Knowing the proper response to a natural disaster is a necessary life-saving skill. Use live demonstrations and visual aids to explain how to respond to certain disasters. For example, in area where tornados are common, hold tornado drills. Explain the importance of remaining calm. Do a walk-through of the area and point out appropriate and inappropriate places to hide. Show the audience a few first aid techniques. In case of a minor sprain or wound, show them how to properly care for and dress the injury. Explain the uses of the items enclosed in a survival kit. Show the audience how to purify water with iodine when clean water is not available. Map out a natural preparedness plan with the audience, creating a checklist of what to include in the preparedness plan.
Household emergencies are common, especially when children are involved. In addition to visually explaining how to execute an emergency plan, post a plan around the home. Include a list of important numbers such as emergency response numbers, neighbor numbers and family member numbers. Using a telephone, show children how to dial the local emergency response team. Say each number individually and never as a group. For example, say "nine-one-one" and not "nine-eleven." Physically walk though the posted emergency evacuation plan. Walk the family through the escape routes to the family meeting place. Show family members where to find the phone number for poison control. Include a lesson on first aid. Include a course on CPR in the emergency preparedness presentation. In most communities, the local Red Cross offers a basic course in first aid.
When a live demonstration is not possible, present an emergency preparedness presentation via PowerPoint. In the presentation, describe the stages and the signs of a natural disaster. Include a section of the possible after-effects. For example, after a hurricane or tornado, the loss of electricity is common. Explain how the audience can overcome the loss of electricity with the use of devices that are run by solar power. Give the audience a list of necessary survival gear to take home with them. Allow time for the audience to ask questions.