Integritus Prime

In addition to the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, we also have to deal with other disasters around the world; some of which are man-made and others are due to nature’s fury plus human-induced effects, such as climate change. The wars, civil unrests, terrorism and honor killings, to name a few, have been plaguing us for many years; and now, due to climate change, the mega cyclones, bush fires and flooding are definitely taking a much bigger toll than before.

In the South Pacific, we are currently in our cyclone season (November to April) and this season we’ve already had 3 cyclones with widespread flooding. Flooding and strong, gusty winds create a major risk for injuries and diseases; so we recently discussed some precautionary measures in our Beyond Medicine: Special Disaster Episode on Facebook and we are sharing some more tips here.

The following are some basic tips for your information:

A family preparedness plan maybe needed depending on your location, type of impending disaster, number of family members and type of building you live in.

Generally, before a natural disaster strikes, we take precautionary measures to reduce damage, injury, death and diseases. People who are not prepared could feel anxious or panic unnecessarily. Some of the basic precautions to take are:

• Securing our houses and belongings (e.g. cars and boats) in safe places.
• Storing adequate amounts of water and non-perishable foods (in case of loss of electricity supply).
• Stocking up on first-aid.
• People suffering with lifestyle diseases, such as diabetes or asthma need to keep adequate supplies of the medicine as stressful situations may trigger high or low blood sugar or asthma attacks or general anxiety.
• Maintaining communication channels, having mobile phones, radios and storing electricity in power banks or keeping enough batteries.
• Boarding up or putting shutters on large glass windows and doors to prevent damage due to flying objects.
• In case of evacuation, having your essentials packed and ready ahead of time.
• In case electricity supply goes off, making sure you already have candles and other lighting devices handy.
• If affordable, investing in a fuel-powered generator for domestic use for large families or persons with particular dietary or medical needs that require refrigeration.

During the disaster, it is important to be aware of the situation as it develops so that appropriate action can be taken at short notice. For example:

• Keep children away from open fires and put lit candles in safe places to prevent fires in the house.
• Cook food using daylight and have an alternative cooking apparatus such as gas-powered stove handy.
• Monitor different parts of the home including the ceiling and window for rain water leakage into the home and using towels and mops as needed to manage the situation.

Post disaster practices:

• Boil all drinking water from the reticulated system, especially after flooding as it maybe contaminated and may cause diarrhea or typhoid.
• Avoid walking or swimming in flooded water to avoid risk of communicable diseases such as leptospirosis.
• Clear away stagnant water to get rid of mosquito breeding places. Mosquitos spread Dengue fever.
• Check leftover food for spoilage, if refrigerator is not functioning. Eating spoilt food may cause diarrhea.
• Cook food thoroughly to kill any germs.
• Avoid buying food (especially meat) that may have been defrosted and re-frozen.

Many times keeping a list of what things to do before, during and after disasters is soothing and prevents panic. It is also useful to delegate duties to members of the family should the disaster precipitate quickly, especially if you’ve discussed contingencies with them beforehand.

Share with us your experience of any natural disasters you’ve encountered recently.