We live in an uncertain world, and there are many scenarios that can lead to an emergency situation. From natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, earthquakes and wildfires to man-made threats, from individual criminals to the threat of global conflict, there are many scenarios that can have a devastating effect upon society and individuals. People who have prepared for such emergencies are more likely to perform better when problems arise, which is why emergency planning has become a much sought-after skill in fields from politics and business to healthcare. If you want to improve your emergency planning skills, take a look at these expert tips.
1. Have a Shelter Ready and Prepared
One of the first questions when an emergency strikes is where should you go? If you don’t have an answer already waiting for the question then panic can quickly set in, and that can lead to the loss of valuable time at a moment when swift, decisive action is needed. That’s why it makes sense to have a shelter prepared and in a state of readiness, so that you and your family can reach it quickly when necessitated. A growing number of companies now provide readymade shelters that are designed to withstand the effect of a nuclear attack; these nuclear shelters are tough and self-contained, so may prove useful against environmental disasters as well. They aren’t cheap, but what price can you put on the safety of your loved ones in an emergency?
2. Ensure You Have Sufficient Supplies
Whether you build your own shelter or buy one from a specialist manufacturer, ensure that it is able to generate electricity and a fresh supply of oxygen. You also need to stock it with food and especially water. Look for food items that have a long shelf life, take little if any preparation, and that provide a balanced nutritional diet. Water is particularly important, as a human requires around half a gallon of water per day to survive. Ensure that your shelter has enough bottled water to last everyone in there for at least two weeks. You’ll need to rotate this on a regular basis as well, so that the water remains within its use by date.
3. The Necessity of Medical Provisions and Preparation
A large first aid kit is an essential item for any emergency shelter, along with additional supplies of bandages and sterilized dressings. Of even more use is a person who is trained in medicine, particularly if they’re trained in emergency management. Leading universities such as Arizona State University now offer a Master of Arts in Emergency Management and Homeland Security, and graduates from this program are experts in taking control of emergency situations of all kinds.
As in all things in life, prior preparation is needed to achieve great performance, and this is especially true when it comes to emergencies. Studying this subject at online will give you all the skills and knowledge you need, as well as opening the doors to a number of careers, but you can also ensure that you’re prepared by having a ready shelter that’s well stocked with essential supplies. You may never encounter such an emergency in your life, but do you want to be unprepared if the worst does happen?