Although it may be hard to predict when a natural disaster will happen in Ames, preparing for a disaster situation doesn?t have to be. There are some easy steps you can do to get prepared. In a disaster situation, providing the right knowledge and supplies will mean a difference between life and death. Knowing what to do, and having the things you need on hand can help you take decisive, life-saving action in the event of a natural disaster.
Stock up on the essentials
One of the safest things 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 available to last at least a week. In many disaster situations, you won?t be able to rely on clean tap water. Hence, it?s beneficial to have enough bottled water stored to get you through several days. Prepare a gallon of water per person per day.
You have 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 included canned food in your disaster supplies, don?t forget to add a manual can opener, too. Lastly, remember about first aid and prescription medication. It is advisable to keep a fully stocked first aid kit and at least a week?s supply of medications on hand at all times, just in case.
Prepare your house and car
While your preparations may be different based on what type of natural disaster you?re facing, you should still do everything you can to prepare for an emergency. In the case of hurricanes and tornadoes, you need boarding up your windows, and for earthquakes, you need bolting appliances, water heaters, and large furniture to the walls or floors. It is important to know where the gas valves are in your home and how to turn them off. It?s also a good idea to fill the gas tank in your car, so you can use it if you need to leave the area quickly.
Stay informed
When you?ve told that a storm, fire, or other threat is on the way, it is a great idea to tune into local radio or television stations or NOAA radio. You need good information to stay ahead of any developments and evacuation orders. One of the best things you can do is find the best channels for emergency information ahead of time, long before you need it. As a result, 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 go far toward helping you make it through any natural disaster. But don?t forget to plan for a range of possibilities. For instance, even if you don?t live in a flood zone, you still need to keep important documents, passports, etc. in a waterproof and fireproof container. Losing your important papers will only make your life harder after the disaster. However, if you own any animals, be sure that your emergency plans include them too. Make sure they have tags or that their microchip information is up-to-date. In this manner, you increase your chances of being reunited with your animals later on. While natural disasters are unpredictable, emergency preparedness is not. You can take important steps now and in the early stages of the situation to ensure that you have what you need to make it through safely. If you have questions learning how to prepare for a disaster in your rental, contact Real Property Management Iowa today or call us at 515-251-8200 for more information.