Deal with Natural Disasters with the Help of a Disaster Kit

Preservation Community Fair, Natchitoches, La.


Image by ncpttmedia
NCPTT’s Sarah Jackson discusses proper wood-window repair at the NPS Preservation Community Fair.

The fair consisted of different sections such as wood window repair, stone grave marker cleaning, natural disaster information, a bousillage demonstration, landscape maintenance, and cane river heritage information. The fair was held at NCPTT’s headquarters, Lee H. Nelson Hall, in Natchitoches, La., on June 12, 2010. For more information, visit www.ncptt.nps.gov/community-preservation-fair-teaches-cul….

The National Park Service’s National Center for Preservation Technology and Training protects America’s historic legacy by equipping professionals in the field of preservation with progressive technology-based research and training. Since its founding in 1994, NCPTT has awarded over million in grants for research that fulfills its mission of advancing the use of science and technology in the field of historic preservation. Working in the fields of archeology, architecture, landscape architecture and materials conservation, the Center accomplishes its mission through training, education, research, technology transfer and partnerships.

Deal with Natural Disasters with the Help of a Disaster Kit

Before a natural disaster strikes, whether its flood, tsunami, earthquake, or fire, it is wise to prepare a disaster kit for yourself so that you can handle and survive with whatever happens. When I was a child, the news of disasters was not so common. Is it that the number of disaster occurring throughout the world has increased considerably, or they are just getting more media coverage, I have no idea. However, one thing that I know for sure is that if today somebody else is caught up in disasters, tomorrow it can be me. No one knows when you can get caught up in a natural disaster in near future. Therefore, it makes sense to get prepared for whatever comes with the help of disaster kits.

We cannot rely on external help sources such as police, rescue officials or government to help us survive during natural disasters. With all the communication channels destroyed, it might take days for them to even locate you. Therefore, it becomes entirely your responsibility to take care of yourself as well as your family at the time of disasters.

According to FEMA, the six basic supplies required for survival are:

•    Water
•    Food
•    First Aid
•    Clothing
•    Bedding and sanitation supplies
•    Tools and special items

Water: You should store at least one gallon of water per person per day in the disaster kit. It is recommended by emergency preparedness experts to carry bottled water. However, if you are preparing your own water, cleaned soft drink bottles or food-grade water bottles are recommended. The water should be changed once in every six months

Food: Store food that is sufficient to survive for at least three days. Choose food items that are high in calories, non-perishable, and don’t need refrigeration. Avoid food with salt as it will make you thirsty.

First Aid Supplies: First aid supplies are very important part of a disaster kit.  The first aid supplies in a disaster kit should include sterile gauge pads, adhesive bandages, antiseptic lotion, pain killers, scissors, needles, thermometers. Some of the commonly needed drugs should also be included, such as aspirin, antacid, laxative, anti-diarrhea medicine, pain killers, etc.

Clothing: Don’t forget to include spare clothes as well as clothes that will keep you warm. At least one pair of clothes per person including footwear should be kept in the disaster kits.

Bedding and Sanitation Supplies: Proper bedding and sanitary supplies are required in order to sustain till help arrives. Soap, detergent, toilet paper, feminine supplies, garbage a plastic bucket, movable toilet, disinfectant and household bleach should be included in disaster kits.

Tools: Tools are a very important part of survival. Flashlights, batteries, mobile phones, radio, tool-box, all of these are required to send signal about your presence.

With all the items present in a disaster kit, you can help yourself to survive until help arrives. Prevention is always better than cure and therefore, having a disaster kit ready before disaster is always beneficial.