Although it may be hard to predict when a natural disaster will arrive in Burbank, preparing for a disaster situation doesn’t have to be. There are several things that you can do to get prepared. In a disaster situation, acquiring the right knowledge and supplies can indicate the difference between life and death. Knowing what to do and having the things you need on hand will help you take decisive, life-saving action when a natural disaster comes to your door.
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 ready to last at least a week. In many disaster situations, you won’t be able to rely on clean tap water. Hence, it is helpful to have enough bottled water stored to keep you going for several days. Assign a gallon of water per person per day.
Also, you 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 include canned food in your disaster supplies, don’t forget to provide a manual can opener, too. After that, make sure you have 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
Even though your preparations may be different depending on what type of natural disaster you encounter, you still need to do everything you can to prepare for it. In the case of hurricanes and tornadoes, that could mean boarding up your windows, while in the case of earthquakes, that means bolting 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’s also necessary to fill the gas tank in your car, just in case something happens and you need to leave the area quickly.
Stay informed
If you are aware that a storm, fire, or other threat is on the way, don’t forget to tune into local radio or television stations or NOAA radio. You need good information to stay ahead of any developments and evacuation orders. Another useful thing you can do is to find the best channels for emergency information ahead of time, long before you need it. By these means, you will know where to turn for the information you need at a critical time. When you leave your home, know which routes will help you best avoid floodwater, first responders, or traffic jams.
Be ready for anything
Basic preparedness can make a significant contribution to helping you make it through any natural disaster. But always remember to plan for a range of possibilities. For instance, even if you don’t live in a flood zone, you should still keep important 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 carry tags or that their microchip information is up-to-date. Therefore, you increase your chances of being reunited with your pets in a while.
While natural disasters are unpredictable, emergency preparedness is not. You can take important steps now and in the early stages of the circumstances 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 Vision today or call us at 818-233-8789 for more information.
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