7 Ways to Survive Natural Disasters

Summary

This video offers essential survival tips for various natural disasters. It advises seeking shelter in secure areas during hurricanes, staying low during tornadoes, escaping to higher ground for tsunamis, and preparing for floods by evacuating to higher ground. Avalanches require moving to the side of the slope, while wildfires necessitate breathing safely and escaping upwind. Earthquakes demand 'drop, cover, and hold on' actions. The video emphasizes the importance of a 72-hour survival kit and staying informed for any emergency.

Takeaways

• 🌀 During a hurricane, seek shelter in a basement, closet, or bathroom without windows, and use a weather radio for updates.
• 🌪 In the event of a tornado, move to a sturdy shelter, stay low, and protect your head. Avoid windows and open spaces.
• 🌊 If a tsunami threatens, quickly move to higher ground without waiting for instructions, as tsunamis can hit quickly after an earthquake.
• 💧 In case of a flood, evacuate to higher ground and keep important documents in a waterproof container. Do not attempt to swim in floodwaters.
• ❄️ For avalanches, try to move to the side of the slope and use trees for support if caught. Create an air pocket if buried.
• 🔥 In a wildfire, cover your nose and mouth with a wet cloth, escape upwind, and seek shelter in a building or body of water.
• 🏞️ Earthquakes can occur anywhere; secure heavy items and furniture, and take cover under a table or in a corner during one.
• 📦 Prepare a basic survival kit with food, water, and essential supplies for at least 72 hours for any natural disaster.
• 📡 Always have a battery-powered weather radio, flashlight, and other emergency supplies readily available.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Discuss an evacuation plan with family and friends, especially if you live in an area prone to natural disasters.

Q & A

What is the best place to hide during a hurricane?

The best place to hide during a hurricane is a secure basement, a closet, or a bathroom with no windows. It's also advisable to get under a solid piece of furniture to protect yourself from a collapsing roof.

What device is essential to have with you during a hurricane?

A weather radio running on batteries is a must-have device during a hurricane. It will provide evacuation orders, instructions on how to survive in your shelter, and updates on the weather situation.

What should you do if a hurricane starts while you're driving?

If a hurricane starts while you're driving, you should leave your vehicle and find a building to shelter in or a ditch. Stopping in an overpass will not save you.

Where is the best place to hide during a tornado?

An underground shelter or a room on the lowest floor is the best place to hide during a tornado. Stay in the middle of the room as debris mostly heads for the corners.

What should you do if you can't outrun a tornado while in a car?

If you can't outrun a tornado and there's no time to drive to the nearest shelter, stop your car in an open area with no trees or objects that can fall on it, get out of the car, and hide in a ditch or lie flat on the ground, protecting your head with your arms.

What should you do if you feel an earthquake and suspect a tsunami might follow?

If you feel an earthquake and suspect a tsunami, do not wait for instructions. Immediately escape to a higher lying area, as tsunamis can hit the coast minutes after the earthquake.

What is the recommended action if you are at sea when a tsunami occurs?

If you are at sea when a tsunami occurs, it is safer to stay there instead of going back to the coast, which may not be a safe haven.

What should you do if you hear a flood evacuation warning?

Upon hearing a flood evacuation warning, leave for safer, higher grounds with your important papers in a waterproof container.

How should you react if you're caught in an avalanche while skiing?

If caught in an avalanche, try to move to the side of the slope as fast as possible. Drop any heavy equipment, and if you can't escape, use a sturdy tree to keep you above the snow. If buried, dig an air pocket to breathe and wait for rescue.

What is the critical action to take when you find yourself in a wildfire area?

In a wildfire area, it is critically important to ensure that you can breathe. Use a wet cloth to cover your nose and mouth, and escape to safety upwind of the fire, preferably in a treeless and bush-less area.

What should you do during an earthquake to protect yourself indoors?

During an earthquake indoors, drop to the floor, get underneath a table, cover your neck and head with one hand, and hold on with the other. Your entire body should be under the table.

What are some universal rules for most natural disasters as per the 'ready' campaign?

Universal rules for most natural disasters include having a basic survival kit with at least 72 hours of food, water, and other supplies, a battery-powered weather radio, flashlight, first-aid kit, whistle, dust mask, personal sanitation items, pliers, can opener, maps of your area, and an emergency cell phone with backup batteries.