Everywhere you go this week you will hear the word “earthquake” mentioned more than several times. General banter such as “did you feel it? Where were you?” “Isn’t it terrible?….what if it happened again?…stronger..” etc.
Well? What if? Are you ready?
The entire archipelago that is Indonesia sits on a major fault line, that leaves us wide open for quakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunami. Along with flood, fire and the occasional risk of terrorism, I think that gives us more than valid reason to make ourselves well prepared for what could very well happen. Let’s face it, we need to be responsible for ourselves and our families. This takes the burden off retrieval and rescue of those that are affected worse than we are.
WATER
Dehydration and disease from dirty water is one of the foremost concerns following a major disaster. You should prepare a three-day supply of water for everyone in your home. Water (dual-bucket style Navaza Water Filters) filtration systems are excellent and inexpensive.
The Red Cross recommends one gallon (4 liters) per person per day, however you should be able to survive on about 6-8 glasses of water a day and let’s face it we are talking “survival” here! Store the water in opaque plastic containers (sealed 4 liter Aqua bottles are ideal). Change this water every six months. It is also worth keeping a supply of water purification tablets (not available here in Bali). You can also boil well water if you have the facilities; even urine can be used in a life / death situation! Don’t forget to use other water sources such as coconuts. You will fare much better if you add re-hydration salts or electrolytes to your water. Keep sachets of oralyte (2 per person per day) in your emergency supplies.
FOOD
Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits & vegetables. Canned juices, milk. High energy foods such as dried fruit, crackers, granola bars, unsalted nuts (that will not increase thirst).
Vitamins
Foods for infants, elderly, persons with special dietary needs. Be aware that rice & pasta need to be cooked which means that you will need both water and heating, so it is not a good idea to rely on these as your first line source of emergency food supplies.
FIRST AID KIT
Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
Assorted sizes of safety pins
Cleansing agent/soap/ wet-wipes.
Triangular bandages
Non-prescription drugs such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medicines.
Broad spectrum antibiotics such as Amoxil.
Various roller bandages
Scissors ,Tweezers ,Needle
Antiseptic – Betadine.
Thermometer
First aid manual.
Special needs medication for your family e.g. asthma or diabetic supplies.
OTHER HEALTH CONCERNS
Always make sure that your family’s vaccines are up to date, especially for Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A as these diseases are rampant following disasters. (Cholera vaccine is no longer used). Make yourself aware of basic first aid measures.
TOOLS AND SUPPLIES
Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
Flashlight and extra batteries
Non-electric can opener or a utility knife
Pliers
Tape
Matches in a waterproof container
Candles
Aluminum foil
Paper, pencil
Needles, thread
SANITATION
Soap, liquid detergent
Feminine supplies
Plastic garbage bags and ties
Plastic bucket with tight lid
Household chlorine bleach
DOCUMENTS
Store family documents (passports, medical records etc.) in a waterproof bag or container where is easily accessible. It is also wise to store passport details / numbers on your person (e.g. in your cell phone memory, email attachment, cloud etc), should you need to evacuate the island.
Kim Patra is a qualified Midwife & Nurse Practioner who has been living and working in Bali for over 30 years. She now runs her own Private Practice & Mothers & Babies center at her Community Health Care office in Sanur.
Kim is happy to discuss any health concerns that you have and may be contacted via email at balikim2000@gmail.com, or office phone 085105-775666 or https://www.facebook.com/CHC Bali
Copyright © 2018 Kim Patra
You can read all past articles of Paradise…in Sickness & in Health at www.BaliAdvertiser.biz