Useful survival tips that you must follow during natural calamities

As an individual, one can be prepared for any disaster by being well informed on what to do in case of any calamity. Some of the precautions and preparations in disaster-prone areas can include the following:

In case of an Earthquake:

1. Keep calm and keep others calm.

2. If you are indoors during an earthquake, protect yourself by staying in the corner of a room or under a table or bed.

3. Stay away from windows-panes or anything that could fall such as cupboard or cabinet.

4. If you are outdoors, move away from buildings, streetlights and electric wires, etc., that can collapse.

5. If you are in a crowded public place, do not rush for the doors. You could get caught in a stampede. Instead, take cover under something heavy and stay away from things that could fall on you. Do not use an elevator during an earthquake.

6. After an earthquake, be prepared for aftershocks. Aftershocks are follow-up earthquakes that are usually weaker than the first one. They are dangerous because they can cause things that are weakened in the first earthquake to fall down.

7. Make sure you are wearing* shoes after an earthquake. There may be broken glass on the ground and inside your home.

8. If people are seriously injured, do not move them unless they are in danger.

9. If you know that people have been buried, tell the rescue teams. Keep clear of the roads to enable rescue vehicles to pass.

10. Do not light matches as there may be gas leakage. Do not turn on switches, as short-circuit can take place.

In case of floods:

1. If you have time, move important things to the upper storeys of the building.

2. Stay away from flood water. It may be contaminated.

3. Do not walk through moving water.

4. Stay away from electric wires and power cables that are on the ground. You could be electrocuted.

5. Always keep a battery-powered radio with you so that you know what is happening.

6. Beware of snakes, insects, and animals which may be there in the flood water.

In case of Cyclones:

1. Listen to a radio or television for instructions as there is usually some warning given to the people living in the area

2. Store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container.

3. Stay inside, away from windows, ventilators, and glass doors.

4. Keep torches and extra batteries handy.

5. Avoid using candles and kerosene lamps as a source of light.

6. Take blankets and sleeping bags to the place of shelter if evacuation is advised.

7. Tell someone outside of the storm area where you are going and lock up your home and leave.

8. Return home only after authorities advise that it is safe to do so. Enter your home with caution.

In case of Drought:

1. Do not waste even a drop of water in areas that are declared drought-hit.

2. Recycle and use water. Never pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it. Use it to water your indoor plants or garden.