- [Narrator] Natural
disasters are terrifying
and unpredictable, so much so
they make people feel helpless.
After all, when a natural disaster strikes
there isn't much you can
do other than pray, right?
Not at all.
Because if you follow these 10 tips
you'll significantly improve your chances
to survive the world's most
common natural disasters.
(bright electronic music)
Number 10: volcanic eruption.
Volcanic eruptions are, without a doubt,
one of the most destructive
events that you can experience.
But on the bright side, scientists
nowadays can pretty much
predict when a volcanic
eruption is likely to occur.
So, you should have enough
time to leave the danger zone.
But if for some reason,
you're caught off-guard
during a volcanic eruption,
here's how to stay safe.
If you're outside, you
obviously need to run
as soon as you hear an explosion
or any loud noise for that matter.
However, make sure you look
up every once in a while
to avoid objects that might
be falling in your direction.
It's highly advisable you
head towards higher grounds
in order to avoid lava rivers.
But your primary goal should be to find
a shelter that isn't filled with ash.
You see, ash is
particularly heavy when wet.
It therefore puts too much
pressure on the structure
which might cause the roof to collapse.
If you're visiting a volcano,
make sure to bring an emergency backpack
with a respirator and
goggles to protect yourself
from toxic gases that are
released into the atmosphere
as a result of volcanic explosions.
Also, one of the most dangerous
things about volcanoes
are pyroclastic flows which
are are fast-moving currents
of hot gas and volcanic matter
that moves at about 100
kilometers per hour.
And if that isn't
horrifying enough already,
these flows can reach temperatures
of 1,000 degrees celsius,
and travel long distances,
up to 15 kilometers,
at speeds of up to 700 km/h.
The best way to survive one of these flows
is to heed warnings, and
stay out of their way
in the first place, but
if you're still caught
in the path of one, try to
find some sort of strong cover.
If its not adequate, and you're very close
to the flow, your best bet is to run,
or drive as fast as you can to safety.
Stay away from the valleys
and pray you can outrun it.
Unfortunately, because
of how unpredictable
and destructive they are,
there's very little else you can do.
Number nine: snowstorms.
When a snowstorm hits, you obviously
want to stay in the comfort of your home.
And if there's one thing
you really need in your home
during a snowstorm, that would
have to be a running water.
But unfortunately, water pipes
tend to freeze in
extremely low temperatures.
That's why it's important
to wrap your pipes with foam insulation.
Next, make sure to have your
food supplies ready on time,
because you need to avoid grocery shopping
during a snowstorm, after all.
But if you're already outside
when the snowstorm hits,
you need to find some sort
of shelter immediately
to avoid freezing to death.
If you can't find some sort of
cave not occupied by a bear,
you should build a snow shelter.
Start by digging a hole into
the snow on the side of a hill,
discarding the extra snow downhill.
Carve into the snowbank
at an uphill angle.
This will create a sleeping
area above the doorway
which is important since hot air rises,
so you'll stay warmest
at the top of your cave.
You should also use a skinny branch
to create some ventilation holes
so that you don't choke and die
from your own exhaled carbon
dioxide during the night.
Finally, pack snow into the entrance
to seal yourself inside.
Snow acts as a great insulator,
so this should keep you warm
enough to survive the night.
If you're driving, make
sure to stay in your car.
If you're in an area prone to blizzards,
you should seriously consider keeping
essential survival items in your vehicle,
such as snow chains, extra clothing,
a signal light and an emergency kit.
If your car's stuck, stay inside it,
and turn your headlights
on, to warn other drivers
who may potentially be able to help you.
Also, only turn your
heating on for approximately
10 minutes per hour as to
avoid running out of gas.
Just before you run the
engine, check your tailpipe
to ensure it isn't blocked by snow.
Remove that blockage
or the carbon monoxide
will be forced into the
interior of your car,
which will poison you.
Number eight: tornadoes.
Meteorologists usually warn about
upcoming tornado's 15 to
30 minutes beforehand.
But given the fact that
tornadoes can swirl up to a speed
of 300 miles per hour,
it's important to act fast.
And by acting fast I don't mean running,
because no matter how quick you are,
you can't possibly outrun a tornado.
Instead, you should first attempt
to take cover in a basement.
If you don't have a basement, just get
to the strongest room without
windows on the lowest floor,
lie on the ground and cover
your head with your arms.
Ideally, try to get under a strong table
to protect yourself
from fast-moving debris.
Use sofa cushions, mattresses,
and blankets for some extra protection.
Bathrooms are also a good place to hide
because they're fortified by pipes.
If you're in your car, and you don't have
enough time to outrun it or
reach some sort of shelter,
park your car in an open area,
furthest away from trees,
or any other objects
that might fly into you.
Wrap blankets and other
puffy items of clothing
around your head and
pray you don't go flying.
In fact, if you find a
ditch or spot that's lower
than everything around it,
dive into the dirt like a mole.
Trees and debris will be flying like bees
so keep your head down!
Number seven: hurricanes.
Hurricanes seem to be more common now
than ever especially around the Caribbean.
And given how devastating
and costly they can be,
it's pretty important you
know these tips to stay safe.
First, you should plan ahead,
and know how to evacuate
to a local shelter in the
event you don't have a car.
Also, make sure to have
emergency supplies,
consisting of any
medications you may need,
as well as three days
of non-perishable food
that doesn't require cooking,
and three days of water,
providing a gallon of
water per-person, per-day.
Also helpful would be
a battery-powered radio
that can receive broadcasts
from the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration.
If a hurricane warning is issued,
bring inside anything that can
be tossed inside by the wind
and close and board up
all windows and doors
with plywood unless you
have hurricane shutters.
Also, fill up your car with gas,
and if you're in a high-rise, make plans
to stay with friends
between floors three and 10.
If you live near a river or flood planes,
or in a mobile home, you should evacuate.
Before the storm hits, fill
up your bath with water
for an extra supply if needed, and unplug
any appliances and gas tanks.
When it hits, stay away
from doors and windows,
and hide in the most
secure place of your home,
similar to when a tornado hits.
That radio is essential, so listen out
for more updates regarding the hurricane.
The radio will also give
you evacuation orders
or instructions on how to
survive in your shelter.
If you evacuated, you
shouldn't return home
until you're advised to do so.
But once you are home, it's important
that you avoid downed power
and if you spot structural
damage or smell a gas leak,
stay far away as it can
be extremely dangerous.
Number six: avalanche.
If you're someone who enjoys Alpine skiing
then an avalanche is probably
your biggest nightmare.
One moment you're having
the time of your life,
and the next a huge pile of snow
is threatening to bury you alive.
That's something no living
being wants to experience,
but in case you do, here's
how you may just survive one.
If you're near to a tree, try
to grab onto it and climb it.
If there's no tree, then you're in
for a ride, but don't loose hope.
Immediately cover your mouth
to avoid swallowing snow,
and try to avoid crashing into anything.
Most people die from
being unable to breathe,
so remember this tip, as
it may save your life:
try to keep your head above
the swelling cloud of snow around you.
Whatever it takes, thrashing,
kicking or breaststroke,
just try to stay on top.
Keep hold of a backpack of clothing items,
as they'll act as cushions
in case you hit anything.
If you're covered, once the snow settles,
all you can do is wait for rescue.
All that snow around you
will set like cement,
but if you can, try to punch
your way to the surface.
The problem is, sometimes you don't know
which way is up, so
experts suggest you spit.
The direction your
dribble moves with gravity
tells you which direction to move.
Try to punch or kick
your way to the surface,
or at least create an air-shaft this way.
Number five: wildfire.
As usual, its best to stay
away if you foresee this event.
But if not, remaining
calm and clear-headed
may save your life.
If you're on foot, and caught
in the middle of a wildfire,
immediately protect your
airways by covering your mouth
with a wet cloth and
stay low to the ground.
If you can quickly climb
something or reach higher ground
to locate the source of
the fire, try to do so,
and then formulate 3
different escape plans.
Try to stay uphill from the flames
and downwind from the fire.
If the wind is blowing
past you and into the fire,
you need to be running into the wind.
If the wind is blowing
from the fire, towards you,
then you need to run away
perpendicular to the fire.
Remember that winds carry sparks
which may ignite elsewhere,
so head for non-flammable terrain.
If you're trapped, or
at home, hunker down,
and clear as much flammable material
as far away from your shelter.
If the fire hasn't reached you yet,
sprinkle water around your house,
cut off any fuel or gas lines,
and remove potentially flammable items
that may catch alight from embers
like overhanging branches
and leaves from your eaves.
When inside, close and border
off your doors and windows,
and coat them with water,
and wet your clothing
to keep you cool in the intense heat.
If you're in a car, roll up the windows,
close the air vents, and don't
drive through heavy smoke.
If you must stop, stay in your vehicle,
and park as far away
from trees as possible.
Number four: landslides.
Thankfully, most landslides
can be anticipated.
So if the authorities order
you to evacuate, do so.
They can be very dangerous.
But, if you're caught
in the middle of one,
the only thing you can
do is remove yourself
from its path as soon as possible.
Avoid river valleys and low
areas, and if you're driving,
proceed with caution and
never cross flooded streams;
they're much stronger than they look.
Also, before you cross
bridges, always look upstream
to make sure you won't be swept away
by any oncoming currents.
If you cannot escape, curl up
and cover your head with your hands.
If you're trapped in a building,
and it isn't safe to leave,
then move to a safe room
on the second floor.
Number three: tsunami.
As is the case with
most natural disasters,
getting prepared for a tsunami
will greatly increase your
chances of surviving one.
Prepare an emergency supply kit and create
an evacuation plan in the
event of the disaster.
If you see warning signs, like
rapidly receding ocean water
or animals moving away from the beach,
you should start evacuating.
Grab that emergency kit if its close by,
and immediately head towards higher ground
and only stop once you've
reached a safe distance,
which is usually 100 feet above sea level,
or two miles inland.
If its too late for all that,
climb trees or buildings
to remove yourself from the
splash zones, and hold on tight.
If the worst happens, and
you get swept into the water,
grab onto something that floats.
Do anything you can to keep
your head above the water
until the tsunami is over.
In the case of the ensuing flood,
barricade your windows and
doors against floodwater,
and then unplug all
your electrical devices.
Number two: earthquakes.
Earthquakes aren't unusual,
but some areas in the world
are more prone to them than others,
so if you live in an at-risk area,
make sure to have a survival kit ready,
and secure down and bolt heavy
items that could pose a risk.
If you're inside your house,
stay away from anything that
might fall on your head.
Ideally, your entire body
should be underneath the table
with one hand covering your head and neck
while you hold on with the other.
That way you'll protect your
head from falling objects.
If you're outside during an earthquake,
stay away from trees, power lines
and anything that could
fall, including walls
and repeat the previously
mentioned procedure.
If you're driving, pull over, stop,
and stay there until the shaking ends.
In this case, you should avoid
power lines and overpasses.
And number one: thunderstorms.
If you can hear thunder,
you're within striking distance
of thunder, but stay calm,
and follow these steps,
and you should be fine.
Seek shelter in a fully enclosed building;
open structures are not safe.
Once inside, stay off electronics,
plumbing, and corded phones.
Lightning can travel through these items.
Remain indoors until 30
minutes after thunder ends.
If you're outside, and there's
no enclosed building nearby,
but there is a car, get
inside it, roll up the windows
and stay off your electronic devices.
If you're out in the open, your best bet
is to crouch down in an open space,
on the balls of your feet,
with your feet together
to minimize your contact with the ground.
Put your hands over your
ears to protect yourself
from acoustic shock which
can damage your hearing.
If you're with a group,
leave at least 20 feet
between each person to decrease the risk
of more than on person getting struck.
Finally, don't take a
boat out on the water
if a thunderstorm is predicted.
If you can't get to land
in time, anchor the boat,
lie down, or and stay
inside a cabin on the boat.
Avoid touching metal and don't
use any electronic devices.
So which tip did you find most useful?
Did you learn something new?
Let me know in the comments
section down below.
And thanks for watching.
(bright electronic music)
