Be Prepared for Disaster

Pakistan is under water.

More than a third of the country has been hit by devastating floods. Since June, record amounts of water have fallen from monsoon rains, following an intense heat wave. More than a million people have lost their homes, and tragically, more than 1,100 people have died.

Massive – and often historic – flooding has been hitting headlines all summer around the world. Floods this past June in China displaced hundreds of thousands of people... Last week, Typhoon Hinnamnor hit countries across South Asia, including South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan, with at least 10 people dying from the flooding and wreckage.

And since the start of 2022, more than 20 countries in North, Central, and South America have been severely impacted by floods. In the U.S., we've had major flooding in at least 15 states this year...

Texas experienced flash floods across the Dallas-Fort Worth area just three weeks ago. More than 15 inches of rain fell in a 24-hour period. One person died when their vehicle was swept away by flood waters. Firefighters responded to more than 200 rescues.

And a couple of weeks ago, ongoing flooding and a water-treatment plant failure in Jackson, Mississippi left residents under water and with their fourth boil-water advisory since July.

Since September is National Preparedness Month (and in the wake of these global flooding catastrophes), I want to stress how important it is for you to have a plan...

Because you never know when you might be hit by a natural disaster. But when disaster strikes – as it does quite suddenly – when you have a plan, you are better able to handle the situation...

Here are some important things to know about floods:

1. Ninety percent of natural disasters within the U.S. involve some form of flooding.

Floods can develop slowly or quickly depending on the type of flood. Do not walk, swim, or drive through floodwater. You will have no way of knowing how deep the water actually is, how strong the current may be, or what other dangerous materials are in there.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into floodwater. It's even more dangerous when you're driving a rental car and aren't familiar with the road. Six inches of moving water can knock over an adult. Twelve inches of water can carry away a car or small SUV.

2. More people are in flood danger zones than the current flood maps show.

Every city and town is supposed to be equipped with a flood disaster plan. You can find it by visiting your local government's website...

However, changing weather patterns and widespread flooding have led the Federal Emergency Management Agency's ("FEMA") director – Deanne Criswell – to admit that the maps are now out of date.

So it's better to be prepared for a situation like this than to be surprised.

3. Homeowners and renters-insurance plans typically don't cover flood damage.

Check your policy and see if you have coverage. Then, determine whether this is something you want to invest in. According to FEMA, one inch of flood water can cause up to $25,000 worth of damage in a home.

Set yourself up for survival and get trained for disaster preparedness. In my book, The Doctor's Protocol Field Manual, I highlighted the Community Emergency Response Team ("CERT"). It's funded through FEMA. But it's administered by local emergency responders, like your neighborhood fire department. CERT members receive training on how to handle a wide range of crises. This includes everything from natural disasters to biological attacks to basic medical emergencies.

And remember, older folks are at greater risk during natural disasters. About 70% of the deaths caused by Hurricane Katrina were folks older than 60. And close to half of the deaths from Hurricane Sandy were folks aged 65 or older.

In The Doctor's Protocol Field Manual, I detail even more essentials to help you prepare for a natural disaster. I also cover everything you need to survive any crisis, from what to do on a crashing jetliner to how to ship your assets offshore. Use it as your go-to guide in almost any type of crucial situation.

Click here to get a copy of The Doctor's Protocol Field Manual.

It might just save your life.

Have you been through a flood or recent natural disaster? How did you cope? Let us know at [email protected].

What We're Reading...

Here's to our health, wealth, and a great retirement,

Dr. David Eifrig and the Health & Wealth Bulletin Research Team
September 13, 2022