For thousands worldwide, 2004 was the year nature reminded us of her power. Countries were devastated by hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and, as if to put a period on the year's hazards, the South Asian tsunami. The common thing about all these disasters; one day it was life as usual, the next day hundreds, even thousands of people, families had to find shelter, food, and clean water. Many were not prepared.

Disasters often strike quickly, and without warning. They can force you to evacuate or confine you to your home for days. Relief may not be able to reach everyone right away.

If a large-scale disaster struck your area today, and you are cut off from help for a few days, chances are you will have to cope without electricity, telephone lines, and, judging from the trouble many people experienced on Christmas and New Year days, cell phones won't be of any use. Clean water will also be very difficult to find. Remember, water was one of Grenada 's most urgent needs after Hurricane Ivan.

Households can, and do, cope with disaster by preparing in advance and working together as a team. Once you know the types of disasters most likely to happen to your country, you can learn to prepare for any of them. Also, by planning ahead you can avoid waiting in long lines for critical supplies like food, water and medicine.

Plan for all emergencies

Five major natural hazards threaten the Eastern Caribbean : hurricanes, floods (and associated hazards like landslides), volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis. Last year alone, Trinidad and Tobago dealt with a hurricane, floods, landslides and an earthquake. This proves that we are prone to any of these, and one day can be hit by a “big one”.

T&T is also not immune to tsunamis, which are caused when an earthquake occurs underwater. We should also be concerned about forest fires since more than half of our islands are forested.

Involve the entire family

Kelene Blake illustration

Make sure that young children understand that fire, severe weather and earthquakes are dangerous and why you have to prepare.

Discuss what needs to be done in each case, since different types of emergencies need different types of quick action. Find safe spots in your home for each type of disaster. It is also good to discuss what to do, and grab, during an evacuation. You should even discuss what should be done with pets.

Determine the best escape routes from your home and find two ways out of each room. Pick two places to meet: one outside your home in case of sudden emergency like fire, and another outside your neighbourhood in case you cannot return home. Everyone must know address and phone number of the latter.

Ask a friend or relative in another country to be your “family contact” since after a disaster it is often easier to call long-distance. If a family is separated and cannot make contact with each other, each member should call this contact and give information about where they are. Everyone should know the contact's phone number.

Hazard-proof your home

In a disaster, ordinary items in the home can cause injury and damage. Anything that can move, fall, break or cause fire is a potential hazard. Switches and safety devices are useless if you do not know where they are located, and you cannot call for help if you do not know the number to call.

A simple start is to stick emergency telephone numbers by all phones and make sure young children understand what they are for and how to call for help. Show every family member how and when to turn off the water, gas tanks and electricity at the main switches. Buy a fire extinguisher; show each family member how to use it and where it is. Other steps that can be taken:

•  Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections;

•  Fasten shelves securely;

•  Place large heavy objects on lower shelves;

•  Hang pictures and mirrors away from beds;

•  Brace overhead light fixtures;

•  Secure water heaters so they cannot spill;

•  Repair cracks in ceilings or foundations;

•  Store weed killers, pesticides and flammable products away from heat sources;

Seniors and those with mobility problems

Seniors and those with mobility problems are not helpless when it comes to emergencies, but survival may depend even more on foresight and preparedness.

Make sure everyone in your household knows how to operate any necessary equipment and what medications you need. If you live alone, arrange for a relative or neighbour to check on you in an emergency and make sure those who may to assist you (neighbours) know your medications and equipment.

Have an emergency kit packed and ready in an easy-to-carry container like a backpack. The kit should especially have medications; identification – listing medical conditions, medicines, dosages, allergies, doctors and contacts if you are injured; cash; extra glasses; a blanket; flashlight; and extra batteries for any equipment (e.g. hearing aids, wheelchairs). Include other things like a can opener or penknife, clothes and hygiene supplies.

Plan and practice how to escape your home in case of emergency. If you are confined to a wheelchair ensure that you have wheelchair access to at least two exits.

Habits that can save your life

Store water, tightly sealed, in clean plastic containers like soft drink bottles and keep them in a cool dry place. Change the water every six months. Have at least a three-day supply of water, about four litres per person per day. This can come in handy if you are cut off in an emergency or if WASA bungles.

Develop a stockpile of food that can last about two weeks. Purchasing extra of the basic foods you normally keep on your shelves can easily be done. Keep food in a cool dry spot and have it covered at all times. Empty opened packages (e.g. sugar) into screw-top jars or airtight containers to protect them from pests.

Use foods before they go bad and replace them with fresh supplies. Place new items at the back of the storage area and the older ones in front.

Have an emergency car kit and always have non-perishable snacks and drinking water in your car.

More info

Much of this information came from the website: www.disasterrelief.org. One can find excellent and relevant earthquake information from www.uwiseismic.com . These and other websites contain a treasure trove of information. Just search.

Some useful local phone contacts for information and safety advice:

Fire Service Headquarters (Fire Prevention Dept): 625-2671 ext 2322

Meteorological Services Forecast Office: 669-4392

National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA): 640-1285