While it may be hard to predict when a natural disaster will come to Ramsey County, preparing for a disaster situation doesn’t have to be. There are a lot of things that you can do to manage your needs. In the case of a disaster situation, having the right knowledge and supplies will mean the 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 when a natural disaster reaches your home.
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 that you can consume to last at least a week. In many disaster situations, you won’t be able to rely on clean tap water. Thus, it is necessary to have enough bottled water stored to keep you going for several days. Prepare a gallon of water per person per day.
You also 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 add canned food in your disaster supplies, make sure that you include a manual can opener, too. Lastly, it is vital to have first aid and prescription medication. It’s strongly 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 sure.
Prepare your house and car
Although your preparations may be different depending on what type of natural disaster you are going through, you should still do what you can just to be sure. For hurricanes and tornadoes, it is suggested to board up your windows, whereas, for earthquakes, it’s recommended to bolt appliances, water heaters, and large furniture to the walls or floors. You must know where the gas valves are in your home and how to turn them off. It is also smart to fill the gas tank in your car, just in case you need to leave the area quickly.
Stay informed
If you hear that a storm, fire, or other threat is on the way, it is a good idea to tune into your local radio or television stations or NOAA radio. You need useful information to stay ahead of any developments and evacuation orders. The best thing you can do is to find the best channels for emergency information ahead of time, long before you need it. This way, you will know where to turn for the information you need at a critical time. If 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 contribute significantly to helping you make it through any natural disaster. But remember to plan for a range of possibilities. For instance, even if you don’t live in a flood zone, it is recommended to keep relevant documents, passports, and so on in a waterproof and fireproof container. Losing your important papers will only make your life harder after the disaster. Also, if you own any animals, make sure that your emergency plans include them as well. Make sure they have tags or that their microchip information is up-to-date. This increases your chances of being reunited with your animals afterward.
Although natural disasters are unpredictable, emergency preparedness is not. You can take essential steps now and in the early stages of the scenario to ensure that you have what you need to make it through without harm. If you have questions learning how to prepare for a disaster in your rental, contact Real Property Management Viking today or call us at 612-442-8850 for more information.
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