A natural disaster is one of the few phenomena’s we think we will never get caught up in. Especially here in the UK, where our geographical location means we are quite stable. Disastrous events do happen, and often! This year we have seen torrential tropical storms hit Hawaii, wildfires spread throughout California and mudslides destroy parts of Japan.
If you are travelling to destinations where there is a potential threat or is known to be hazardous to natural disasters, it is safe to know the best actions to take to stay safe. Here is a list of 6 tips that are great to keep in mind next time you travel.
- Be Prepared
Before you travel to a destination that is known to be hazardous with natural disasters, it is wise to prepare a ‘Disaster Plan’ in advance. You should relay your plan to friends, family or colleagues who are also on the trip. This may seem unnecessary; however, your plan can be as simple as figuring out escape routes and devising meet up points in case of an emergency. Make sure all important forms of documentation, such as passports, are stored together in an easy to find location. The last thing you would want is to be stranded in a country where the disaster is occurring.
- Find somewhere safe.
If you haven’t been ordered to evacuate, seek refuge in a place that is safe for the situation arising. Basements or roofs of homes and buildings can be easily accessed and often lifesaving.
If you are ordered to evacuate, driving is the quickest and most practical option. Public transport can often become overcrowded with many others trying to flee or the services may even cease to operate altogether. If you don’t have direct access to a vehicle, calling a local taxi rank might be your best bet.
- How do you know if you need to evacuate?
Turn on the radio and listen to local stations for their advice and action plans or turn on the local news channels. If the advice provided is given in a language you do not understand, ask a local to translate, search online or call the local embassy for information.
- Communicate
Immediately alert a family member who is in a non-effected area or the authorities of the situation you are in. Tell them your plan of action, this way in case you lose means of communication (such as your mobile phone running out of battery), there will be someone who can relay your whereabouts.
- Spare chargers
Talking of mobile phones, make sure you have spare chargers and different adapters stored in your bag. You may need to charge your mobile phone whilst in a car in order to keep up communication. Having a portable power bank is one of the easiest ways to guarantee you will always have juice for mobile phone.
- Take Shelter
In the event of being ordered to stay indoors, hide under a sturdy table as this will shield yourself from falling debris. If you’re trapped in a hotel room, use pillows and duvets to your advantage and create a mound to hide under, as the fabrics should cushion the impact of anything falling.
Whilst the likelihood of you needed to put these tips into practice is considerably low, it’s always useful to know them. A Travel Management company like MB Private Clients can assess your situation and provide travel advice that is invaluable. Our CEO Michael Beagleman has been helping clients for over 20 years, where many have used his expertise to bring themselves to safety in hazardous situations.