If you were worried about Hurricane Sandy and her aftermath, you are not alone. Millions of people were concerned about the well being of themselves and their families, resulting in anxiety about future readiness. Unfortunately, these events are common around the globe. It would be much easier on the government, stores, and regular people if everyone remained prepared for such incidents. In addition, proper readiness will keep looters away when an evacuation is mandated. Your home needs to be protected in natural disasters to prevent looters from coming in and taking whatever they want. Sadly, desperate people take advantage of emergency situations. Generators will keep your security system up and running. Your security system can also be connected to a portable device in case you have to evacuate. If you do not have a generator, locking all of your doors with a few deadbolts, sealing and locking your windows should be an effective deterrent against criminals. However, a generator would be best since it will keep your home alarm and surveillance system running at all times. Food, water, and generators are not the only thing which will be necessary in national emergencies. Many people do not own or have access to places like cellars, basements, or safe houses. Confusion on where to stay in such cases is common. A stable home built with bricks and heavy woods is underestimated in some events. If windows are sealed, bricks will be an effective way to keep out tree limbs and the other dangerous materials harsh winds bring. Below you will find different kinds of natural disasters and how to remain prepared for them.

Hurricanes

Hurricanes are extremely dangerous storms. Their paths of destruction leave trails of tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and flooding in areas beyond the its path. Hurricanes are unpredictable and are able to become stronger over time. Being prepared will help when a hurricane decides to come through. If possible, try to stay in a secure building. Brick buildings are preferred if the windows are boarded shut. Basements or cellars are also good hiding places. Make sure to have a battery powered radio with extra batteries to keep updated with the weather. Unplug your small appliances, but turn your refrigerator or freezer on the lowest setting. Do not open them to keep the cold air in as long as possible. This will make sure your food is okay in case the power is out for a few days. Make sure you have one gallon of water per person per day. Three days should be enough. Make sure you have food which is easy to prepare and does not require heat. Things like crackers, canned tuna fish, and even chili are all great items to have on hand. Make sure you have enough medical supplies for seven days. This includes aspirin, extra batteries for hearing aids, band-aids, and something to disinfect open wounds just in case. If possible, have a generator on hand.

Tornadoes

Over 80% of tornadoes occur in the evening between noon and midnight. Tornado season is between the months of March and August since this is the most common time for them to occur. It is not unusual for a tornado to be born after a hurricane, thunderstorm, or similar event. This is because they are created by cold air being overridden by warm air, causing the warm air to rapidly rise. This results in a wind tunnel which caused irreversible damage. If a "tornado watch" is issued, it means a tornado is highly possible but has not been spotted yet. A "tornado warning" means a tornado has been been spotted and located on radar. If you hear a tornado warning has been issued, this means it is time to go inside or find a safe place to hide. A cellar or basement is the best place to stay during a tornado. Since you are underground flying debris will not be able to hit you. While a brick or stone shelter is best, any basement or cellar will work in these situations and are always better than the alternative. If a basement or shelter cannot be found, the first floor of a building is your best bet. A sturdy place will have limited windows, such as a hallway in the middle of your house or office. Make sure that the underlying structure is sound and solid. Beams within walls are able to be found by pressing your ear against the wall and knocking. If it does not sound hollow, there is a beam underneath the wall. If a hallway or room without windows cannot be located in time, there are a few options. First, a bathroom will have a few good places to hide. For example, a bathtub may provide a decent amount of coverage. However, if the tornado is tearing apart the house around you, this will not be enough shelter. Try to find a sturdy piece of furniture like a solid oak desk or table. If there is enough time, moving the desk or table on top of the bathtub will be adequate if there is nothing else. When purchasing or renting a house within an area where tornadoes are common, try your best to find a place with adequate shelter. This means a basement or cellar, and a hallway or room without windows are absolutely necessary. In addition, it would be best to have the entire house made with brick or similar solid substance. This is because plastic siding and like materials are easily destroyed in a tornado. While shutters are the best idea to protect your windows, many places will not have or provide these so it is best to have wood or other paneling on hand to cover the windows if there is enough time to do so.

Floods

Flash floods and normal flooding can occur almost anywhere. Surprisingly, most people are unaware of what to do when they happen. Drowning is extremely common when an area floods, especially in cars. Floods as low as six inches are able to knock people off of their feet and cause them to fall. If you are advised to evacuate, please do so immediately. Know the difference between a "flood watch" and a "flood warning". A flood watch means a flood is highly likely, but has not occurred yet. A flood warning means a flood has been located. It is extremely important to find higher ground or shelter when a flood warning has been issued. Many people have died by being swept away by waters, drowning, and never being heard from again. However, if you are stuck and have to navigate through a flood, it is very important to be safe about it. It is important to know how solid the ground is and where you are going. It is a good idea to test the waters with a stick, rod, or other available item. This will help you figure out how sturdy the ground below is and where a solid place to step can be located. If possible, only walk in areas where the water is not moving. Water can easily carry you away if you are not careful. However, it is best to avoid flood waters completely since they are easily contaminated with toxic chemicals, gasoline, and oils.