Tips to be prepared when a natural disaster strikes

JACKSON Tenn. — When a natural disaster occurs often the response is to panic. If you have an emergency kit ready to go it could possibly save your life.

“The first aid kit is very important. I’ve got some bandaids, got some gauze, anything you need to help if you get an injury or one of your family members get one. You’ll want drinking water too, so you can get some of these emergency packs or even bottled water,” said Stephanie Rendon, American Red Cross.

One of the worst parts about not seeing a potential threat coming is not being prepared when it strikes. Having the minimum essentials can help you stay safe.

“Have gloves in your kit, some masks for you and your family members,  hand sanitizer, and you’ll want to keep up to date with your local news,” said Stephanie Rendon, American Red Cross.

According to The Red Cross, it’s imperative that you have an escape plan and be able to locate to a designated place that is easily accessible for not just your home but your job and cars too.

“We always got to have our phones charged right so you want to make sure you get a battery pack, some extra chargers to keep those phones charged in case you need them. In case of an emergency. Obviously you want some non perishable food items, so here we’ve got some cans, got some peanut butter, granola bars,”  said Stephanie Rendon, American Red Cross.

It’s important to maintain your emergency kit. Depending on the severity of the disaster, it’s encouraged by experts to invest in generators, safe seal bags to protect important documents from water damage, fire starters, extra clothes, and a seven day supply of medication. The national centers for environmental information has kept track of billion-dollar natural disasters since 1980 and cites increased exposure, vulnerability, and climate change are reasons for the increase.