As climate change intensifies, natural disasters are occurring one after another. Floods are exacerbated due to more intense and sustained rainfall. Wildfires occur more frequently as precipitation patterns change and fire seasons increase. Hurricanes are more powerful due to the high ocean temperature and heavy rain.
All of these underscore the need to prepare for disasters. Choosing sustainable solutions will help save families while supporting the health of the planet. Even if you have Disaster sensitive homelong-term quarantine preparations and lack of easy access to food and water can save lives.
Why sustainable disaster preparedness is important
In 2023, only 51% of Americans believed in them It’s been prepared In case of a disaster, According to the FEMA report. Approximately 48% have assembled or updated emergency disaster supply. Traditional emergency kits rely on single-use plastics and fossil fuel-powered equipment.
Although effective immediately after a disaster, these options contribute to more environmental hazards and long-term waste issues. When it turns green, it guarantees preparation and minimizes carbon footprint.
Create a sustainable emergency kit
Emergency Go Bags are portable kits that stock the essentials you need to survive in shelters or safe zones a few days away. Environmentally sensitive and practical items include:
- Fresh foods: Choose organic canned and freeze-dried meals in compostable containers to ensure minimal food packaging waste. Buy bulk staple foods like rice, lentils and Store oats and them in reusable glass jars or stainless steel cans. When purchasing biodegradable products, it does not always match the durability and infertility of traditional options.
- purification: Bottled water is a short-term option, but it creates waste with every drink. To reduce plastic waste, choose portable water filtration systems, purifying tablets or A water filter grown by gravity. They are lightweight enough to carry, yet effectively remove bacteria and parasites from the water.
- first aid: Use disposable plastic bandages. Stock up organic cotton gauze and refillable glass or aluminum containers for preservatives.
- Multipurpose Tool: Disposable batteries can be enabled for the device, but they will soon be exhausted and end up as additional waste. A more sustainable option is to go to solar-powered batteries. These can be powered by flashlights and radios without producing unnecessary waste.
- Hygiene products: Most wet wipes It is not biodegradable And it takes hundreds of years to deteriorate If you are accidentally disposed of. Choose a compostable one A wet wipe made of cellulose that breaks down faster than traditional wipes. Soap molecules are more biodegradable, soap is used instead of detergent for both body hygiene and dishwashing.
- Storage Solution: Store emergency water supply Efficiently with a food grade bucket, foldable water tank, or water bladder. There is a bonus. Containers can be It will be reused After an emergency.
- Digital Document: Reduce paper use by storing important documents such as insurance, medical records, and identification on cloud storage or encrypted USB drives. Digital backups keep them safe without risking physical damage to the copies.
Please secure your home
Enhance your home from natural disasters will protect your family and reduce the environmental impact of reconstruction.
Flood protection
Neat Placed sandbags minimize flooding in your home, but they are not always effective as the water will eventually penetrate. And once It is being usedwet bags can grow mold Intention You need to throw it away – that means buying more once They are contaminated In the flood.
A more sustainable and cost-effective option is to install a temporary, water-filled Cofer Dam flood barrier to divert water from the home. These water-filled barriers can Handle up to 75% Exterior mud and water depth.
Wind and earthquake resistance
Items in your home can wobble and fall into strong winds or earthquakes. Take time to secure heavy furniture and appliances with wall straps to prevent injuries during earthquake events. Doors and windows should also be reinforced with storm shutters and plywood to prevent hinges from falling.
Preparation for the fire
2022, 374,300 reported Fire in a residential building. cooking It has been named As the main cause of most flames. Always store well-maintained fire extinguishers in your kitchen and install non-toxic, biodegradable firefighters around your home.
storm
Be familiar with the specific dangers of your home and garden. They will uproot and mow dangerous trees that could land on buildings. Remove dead or overhanging branches to reduce fire hazards and storm damage. A safe, loose object like deck furniture that can be picked up by strong winds. If you own a trampoline, turn it upside down to reduce the surface area exposed to the elements. The roof must also be reinforced to ensure it is safe indoors in the event of a storm.
Maintain the alarm system
Check your fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and emergency exit doors regularly It’s working Correct before and after an emergency happen.
Establish a communication plan
Clear communication can save lives in the event of a disaster. Your family should have a pre-planned strategy to maintain connection:
- Emergency Contact: shop important Phone numbers on your mobile phone and physically written list will paste the copies into your Go Bag and Car so that you can continue to contact you even if you lose one copy of the list.
- Meeting points: Specify a meetup location away from your home in case a family member is separated Energy. Choose a parking space at the adjacent sidewalk near your home or at the grocery store outside the affected area.
- Practice sending messages: Texting often works when no calls are called, so practice sending updates during the drill. Young families arrange to provide designated contacts to help seniors member If they are separated from the group.
- Backup power supply: You can use a hand crank or a solar-powered phone charger to maintain communication.
Please provide information
Knowledge is an important part of disaster preparation. Up-to-date status with potential risks in your area:
- Weather warning: Sign up for emergency notifications through local weather services and government agencies.
- Insurance coverage: Check your homeowner’s insurance policy to ensure proper coverage for disasters such as floods, earthquakes and other disasters and Wildfires.
- Emergency drill: Evacuation procedures are regularly practiced and safety protocols are reviewed with households, especially as seasonal dangers such as typhoons and wildfires occur.
Responsible resilience is key to disaster preparedness
Preparing for a green disaster will ensure you and your family are safe while reducing environmental harm. Climate change is already exacerbating each natural disaster year by year, and disaster costs in the US I have it revival Almost 400% compared to the 1980s.
Trying to reduce waste in the face of new climate dangers with proactive and responsible preparation will help protect your home and planet at the same time. Probably maybe You give it a break, Mother Nature returns favor.
About the Author
Jane Marsh is Editor-in-Chief Environment.cothe source of ideas for sustainable living.
