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Disaster Planning Guide From Harvard Health Publications

by Medindia Content Team on Sep 18 2005 12:08 PM

Harvard Health Publications have come up with a disaster-planning guide to help the people who live in the areas that are frequented by tropical storms, hurricanes, tidal waves and cyclones.

No matter where anybody lives in the world, people are vulnerable to some sort of natural disaster such as a blizzard, earthquake, flood, hurricane, or tornado. In addition, terrorist attacks are also possible. Both natural disasters and terrorist attacks can disrupt power, communication, and transportation for days or even longer.

It is best to be prepared in advance so that if a disaster occurs, people know what to do and have the supplies are needed on hand. Regardless of the type of event, the three-step plan created by the editors of the Harvard Health Publications division at Harvard Medical School will help people cope.

According to this plan:

1) Collect Disaster Supplies
To be prepared, collect the items that you may require and store them so that you can find them easily in an emergency - but not so easily that you end up raiding and depleting the supplies without realizing it. Some people store these items in a section of the basement or a closet that is used infrequently. Decide what will work best for you.

2)Create A Portable Supply Kit
In case you have to evacuate your home, it is good to put the supplies you think you would need the most in a portable container. Some people try to fit all of the supplies listed above in a large rolling trashcan with a lid or a large rolling cooler. Another option is to store the items in several small coolers or boxes. Think about what supplies you need, what you can reasonably carry or store in your car, and how many people will be available to help you transport the supplies.

3) Develop And Practice An Emergency Plan
All the planning in the world won't do much good if you don't practice ahead of time. Not only does this enable you to go through your plan while you're calm and thinking clearly, but it also enables you to fine-tune it before you have to put it into action.

Source: Newswise


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