Natural Disasters: How to Stay Safe

South Africans are no strangers to a natural disaster. Unfortunately, floods, wildfires and earthquakes claim lives every year. But how do you avoid the consequences of Mother Nature’s force majeure? There’s no guarantee you’ll leave unscathed, but some measures can be taken to increase your chances of survival.

Earthquakes
If you live in a country like South Africa where earthquakes do occasionally strike, be prepared. Stock up on emergency supplies like a battery-operated radio, torches, blankets, bottled drinks and tinned food and let your family or housemates know where these are kept. Identify safe areas in your house and surroundings where you could seek cover in case of an emergency. Sheltering under heavy furniture or against an inside wall are wise options. If outdoors, stay away from buildings, trees and utility poles. Make sure children know how to dial 911 and when is the right time to do so. If possible, develop a plan for how to stay in touch if you’re separated. Attend first aid classes as a family or group activity and use your skills if need be after the disaster has struck. To keep safe, stay away from damaged buildings and only venture home when you’ve been told by authorities it’s safe.

Floods
Flood warnings are normally issued in advance so make sure you’re aware of the alert system. Stock up on emergency materials (refer to the Earthquakes section for details) and gather equipment to build barriers with, like sand bags. Develop an evacuation route together with your housemates or family members. Learn how and when to turn off the gas, electricity and water, and make sure each person knows. Set up flood insurance.
During flood watches, tune in to the local radio station and listen out for information and warnings. Leave if you’re told to do so or seek higher ground if outdoors. Don’t walk through floodwaters as there could be hidden currents or dangerous debris. If escaping by car, use only recommended routes. Don’t stay in your car if it stops due to rising water. Seek higher ground immediately.
Wait until you’ve been told it’s safe to head home. Be cautious when entering buildings as the floods could have caused structural damage or delivered unpleasant surprises like poisonous animals. Don’t use food that’s come into contact with floodwater, even if tinned.

Wildfires
To avoid wildfires spreading to your house, use fire-resistant materials in its structure. If possible, install power lines underground. A safety zone separating your house from any potentially flammable trees or bushes is vital. If you do have trees nearby, make sure to trim the branches. Regularly clear your gutters of any debris and keep chimneys clean. Keep flammable liquids and materials away from the house. If you must build an outdoor fire, keep it away from surrounding flora and never leave it unattended. Have disaster supplies on hand and make sure every resident is aware of them. Plan an evacuation route and practice it together.
If caught outdoors near a raging fire, seek shelter in a pond or river. In dry areas hide among rocks, lie low and cover yourself in soil. Indoors, take down flammable window dressings and turn off the gas supply. Hide valuables in water if they don’t risk being damaged. Listen out for evacuation warnings and prepare small emergency kits for each person that can be easily grabbed for a quick escape.
Be careful when re-entering a building and be sure to check each area for sparks or leftover embers. Only open windows for fresh air when you’ve assessed it’s safe.

Many natural disasters will bear unpleasant consequences like power cuts and a soiled water supply. Be patient and let authorities deal with the situation as best they can. In the meantime enquire about emergency generator hire and water filter systems so you can get on with life as it was before the incident.