I think a lot of us say we know what we’d do in certain circumstances, but if we’re all being honest here, when panic sets in, it’s hard to think straight. I for one am one of those people that likes to freeze. I’d be the first to die in any apocalyptic scenario due to my ability to disassociate myself from traumatic events. That being said, I think if I can give someone tips on how to be prepared then I feel I at least participated in the disaster relief program.

In all seriousness.—my friend, who lived in Lahaina, HI lost their home and everything in it in the wild fire that ravaged the island last month. It was tragic and she and her husband are still reeling from the loss. I cannot imagine what it was like for them to lose everything they owned, leaving them displaced and in a state of shocked. It makes you stop and think about how you’d prepare yourself for something like that or can you?

Disaster has no mercy nor does it have a timeline. Things just happen and unfortunately sometimes Mother Nature’s chancleta can be quite destructive. As we are in the midst of our Hurricane season and this month is about preparedness, I thought I’d give you some tips on some things we can do to help when disaster strikes.

Have a Plan

Make sure you and your family have a plan.

Do you know your phone numbers by heart?
Do you have a meet up location in case you get separated?
Do you know where the emergency supplies are?
Do you have a nearby place to crash in case you can’t go back home?
Do you know where the nearest hospital is?
This is when knowing your neighbors can be helpful.
Do you know where the evacuation routes are?

Don’t

If the government is actually following protocol for once in its life and thinks it is dangerous enough to issue an evacuation, take heed. Better to be safe than sorry.
Be an amateur storm chaser. Yes, I know it looks really cool to see the inside of a tornado, but do you want to die because you don’t want to disappoint your socials audience?
Divert from the plan. Practice the plan and keep it consistent.
Forget about planning for your pets.
Go swimming when it’s flooding, you know because electricity and water don’t mix.

Do

Invest in a waterproof bin that is easily accessible.
Have a tank of gas available that is also easily accessible.
Have at least three weeks of non-perishable food and water stored, not like Doomsday stored, but you know in case you are stuck.
Include your children in the safety portion of the Plan. You don’t need them panicking while you are all trying to stay safe.
Make sure that you have important documents copied and saved in a safe place.
Get flood insurance if you are in a flood zone area.
Give your neighbors your contact information.
Spend the money on a generator
Know how to disconnect your utilities