A GUIDE TO WHAT TO DO BEFORE AND DURING DISASTERS

A - TSUNAMIS AND FLOODS

Specific gear won't generally help you in a flood or a tsunami's surge, but things like food and fresh water, medication, water purification tablets, and a first aid kit definitely will. What's more important in this case though is that you have a plan that you and others can put into motion quickly to get out of a dangerous area and to higher ground. Make sure you have an emergency radio. Tsunami warnings are usually issued by NOAA's Tsunami Warning Centre, and it's important to tune in after an earthquake to find out whether there is a tsunami warning. During a flood or a tsunami, the critically important thing is to get out of the water and to higher ground. It's essential to practice your escape plan with family members so you can get to a meet-up point quickly and safely.

B - EARTHQUAKES

Give your home an earthquake check-up. Check for hazards, fasten shelves to wall studs, and store breakables and poisons in cabinets that are shut so they won't fall out and onto someone in an earthquake. Practice drills with your family or co-workers. Know where the shut-off switches are in the house, and time yourself getting from your bedroom out of the house to a safe location. In a real emergency, you may not have time for any of that, but it's important to see if it's possible. During the earthquake, if you're indoors, try to stay clear of obvious hazards like windows, hanging fixtures, shelves, or anything that's already loose and might collapse. Otherwise, stay put instead of attempting to move to another room. Because earthquakes can strike suddenly and without warning, and in some cases they can lead to other problems like fires or tsunamis, it's critical to have a disaster plan for your household and family, and to have practiced it so it's second nature when you need to act on it.

C - HOUSE FIRES

If you live in an apartment building, memorize the fastest way to the nearest stairwell, by sight and by feel. You should be able to get there even if you can't see—which you may not be able to in a fire. During a house fire, escape should be your top priority. You may only have seconds to get out safely. You likely won't have time to grab a go-bag or run around the house collecting important items. Leave them and get out as soon as possible. A household extinguisher can help keep a small fire from spreading, or help you clear a path to a safe area. If the fire is serious, do not try putting it out yourself. Once you're out, contact emergency services. Don't wait to contact them inside the house.

D - TORNADOES

If a tornado warning is issued for your area, you and everyone in your household or office should know what to do and where to take shelter. Familiarize yourself with the warning signs. Watch the sky—the sky will get dark suddenly, and you may hear a loud rushing sound, almost a roar. Watch for clouds beginning to rotate in a circular pattern. Learn the truth about tornado myths. "Tornadoes don't cross rivers or bodies of water." "Tornadoes don't happen in the mountains or on rough terrain." Both of these are false and there are more where those came from. Understand that a tornado watch and a tornado warning are not the same thing. A tornado watch means the conditions are right for a tornado to develop. A tornado warning means one has been sighted and you should seek shelter immediately. If you are indoors during a tornado, shelter in the lowest building level or in the smallest room.

Adapted from lifehacker.com