In case of a disaster, ‘grab it and go’

[prasad1]

Share:

Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn WhatsApp Email Share Link

According to the National Disaster Management Authority, an emergency kit should have these essentials — a first-aid kit, a battery-operated torch, essential medicines, important documents, dry food items, water, money, cash, a set of thick ropes, candles and matches, and shoes.

[h=2]…the extent of ill-preparedness in India is such that most of us do not even have a first-aid box at home, says expert[/h]
Natural disasters have no friends or foes, with reports indicating that emerging economies in Asia, including India, are among the top 10 countries facing the greatest financial risk from natural disasters.
The most recent example, of floods in Chennai, has also focussed attention on India and its share of major disasters. These include the floods in Kashmir (2014) and Uttarakhand (2013), the Latur earthquake (1993) and the Tsunami (2004).

“These are obvious examples that [show how] in times of crises, [a] little preparedness can go [a] long way in helping oneself and its concerns. In [the] golden hour, it’s the individual first who always step in instantly when disasters strike. You have to remember that [the] extent of damage is too large and it may take some reasonable time [before] that help reaches to you. The golden rule is to be prepared. Ensure safety of self, family and then neighbours. Being prepared also guards you against extensive trauma and emotional stress which is very common when disaster strikes,” explains Anil Shekhawat, disaster management professional from National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

“The extent of ill-preparedness in our country is such that most of us don’t even have a first-aid box at home,” he adds.
Meanwhile, the Chennai floods, which caught the city as well as the government off-guard, has now led to more conversations about the need for better disaster preparedness. An important step is to have a “go bag” with essentials to help people fend for themselves.

According to the National Disaster Management Authority, an emergency kit should have these essentials — a first-aid kit, a battery-operated torch, essential medicines, important documents, dry food items, water, money, cash, a set of thick ropes, candles and matches, and shoes.

Santosh Kumar, an inspector with NDRF, and based in Bengaluru, has been among the 40 people from that city involved in rescue operations in Chennai since last week. He says that a majority of people were caught off guard and unprepared to face such a calamity.


“We were involved in rescue operations in Kotturpuram [a residential area in Chennai] and managed to save around 1,000 people so far. Many of the 70 to 80 households were waiting for rescue teams to arrive. Most people were anxious and wanted to get out of their homes which were flooded. It would have helped if they had mobilised some basic supplies so that they could fend for themselves for the next two or three days,” he says.

Explaining how a “go bag” would come in handy, Mr. Kumar says that when the NDRF teams went to rescue people, many had lost all their important documents, personnel belongings and did not even have a first-aid kit.

Mr. Reddy adds that a kit varies from disaster to disaster. Although these kits are not popular in India, they are in great demand in the West.
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/eme...-a-disaster-grab-it-and-go/article7981144.ece

 

[krish44]

Now if locals in chennai know about this post, they will demand these kits free from the govt for the future.

Our people know best to strike when the iron is hot.

 

[mkrishna100]

According to the National Disaster Management Authority, an emergency kit should have these essentials — a first-aid kit, a battery-operated torch, essential medicines, important documents, dry food items, water, money, cash, a set of thick ropes, candles and matches, and shoes.

Disaster Management must be taught in Schools and Collages and also in Offices across all cities in India and periodical drills conducted so that people are at least prapred to confront the same . Polio has been erdicated to large extent in India due to sustained Government Campaign and also through the involvement of famous film personalities in this polio drive . The same needs to be done for disaster management . Perosnally speaking I never faced direct problem in this Chennai flood apart from being cut off from power , internet , cell phone etc for 4-5 days but after the 2004 Tsunami and the 26/11 Mumabi Terror attack that paralysed Mumbai for 3 days I was very conscious of the fact that Chennai may also face a similar situation and always saw to it that I had a stock of food ,water , essetntial medicnes , cash , batteries , candles that will last for a week and many of my relatives made fun of my over precuatios nature but it came very handy for me during this Crisis in Chennai . However I have to add that I was lucky this time in that my area never had flooding like it happened in many areas and the water was max 1 ft and even if it got flooded I was in the Second Floor of my apartment and so I was cool that I will not be directly affected even if the water level rose to 5 ft or 7 ft .

So in conclusion : Disaster Management must be part of the education system in Schools and collages and the same must also be implemented in the work place . We cant avoid all forms of disaster but we can take some basic precuations so that at least we can minimise the suffering .

 

[krish44]

krishnaji
those who live a well planned life never face big problems in crisis situations.

Most do not stock requirements like provisons ,medicines and other essentials which can last couple of weeks.

Many do not replenish depleted stocks of these things promptly.

Many housewives like going to shops on a daily basis and keep buying one thing at a time.

It is one way of occupying their time.

If only some were sensible , much pain could have been avoided

 

[mkrishna100]

Many housewives like going to shops on a daily basis and keep buying one thing at a time.

True . Some of my relatives and friends used to make fun of me saying why I keep stocking things up when there are 4 to 5 shops ( big and small ) just a stone's throw away . During this flood crisis in Chennai I never moved out at all for food except for morning aavin milk ( it never came for 2 days but it did not matter to me as I am used to drinking green tea and also had Horlicks with me ) and many of my relatives were running from shop to shop for a loaf of bread , few bottles of water and some dry rations , candles and batteries , withdrwaing money from ATMs ( many ATMs were not working ) and many shops had long lines like a ration shop and people coming in Innova Cars were also forced to be part of that queues and ended up fighting with each other like unclutured people .I was well stocked for more than a week and only the last couple of days I have started to but some fresh groceries . How the next crisis is going to be I do not know but at least this is the best we can do to ourselves .
BTW I also go out regularly to buy fresh green vegetables but always keep good stock of potatoes , onions , tomatoes with me .