are several items that are absolutely important when evacuating, as they are necessary in applying for FEMA benefits:
• A form of ID, like your driver’s license, Social Security Card, passport, etc.
• Property Records, like a lease, deed, or record of an insurance policy
Personal Concerns
Aside from these necessities, there are a few areas of concern that will vary from person to person. Older adults and people with disabilities are especially encouraged to consider what their medical needs may be. Are there any prescriptions you need that might otherwise be hard to obtain in a natural disaster? Are there any treatment plans that you’ll need to continue during what could be a multiple-day long evacuation or shelter-in-place? Review these concerns, and try your best to create an effective plan that accommodates for them.
Older adults and people with disabilities should also consider how they will evacuate if they need to do so. Many older adults no longer drive, or own a vehicle, and as such will need to consider how they will manage to evacuate in a safe and timely fashion. This concern will likely relate to a person’s emergency contacts—do any family members live nearby, or is there a trusted member of your community that could assist in your evacuation?
Don’t let your region’s next natural disaster catch you by surprise! Think ahead about what you need to stay safe, and come out the other side with the least damage or inconvenience.
For more tips, visit Ready.gov or FEMA.gov.
For additional guidance or concerns, consider contacting the NHCOA Resource Center (202) 658-8664, or try our automated chatbot via WhatsApp.
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