http://www.survivalistnewsnetwork.com/natural-disaster-hotspot-preparing/#  https://www.ready.gov/tornadoes

Hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and more have the potential to kill people and maim societies. Countless stories are released of people being killed for disregarding an evacuation order or losing possessions because they were not properly secured. Many things can be prevented if people would just do even a little preparation.

For Hurricanes

Hurricanes are deadly because of the great likelihood of flooding and high winds. Power outages, drowning, and structural damage to houses are just some of the ways a hurricane can strike.

How to prepare?

1. Observe weather warnings. This point cannot be stressed enough. If a hurricane is on its way, a person in the storm’s path needs to know about it.
2. Clear drains, gutters, and normal water pathways. To alleviate as much flooding as possible, be aware of the drains and gutters before a storm. Clear out a pathway for the water to travel to best avoid a house disaster. Also, observe the normal pathways water floods in the yard during the next storm and make sure those pathways are clear during hurricanes.
3. Have a backup energy source. Purchase a generator or find a backup source of energy for the refrigerator. Always have lanterns and flashlights on hand for the dark days after a hurricane.
4. Take care of dead trees sooner, rather than later. Dying trees that fall during hurricanes deal a huge toll on the average house. Yes, some live trees fall, too, but the likelihood of a falling tree is drastically increased if that tree’s roots are dead and weak.

For Tornadoes

Tornadoes are quick and deadly. It is hard to prepare for something so sporadic, but there are signs to be aware of and preparation to be done.

1. Watch the forecast and listen for the sirens. There are ways to predict when a tornado is more likely to occur, and weather reports will often include their predictions on the likelihood. Some of the signs include a dark, greenish sky; heavy winds; large hail; low hanging, particularly rotating, clouds;  a loud roar like a freight train. Also,  tornado watch means that conditions are good for a tornado to occur, and viewers should check back for updates and watch the sky. A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated via radar. Viewers should take shelter immediately.
2. Have a plan. Know where the most structurally secure spots are in your house like door frames, basements, bathrooms, etc. Speak to your loved ones and devise a communication plan. Find cover for your vehicle if you know there will be a storm with possible signs of a tornado. If you live in a trailer home, temporarily relocate to a more stable building.

For Earthquakes

Earthquakes are devastating. They shake communities, literally and figuratively, and they often cause even more damage by creating tidal waves. It is very difficult to predict an earthquake, but there are ways to prepare.

1. Keep loose and breakable things in latched cabinets. Anything valuable you do not wish to have jostled and broken, secure in some way, especially if it is near the sleeping area or couch.
2. Locate the best places in the house to seek cover and hold on. Drop to your knees when the shaking begins so the shaking does not knock you down and injure you. Doorways are not typically helpful during an earthquake, but corners could provide good stability and protection. Don’t try to get outside if the shaking is too severe because you might get injured or trapped in the process. If you are in bed, cover your head and neck with pillows. If you are outside, move away from buildings and telephone poles.
3. Learn CPR to care for loved ones. Basic first aid is absolutely necessary for everyone to know. At the very least, one person in each household should be well versed in first aid.

For Tsunamis

Tsunamis come after earthquakes. Japan and Haiti have recently been the victims of large tsunamis, and the destruction was severe.

1. Watch/listen to emergency stations. If you hear of an earthquake happening, stay connected with where it happened and whether or not your coastal home is in danger.
2. Know whether or not your home is above sea level. If it isn’t, be even more vigilant about potential tsunamis.
3. Evacuate when told to. It can be very hard to leave a home behind, but a home is not worth dying over. Get out when the conditions worsen.