Steps that save lives when disaster strikes.

By Bayo Ogunmupe    

              Although Nigeria isn't disaster prone, earthquakes, hurricanes and terrorist attacks appear in radio, newspaper and television headlines too often. We should prepare all the same. One thing is to read about disasters, it is quite another to live through one. Here are what you can do before, during and after a disaster to improve the likelihood of your survival. Preparing against disasters before they happen is your most important ingredient to survival.

    Therefore, preparation involves acknowledging the fact that disasters do happen and that you and your loved ones are potentially at risk. It will be too late to prepare after disaster strikes. You then learn about disasters that can occur in your area. Know where shelters are. Consider whether the construction of your home and its location are as safe as possible. Remove fire hazards, install smoke detectors and change their batteries at least once a year.

    Prepare emergency supplies: power, water, phone because transportation services can fail. Always keep the fuel tank of your car at least half full. Always have food, water and an emergency kit in your home. Disaster management organizations urge families to store  and yearly update emergency supplies. Of course needs will vary according to your location and circumstances. So, check with local emergency managers for recommendations that could be applied in your area.

    In general, it is recommended that you keep at least three gallons of water per person and three days of non perishable ready to eat foods. Also, you may have prepared 'go bags' with child care supplies and special needs items for seniors or disabled. You must have access to phone numbers of friends both near and far. Make and rehearse an escape plan. Know the nearest exits in your building as well as the emergency plan of your children's school. Set up family meeting places - such as a school or libraries nearby or outside your neighborhood.

    Authorities recommend that you practise walking with your family to those meeting points. Plan to help others including the elderly and the infirm. During the onset of disasters, particularly a fire disaster, act quickly, stay close to the floor; move quickly to the nearest exit. Smoke makes it hard to see, which is why most fire deaths are caused by smoke inhalation. Leave behind personal items. Seconds can make the difference between life and death.

    In an earthquake, hide under sturdy furniture or exit to an inside wall. Expect aftershocks, so get outside and stay away from buildings as soon as you can. Rescuers may not arrive for hours, so try to rescue others if you can. In a tsunami, if the water suddenly rushes away from the shore, move quickly to higher ground. Expect more and larger waves of the tide. In a tornado or hurricane, go to a storm centre immediately. 

    In a flood, stay out of flooded buildings. Avoid wading in or driving through water. Food water can contain sewage and conceal dangers including debris, open manholes and downed power lines. We know that two feet of moving water can carry a car away. Most deaths in floods result when people try to drive through moving water. If the authorities order evacuation, leave immediately. Let friends know where you are, or they may risk their lives looking for you.

    Also, text messaging is more reliable than telephone voice service. If the authorities direct residents to remain at home or shelter in a place, stay inside. In case of an outdoor chemical, biological or nuclear accident or attack, stay indoors; turn off ventilation and seal all doors and windows. In the event of a nuclear attack, go to the lowest internal part of your building to reduce exposure to radiation. Listen to local radio, television news to gain direction. 

    Stay indoors until the authorities announce that the threat has passed. After the disaster, keep your normal routine. To avoid disease and danger follow these recommendations: stay with friends rather than in a camp. Keep your living space sanitary. Use personal protective equipment when cleaning up debris. If possible, wear gloves, sturdy shoes and dust mask. Beware of electrical wires and hidden embers.

    Keep your daily routine, do not dwell on the news coverage of the tragedy or take out your frustration on family members. Accept help and help others. Acknowledge that disasters cause loss and relief from others and the government focus on helping people survive not in replacing everything that was lost. To survive we need clean water, food, clothing and shelter from the weather.-1 Timothy 6:7,8.