How to anticipate and react to natural risks?

Here is an example of equipment to include in your 72-hour emergency kit :

• Petzl e+Lite Headlamp: Compact, lightweight, and designed for emergency situations by the French brand Petzl.

• Waterproof and windproof matches: These storm matches are far more effective than regular matches.

• Rechargeable radio with USB port, dynamo, or solar power: Perfect for staying updated on the situation during a disaster.

• Victorinox Huntsman Swiss Knife: This tool combines 15 functions in 1: can opener, blade, wood saw, scissors, etc.

• Sunslice Emperion 65 Fast Charger: With a 65-watt power output, it can quickly charge up to 3 devices simultaneously.

For food and water, there are several types of meals with long shelf lives.
First, there are freeze-dried pouches. They are useful for evacuation, as their packaging is compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry. With a shelf life of 3 to 8 years, simply rehydrate them to consume.

Second, there are canned meals with a shelf life of 25 years. These complete, nutritious meals also rehydrate with hot or cold water, allowing you to enjoy a complete, varied, and nutritious meal.

Third, food rations are easy to transport and especially useful in case of evacuation. MREs (Meals Ready-to-Eat) are popular since they are self-heating. These are the types of rations used by the U.S. military.

For water, there are water sachets with a shelf life of 5 years, resistant to heat, cold, and even freezing.

Finally, to conclude the preparation section, ensure all important documents (ID cards, prescriptions, etc.) are protected, either by storing them in a secure place or by digitizing them to prevent loss in case of a disaster

Protect Yourself When the Time Comes

In case of an alert, follow the instructions from the authorities and avoid any unnecessary movement. Depending on the nature of the natural disaster, secure your home by cutting off potentially dangerous energy sources, barricading windows and doors, or storing objects that could become projectiles, such as garden furniture or trash bins. Avoid making phone calls to prevent overloading the lines, and only call in case of emergency. Also, consider those around you, ensuring that your neighbors, especially the most vulnerable, are well protected. Above all, stay calm! With good preparation, as mentioned earlier, the risks will be greatly minimized.

Our Tips for Dealing with Natural Disasters

Reacting to an Earthquake

• Before: Secure your bookshelves and appliances to the wall. Store porcelain and heavy items on the lowest shelves. Secure items that could fall during an earthquake using putty or bubble wrap.
• During: During an earthquake, drop to the ground. Take shelter under a sturdy table or desk. Hold on tightly.
• After: If there is damage to your house, go shut off the gas and electricity to prevent a fire. Move carefully and cautiously to avoid debris, and take your insurance documents with you

Reacting to a Fire

• Before: Prevention is key. Be cautious with candles, matches, and electrical appliances. Regularly check smoke detectors. In areas near forests, create a defensible space around your home (density of surrounding trees, clean roofs and gutters, trim branches to two meters, store firewood away from the house, water the lawn, etc.).
• During: When the smoke detector sounds, get low, stay away from the smoke, and exit quickly. Call 18. Do not stay inside to fight the fire or try to save your belongings.
• After: Treat any injuries or smoke inhalation and file your insurance claims

Reacting to a Flood

• Before: During heavy rainfall, all areas can become prone to flooding, including plains. Build accordingly and plan for easy access to supplies (food and water).
• During: Follow all evacuation orders but never cross flooded areas. Go to the upper floor of your house or building.
• After: Be cautious of debris in the water. Monitor for mold in areas damaged by flooding, and keep track of your insurance documents

Reacting to a storm

• Before: Secure windows and doors. Bring in outdoor furniture and potential projectiles. Also, make sure you have a battery and a manual radio.
• During: Follow all evacuation plans. Stay indoors, away from windows. Stay informed through emergency radios.After: If there has been damage to your house, turn off the gas and electricity to prevent a fire. Move cautiously and safely, and take your insurance documents with you.