Disaster Tips - Haiti Observer Blog

The weather can be unpredictable. Disasters can occur anytime, anywhere, even if you are on a trip. Being in a different place when disaster hits can be confusing and difficult, especially if you are in another country. Given this, you have to be prepared all the time so that you can deal with disasters while you are travelling.

First of all, it is necessary for you to read every document and policy given to you by your travel agent. This would inform you of rules and regulations involving bad weather during trips and other related circumstances. You should also do the same with your travel insurance so that you can know if you can get a refund should you have to cancel your flight due to a calamity.

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Over the years, Haiti has dealt with several disasters. The latest calamity it had to face was Hurricane Sandy, which claimed the lives of more than 50 people. The hurricane also destroyed houses, farms and infrastructure when it battered the country for days. Threats of cholera outbreaks and other diseases also loom over the country as about 350,000 people lost their homes.

With the situation, the government under President Michel Martelly called on the international community for help. Together with the United Nations, the government asked for additional $74 million in relief aid, which will be used to rehabilitate farms and reconstruct homes, among others. Basically, the government is depending on foreign assistance to deal with the disaster's aftermath. The call for help was not ignored, as foreign charity organizations such as Oxfam and the United Nations relief agency have been working to help people affected by the hurricane.

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Disasters are a valid reason for cancelling your flight. However, not every airline is willing to give you a full refund. Sometimes, airlines only give back a certain amount or a voucher for future use. This is why it would be better if you know some tips on cancelling flights during a disaster.

One thing to be aware of is buying tickets from third-party discounters. There are several third-party discount agencies that sell more affordable airline tickets. However, they are also unlikely to give refunds should you decide to cancel your flight. Your option when it comes to this is to buy tickets with a cancellation policy or to pay additional charge to avail of such a policy.

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The Haiti government is now worried about the health effects of the recent flooding caused by Hurricane Sandy. Officials earlier aired concerns over possible outbreaks of cholera and other diseases. This is the reason why officials and charity organizations are focusing on the health of people affected by the floods, which killed dozens of people and damaged crops late last month.

Flooding can trigger an outbreak of communicable diseases. It increases the risk of transmitting the diseases from one person to another until an outbreak occurs. Unsanitary condition, which is often the result of flooding, also contributes to this risk.

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Storms not only can cause flooding but can also cut off electricity and down power lines. When this happens, it can be very dangerous for people as they can be electrified and injured. This is the reason why it is necessary for anyone to know what to do when there are downed power lines, especially during a storm or any other disasters.

It is best to consider any down power lines dangerous and energized. The best thing to do when you encounter a downed power line is to get away from it. Make sure that you have at least 10 feet of space between you and the power line, as electricity can be transmitted through the ground.

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To prepare for a disaster, there are items you'll need during and after the event. Below is a listing of them.

Stock canned and dried goods: fruits, vegetables, and dry milk. Include healthy snacks: trail mixes and dried fruits. Store several large containers of water. Add pet food for family pets. Store Swiss knives, plastic dishware and utensils. Buy a portable stove for food preparation or cords of wood for heat and cooking.

Stock a first-aid kit and get medical bracelets for conditions like diabetes or heart problems. Ask for extra medicine refills and buy a first-aid medical book.

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Tsunami detecting systems may be used in high risk areas to alert and warn the general population before tsunami waves reach the land.

It is important to provide tsunami education so that people may be able to identify the signs of an approaching tsunami. For instance, a tsunami may begin with the water at the sea shore receding. It can also begin with the water levels rising.

If the leading edge of the wave is the trough, the sea recedes before the waves hit the coast. People unaware of such signs may get excited and remain at the sea shore out of curiosity, or to collect fish from the bare sea bed.

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Though the number of deaths caused by tornadoes is not high, it is advisable to take necessary measures. A research done by Environment Canada indicates that, the probability of being killed by a tornado is one to 12 million. The chances are too low. However, we cannot take risks. Other than death of human beings, tornadoes can cause havoc. Tornadoes damage properties, displaces physical objects, brings down buildings and can easily toss cars.

Whenever signs of a tornado are observed a tornado warning is issued. You need to listen to news from your local radio and TV station for tornado warnings.

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A Tsunami is not just a tidal wave of larger magnitude; it is more than that. A tsunami can be described as a fast moving and endless tide that overcomes any obstacle. Tsunamis vary in magnitude and subsequently the damage they cause. Some tsunami effects go unnoticed while others cause a devastating damage to lives and property.

Factors that affect the ocean or sea bed are catalysts of tsunami. Landslides, earthquakes, large meteorite impacts and volcanic eruptions all carry the ability to generate a tsunami.

A tsunami will go unnoticed at the sea because the wave has small amplitude and a very long wavelength. In the sea a tsunami is just like a passing hump. As tsunami waves approach the dry land where the sea shallows, the waves speed is reduced. The waves begin to 'pile-up'. At the coastal line, the wave-front grows steeper and heightens, and the distance between crests lessens.

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When natural disasters hit, loss or damage to property often occurs. To protect your financial resources, here are some reminders.

Following a disaster, be careful with those who have suffered injuries. Don't attempt to reposition anyone. They could be suffering from a broken back or internal bleeding. You might harm them further or cause their death.

If someone is trapped under a fallen tree, don't try to pull them out, without being sure you can rescue them without harm.

After a disaster, con artists try to take advantage of people's financial resources. Here are some cautions to protect you.

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