Unless you want to be a storm chaser or already a professional in that field, it is wise that when you first travel to distant places you need to know first if it is safe to go there. Aside from crimes and dangers in the neighborhood of the place you are going to, you also need to know how frequent natural calamities hit particular areas so that you can prepare yourself before you arrive. A number of travelers prefer to visit distant places during summer because it is highly unlikely for storms to approach and hit the lands in that time of the year but there is still the possibility of natural disaster happening. Light rains are fine but heavy rains is another story. There are even places where frequent earthquakes, tornadoes, tsunamis, floods and hurricanes happen so if you still insist in visiting places with such disasters, you might as well prepare yourself against it.
Travelers should be aware and be familiar of the risks they are going to face such as how to prepare for natural disasters of their destination, local warning systems, shelters and evacuation routes. When a natural disaster occurs during one of your trips:
- You must follow the instructions that are provided by the public health and local emergency authorities. For foreign travelers, it is best advised that you seek aid from the nearest embassy of your country.
- You must be fully aware of the risks and hazards that comes your during and after the natural disaster occurs. Even after the disaster occurs, do not drop down your guard and keep on alert since a number of deaths in previous natural disaster cases are often due to drowning, crush-related injuries or blunt trauma. Also when participating during a cleanup, it is best to avoid power lines that are down, interrupted gas lines and power outlets that are exposed to water.
- Make sure that you have access to safe water and food. If possible, prepare them in advance if a natural calamity is to be expected a few days later.
- When walking through water, avoid running or moving swiftly, especially during floods. This will cause you to slip off and drown.
The best way to keep yourself prepared against a natural disaster is when you keep yourself informed and know the kind of emergencies that happen in the area you are staying. Make a plan too, such as identifying safe places beforehand for a specific natural disaster.