Disasters can occur anytime, and communities must be equipped to respond effectively. Fires, floods, and earthquakes can leave people in dire need of help.
Keeping people safe and healthy is a priority, but certain facilities are necessary to do it right. These are just a few of the essential services that are used in disasters.
Water delivery
Disasters can cause damage to local infrastructure, including roads, waste management systems, and water pipes. In such situations, it’s essential to ensure survivors have an adequate supply of water available to them for cooking, cleaning, and staying hydrated.
When transporting water to disaster zones, it’s best to use commercially bottled sources to ensure it’s safe and free of contaminants. Most people require a minimum of a gallon of water a day. You should ensure you have at least three days’ worth on hand during recovery.
Fire and rescue
First responders are essential to have during emergencies to help save lives and offer assistance to survivors. Fire, medical, and search and rescue units can make a huge difference when deployed to areas where disasters have struck.
Emergency workers must all be trained in the basics of navigation, CPR, and other essential techniques. They should be able to recognize hazardous materials and be appropriately equipped with the latest search and rescue equipment. A few essentials include FR clothing, eye protection, and gas masks.
Communications
One of the most critical services during disasters is communication. If emergency services can’t relay essential information, it’s much harder to keep their efforts coordinated. When search and rescue workers are operating on the ground, they must know their location, that of survivors, and any potential hazards between them.
Communities should have a reliable method of communication they can deploy when incidents occur. Radio frequencies are the most reliable. Landlines, satellite phones, and cell phones are also helpful, so long as they’re functional.
Plan ahead to keep people safe
With so much at stake, it’s good to have a plan in place to deal with emergencies. Water delivery, rescue, and communication services should be established as soon as possible.
The essential services that are used in disasters should be deployed immediately to ensure they can help keep people safe and start rebuilding.
