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New Delhi, Jul 15 () Twitter India on Wednesday launched a dedicated search prompt to help people stay updated with the latest information from authoritative sources around disaster relief and preparedness efforts. Twitter has partnered with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in India to expand its efforts towards handling disaster situations, according to a statement. The search prompt will be available on iOS, Android, and on www.mobile.twitter.com in India, in both English and Hindi languages, it added. "Every time someone searches for certain keywords associated with disaster relief, a prompt will direct them to the relevant information and sources of help available on Twitter. This is an expansion of Twitter's #ThereIsHelp prompt, which was specifically put in place for the public to find clear, credible information focusing on disaster preparedness and emergencies," it said. The search prompt will also generate a list of government agencies working towards disaster response and relief in India, so people looking for support can easily identify and establish contact with credible authorities, it added. Twitter India and South Asia Director (Public Policy) Mahima Kaul said, "With the launch of this initiative, we are furthering our commitment to partner the citizens, civil society as well as the government." Kaul said the dedicated search prompt will ensure there is an uninterrupted access to relevant and authoritative information, such as important updates on critical transit and utility outages, efforts to oversee crowd management, and establish direct access between the affected areas and the rescue teams. NDRF Director General S N Pradhan said, "While disasters, both natural and manmade, can undoubtedly cause widespread humanitarian havoc, open internet and social media can immensely benefit the ecosystem by enabling people to connect with each other and with government agencies." Timely and reliable updates through Twitter can support the government in communicating to the people on rescue and relief services available to them and what they can do to receive it, he added. "Through the launch of this search prompt and our collaboration with Twitter, we are optimistic about bringing authentic and credible information to the fore to promote open public communication, in times when it is needed the most," he said. SR HRS

Twitter launches dedicated search prompt to provide info on disaster preparedness efforts

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/license/154983745">Getty Images - WilliamThomas Cain</a>You never know when disaster might strike.</div></div></div><ul><li><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/category/fires">Fires</a>, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/category/hurricane">hurricanes</a>, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/category/flood">floods</a>, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/category/tornado">tornados</a>, and other natural disasters are becoming <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/weather-disasters-damage-cost-record-306-billion-in-2017-2018-1">increasingly common</a> in the US.</li><li>But only three in ten American families have an emergency preparedness kit, while 42% of Americans say they're not at all prepared for disaster, a recent poll from Business Insider partner MSN found.</li><li>In these 16 states, a significant portion of the population are woefully unprepared.</li></ul>The vast majority of Americans are unprepared or underprepared for a natural disaster.At least that's what they said in a recent poll from Business Insider partner MSN found.MSN surveyed Americans on their emergency preparedness. It then used machine learning and big data, such as the census, to model how a representative sample of the US would have responded. It's <a href="http://predictwise.com/blog/2017/06/polling-msn-in-2017/">as accurate</a> as a traditional scientific survey, MSN said.According to the poll, only three in ten Americans say they have an emergency preparedness kit, 42% of Americans say they're not at all prepared for a disaster, and 46% say they're only prepared a little.What's perhaps more troubling, some parts of America are even less prepared than this.In 16 states, 25% or fewer residents said they have an emergency preparedness kit. In those same states, almost half of the population said they're not at all prepared for disaster, while more than 40% said they're a little prepared.States prone to disasters tend to be more concerned about disasters. The majority of South Carolinians, for example, say they understand the need to prepare for hurricanes. Unsurprisingly, South Carolina is also one of the most prepared states.But this isn't always the case. Families in Washington, DC - which is considered <a href="http://money.cnn.com/interactive/pf/real-estate/natural-disaster-risk-map/index.html">a high-risk area for natural disasters</a> - are the least likely to have an emergency kit or to report being prepared for a disaster. While flooding, hurricanes, and other disasters are less likely in certain areas, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/harvey-and-irma-natural-disasters-climate-change-disasters-2017-9">scientists say</a> that climate change will destabilize the weather patterns we've come to expect.<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/08/07/climate/document-Draft-of-the-Climate-Science-Special-Report.html?mcubz=0">A climate change report</a> by scientists from 13 federal agencies concluded that the hurricanes will increase in the Atlantic, Pacific, and eastern North Pacific. A hotter, drier climate is also starting to exacerbate wildfires, like the destructive ones in California <a href="https://www.vox.com/energy-and-environment/2017/12/12/16762120/los-angeles-california-fire-climate-change">last year</a>. The costliest year on record for natural disasters was 2017, with <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/weather-disasters-damage-cost-record-306-billion-in-2017-2018-1">$306 billion spent nationwide</a> to provide aid and relief and recuperate weather-related damageAnd <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/before-and-after-photos-of-us-cities-in-the-year-2100-2017-6#despite-claims-by-the-former-white-house-press-secretary-sean-spicer-president-donald-trump-drew-modest-crowds-at-his-inauguration-in-january-2017-along-the-national-mall-which-sits-at-the-foot-of-the-us-capitol-4">rising sea levels </a>could flood Facebook's headquarters, Harvard Business School, New Orleans, and other major US cities and institutions. Here's where preparation for <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/costco-amazon-emergency-kits-2018-3">"the new normal"</a> is lacking the most across the US.

People in these 16 states are woefully unprepared for the next natural disaster

New Delhi, July 15 (IANS) Twitter on Wednesday announced a partnership with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in India to expand its efforts towards handling disaster situations, with launching a dedicated search prompt to help people stay updated with the latest information around disaster relief and preparedness efforts. Every time someone searches for certain keywords associated with disaster relief, a prompt will direct them to the relevant information and sources of help available on Twitter. This is an expansion of Twitter's #ThereIsHelp prompt, which was specifically put in place for the public to find clear, credible information focusing on disaster preparedness and emergencies The search prompt will be available on iOS, Android, and on mobile.twitter.com in India, in both English and Hindi languages. "Through the launch of this search prompt and our collaboration with Twitter, we are optimistic about bringing authentic and credible information to the fore to promote open public communication, in times when it is needed the most," SN Pradhan, Director General, NDRF, said in a statement. The feature will be reviewed at regular intervals by the Twitter team to ensure that all related keywords generate the proactive search prompt. "The dedicated search prompt will ensure there is uninterrupted access to relevant and authoritative information, such as important updates on critical transit and utility outages, efforts to oversee crowd management and establish direct access between the affected areas and the rescue teams," said Mahima Kaul, Director, Public Policy, India and South Asia, Twitter. Some of the search keywords include #cyclone, #DisasterRelief, #earthquake, #flood, #floods, #heavyrainfall, #hurricane, #Landslides, #NDMA, #NDRF, #rain, #rainfall, #SDRF, #storm, #thunderstorm and #tsunami. The search prompt will also generate a list of government agencies working towards disaster response and relief in India, so people looking for support can identify and establish contact with credible authorities. --IANS bu/na

Twitter, NDRF launch dedicated search for disaster relief in India

<div class="image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image">Robert Johnson for Business Insider</div></div></div>Prepping has gotten a bit of a bad rap lately. What began as a group of people wisely preparing for a worst case scenario type of disaster, has been sensationalized through TV shows like National Geographic's <a href="http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/doomsday-preppers/" target="_blank">Doomsday Preppers</a>.
Business Insider spoke with two renowned New York City <keyword id="1865053" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Preppers">preppers</keyword> to see how they prepare for a disaster and to find out what they think local residents should do to prepare for another storm like Hurricane Sandy or a another power outage that could leave the city in the dark for days or weeks at a time.
Anton Edwards is an expert in <keyword id="38387" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="emergency">emergency</keyword> preparedness and the <a href="http://www.readyforanything.org/">Executive Director of the International Preparedness Network</a>. Jason Charles is a NYC fireman, an upcoming author and guest on National Geographic's Doomsday Preppers. He teaches preparedness classes in New York City.
Together they showed us what they had in their "Bugout Bags" and what they think residents can do to prepare themselves for the unthinkable.

Birthday Candles, Birdcalls And Doomsday Closets - How NYC Preppers Get Ready For Disaster

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"></div></div></div><ul class="summary-list"><li style="font-weight: 400;">The frequency and level of damage from weather-related natural hazards has increased in recent years in the United States, and it's more important than ever to have a game plan.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;">INSIDER spoke with disaster preparedness experts Tom Heneghan and Andrew Kruczkiewicz, who suggest stocking up your home and car with essential supplies and coming up with a plan so that you're prepared if a natural hazard should strike.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;">Taking a First Aid and CPR/AED course as well as coming up with a way to keep in contact with local authorities is also helpful. </li><li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/?hprecirc-bullet">Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.</a></li></ul>Since 1980, there's been <a href="https://www.climate.gov/news-features/blogs/beyond-data/2017-us-billion-dollar-weather-and-climate-disasters-historic-year">an increase</a> in the frequency and damage of weather-related natural disasters in the United States.Natural hazards like hurricanes, floods, and fires can wreak havoc on communities and cause billions of dollars in damage. For individuals who live in natural disaster-prone areas, it's become increasingly important to know what to do should a weather-related catastrophe strike.INSIDER talked to disaster preparedness experts Tom Heneghan - the American Red Cross's senior manager of Community Preparedness Education - and Andrew Kruczkiewicz - a senior staff associate at Columbia University's International Research Institute for Climate and Society - about their best tips in case of emergency and what to do if disaster strikes unexpectedly.<h2>Disaster preparation typically depends on 'lead time,' which is the period of time from when a warning for a hazard is issued to when it actually happens</h2>"The more lead time you have, the more time you have to take action -but also the lower the confidence you have in the forecast," Kruczkiewicz said, citing flash floods as an example of a natural hazard with a short lead time. In contrast, a hurricane warning might give you days to prepare. "Disaster preparedness also depends on where you live and it depends on your socioeconomic factor," he said. "Gender, race, these are all issues that should be considered, because some people have more access to taking early action like evacuation and things like that." While it can be hard for experts to create a general guideline for what to do in the event of a natural disaster considering all the mitigating factors, there are a few steps that you can take to minimize your risks should an emergency occur.<h2>Stock up your home with essentials and make sure it as weather-proof as possible</h2>"A common preparedness action in advance of something with a longer lead time, such as a hurricane, is evacuation," Kruczkiewicz said. "Another one that is common in the US is boarding up the windows of your home."Considering that natural disasters with short lead times, like tornados, wildfires, and flash floods can be just as devastating as those with longer lead times, it can be crucial to make arrangements in advance.Heneghan suggests putting <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/natural-disaster-preparedness-kit-2018-8">together an emergency kit</a> that contain supplies for at least three days (including a gallon of water per person per day), non-perishable food, a flashlight and extra batteries, a first aid kit, a week's worth of medications, and copies of important documents.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"></div></div></div>"Don't forget to grab items for young children such as diapers, as well as any supplies for family members with special medical needs," he added. It can also be helpful to have a battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible), extra emergency cash, maps of the area, and a supply of sanitation and personal hygiene items.<h2>There's also training you can do to make sure you're as prepared as possible</h2>In addition to putting supplies aside in the event of a natural disaster, it can be just as important to have a plan in place and talk it through with the people in your life. "Plan what to do in case you are separated from your family during an emergency and what to do if you have to evacuate," Heneghan said. "Make sure to coordinate your plan with your child's school, your work, and your community's emergency plans."If you can, research the potential disasters or emergencies that your location is more prone to, and find out how local officials will contact you and how you can get information during a disaster. Listening to a NOAA weather radio or a local station on a battery-operated radio or television for updated emergency information is a good place to start. Because medical care can be unpredictable during a crisis, Heneghan suggests taking "a First Aid and CPR/AED course so you'll know what to do in an emergency in case help is delayed."<h2>Knowing what to do in the case of different emergencies can also help</h2>Different disasters call for different courses of action. For something like a flash flood, it's best to stay put, and if you're driving, it's best to turn around."In the US, we see many flash flood deaths while driving, and the national weather service has a saying that said 'turn around, don't drown,'" Kruczkiewicz said. "Sometimes even on that minutes time scale, you could see rushing water ahead of you. And that's something that you do, where you stop and turn around and don't try to go through it."<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"></div></div></div>In a hurricane or tornado in which you are not able or not recommended to evacuate, you'll want to head to an underground shelter, basement, or safe room. In the case of a flash flood, you'll move to somewhere with higher ground if it's safe. No matter the disaster, you should stay in a safe place until all warnings have been canceled.However, if you need to leave your home to get to a shelter or you happen to be out driving when you get a disaster warning, there are a few things that you can do to prepare. Heneghan suggests packing a flashlight and extra batteries, a first aid kit, a car cell phone charger, bottled water and dried food, supplies for different seasons (such as a shovel, scraper, and blanket for winter), booster and jumper cables, a tire repair kit, non-flammable flares, and a white distress flag. "If strong winds and flying debris occur while driving, pull over and park, keeping your seat belt on and the engine running to ensure airbags will deploy," Heneghan said. "Put your head down below the windows, covering your head with your hands and a blanket."For tips specific to different types of disasters, these are great resources:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-prepare-for-a-hurricane-2018-9">How to prepare for a hurricane</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/where-run-hide-earthquake-occurs-2017-6">How to stay safe during an earthquake</a><a href="https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/safetyinformation/flood/Pages/prepareforflooding.aspx">How to prepare for a flood</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/natural-disaster-preparedness-kit-2018-8#prepare-an-emergency-kit-1">How to make an emergency kit</a>

We asked 2 disaster experts about their best tips in case of emergency

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The world is "dangerously unprepared" for future pandemics, the Red Cross warned in a report.</li><li>"Our world is becoming increasingly hazardous," the report said.</li></ul>The world is "dangerously unprepared" for future pandemics after the COVID-19 crisis hit three years ago and killed more than 6 million people globally, the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) warned in a scathing new report. The humanitarian aid organization said in its <a href="https://www.ifrc.org/sites/default/files/2023-01/2022_IFRC-WDR_EN.pdf">World Disasters Report</a> released Monday that "many countries" were not prepared for COVID-19 and that "all countries remain dangerously unprepared for future outbreaks."The IFRC said that countries "need to start preparing now, because our world is becoming increasingly hazardous" as it cautioned against not only disease outbreaks but also climate- and weather-related disasters."The COVID-19 pandemic should be a wake-up call for the global community to prepare now for the next health crisis," Jagan Chapagain, the IFRC's secretary general, said in a statement. Chapagain added, "Our recommendations to world leaders center around building trust, tackling inequality, and leveraging local actors and communities to perform life-saving work.""The next pandemic could be just around the corner; if the experience of COVID-19 won't quicken our steps toward preparedness, what will?" he questioned. More than 6.8 million have died from COVID-19 worldwide since the pandemic began in early 2020, according to the <a href="https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html">latest data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. </a>That's more deaths than any earthquake, drought, or hurricane in recorded history has caused, the IFRC said in its report. The world's largest disaster response network said in the report that by the end of this year, every country should have updated plans for pandemic preparedness and "should have reviewed the relevant legislation to see if it too needs updating."Pandemic preparedness plans, the report says, "should include concrete measures to strengthen equity, trust, and local action."By 2024, according to the report, all countries should adopt a new treaty and revised International Health Regulations.The report also recommends that by 2025 countries should increase domestic health finance by 1% of gross domestic product and global health finance by at least $15 billion per year. "While COVID-19 was a new virus that presented new challenges, there are countless common measures and approaches that could have mitigated the pandemic's impacts," Chapagain said in the report. "Notably, governments could have made far greater investment in emergency preparedness at the community level."He continued, "To ensure that we do not repeat the same mistakes, the critical lessons from this pandemic must be embedded into national laws, policies, budgets and actions."

The world is 'dangerously unprepared' to handle the next pandemic, the Red Cross says in a scathing report

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">Spencer Platt/Getty Images</div></div></div>Last year, the United States saw <a href="https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/billions/">more than $300 billion in damage</a> as result of natural disasters, from wildfires in California to hurricanes in Texas. It was a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/worst-natural-disasters-hurricane-flood-wildfire-2017-12">record-breaking year</a> for emergencies.But according to a <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/farmers-insurance-survey-reveals-sixty-percent-of-people-didnt-have-a-plan-in-place-for-a-natural-disaster-300706356.html">survey conducted by Farmers Insurance</a>, 60% of Americans still do not have an emergency plan for natural disasters.Jarrod Murrieta, head of claims catastrophe response at<a href="https://www.farmers.com/"> Farmers Insurance</a>, told Business Insider that preparedness is crucial, from knowing which disasters are more likely to occur in one's region to understanding how to respond to them. Murrieta and other officials say all homes should have emergency kits. Take a look at some of the recommended items:

12 things everyone should have at home in case of a natural disaster

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">David J. Phillip/AP</div></div></div>From rainfall to wildfires, 2017 was a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/worst-natural-disasters-hurricane-flood-wildfire-2017-12">record-breaking year</a> for natural disasters. In August and September, Hurricanes <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tropical-storm-harvey-hurricane-updates-map-texas-where-landfall-damage-2017-8">Harvey</a>, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/hurricane-irma-58-million-florida-homes-and-businesses-2017-9">Irma</a> and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ap-study-estimates-higher-death-toll-in-puerto-rico-post-maria-2018-5">Maria</a> left behind a high death toll, drowned homes, and destroyed power lines. Hundreds of people died in earthquakes around the world, from <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/r-after-massive-quakes-millions-in-mexico-turn-to-early-warning-app-2017-10">Mexico</a> to the Iran-Iraq border, and nearly 1,400 people were killed during <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/r-worst-monsoon-floods-in-years-kill-more-than-1200-across-south-asia-2017-8">monsoon rains in South Asia</a>.Fires devastated locations around the world, perhaps most notably in California, where the government <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ventura-county-la-fires-california-worsening-trend-2017-12">spends over 10 times</a> as much money on fighting wildfires as it did 20 years ago. Many of these disasters were caused by elevated temperatures on land and at sea, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/worst-natural-disasters-hurricane-flood-wildfire-2017-12">and climate experts expect</a> these events to keep getting worse. While people may be able to heed their city's evacuation notices or take advantage of evacuation help, some situations are unexpected and make this impossible. Only three in 10 Americans say they have an emergency preparedness kit and 42% say they are not at all prepared for a disaster, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/fire-hurricane-flood-emergency-kit-2018-6">according to a recent poll from Business Insider partner MSN</a>.Here are some tips for staying safe during a natural disaster:

Life-saving facts that could help in almost any natural disaster, from fires to hurricanes

REUTERS/Adria Malcolm TPX IMAGES OF THE DAYFortitude Ranch, Colorado.<ul class="summary-list"><li>Fortitude Ranch sells disaster preparedness like a vacation timeshare.</li><li>Founder Drew Miller says that the panic around coronavirus has led to a "huge surge in interest" in the business's offerings.</li><li>The <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-virus-everything-we-know-deadly-2019-ncov-wuhan-spread-2020-1">coronavirus outbreak</a> that originated in China has killed 2,800 people and infected more than 82,000 according to recent totals.</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/?hprecirc-bullet">Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories</a>.</li></ul>In the new disaster economy, a safe place to go when society breaks down is now a must-have commodity.Fortitude Ranch, with locations in Colorado and West Virginia, might be the answer for someone worried about a potential doomsday, but who doesn't want to dedicate their entire life to prepping for the end of days.The death toll of the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/category/wuhan-coronavirus">coronavirus disease, COVID-19</a> that originated in Wuhan, China, is now more than 2,800, and the virus <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-virus-everything-we-know-deadly-2019-ncov-wuhan-spread-2020-1">has infected</a> more than 82,000 people. On January 30, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared it a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/who-wuhan-coronavirus-2019-ncov-global-health-emergency-2020-1">global health emergency</a>. The virus has disrupted travel worldwide, leading to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/airlines-canceling-flights-outside-of-china-amid-coronavirus-fears-2020-2">flight cancellation</a>s, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-diamond-princess-quarantined-cruise-ship-photos-2020-2">quarantines</a>, and other breakdowns in movement.It's <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/antarctica-last-continent-no-coronavirus-brazil-confirms-case-south-america-2020">now on every continent</a> except Antarctica, and the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/summary.html">CDC has said</a> that there are likely to be more US cases in the near future.Fortitude Ranch is described on its <a href="https://fortituderanch.com/">website</a> as "a survival community equipped to survive any type of disaster and long-term loss of law and order." It's attractive to preppers and the prepper adjacent because it "doubles as a recreation and vacation facility as well as a survival retreat." Founder Drew Miller estimates that he's seen as much as a 10 times increase in interest. Take a look at what the ranch offers.

This $1,000-a-year prepper timeshare says it has seen 'huge surge in interest' due to coronavirus - see inside

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">Joe Scarnici/Stringer</div></div></div><ul><li>IBM is holding a contest to see who can create the best solution for natural disaster relief. </li><li>The winning team will get $200,000, support from IBM to make the prototype a reality, and introduction to venture capitalists.</li></ul> IBM is asking developers to build a solution to disaster relief - and the company is providing an incentive to do it.The company on Thursday at the VivaTech Conference in Paris announced Call for Code, a global initiative that calls on developers to create technology that can be used for natural disaster preparedness and relief. The main component of the initiative is a <a href="https://callforcode.org/">contest</a>, where the creators of a prototype - like an app that predicts when and where the disaster will be most severe - will win $200,000, support from IBM to make the prototype a reality, and introduction to venture capitalists.IBM, which is working with the United Nations Human Rights Office and the American Red Cross, is pledging $30 million over five years to the program. The money will go toward developer tools, technologies, free code and training with experts. Developers can already access IBM resources about data and AI, blockchain, cloud and IoT technologies."At IBM, we harness the power of technologies like AI, blockchain, IoT and cloud to address some of the biggest opportunities and challenges in business," Bob Lord, IBM chief digital officer, said in a statement. "Now, with Call for Code, we are calling on all developers to join us and use these same leading edge technologies to help people, their communities and society."IBM is an acknowledged leader in the use of blockchain for financial and <keyword id="6356323" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="enterprise">enterprise</keyword> reasons, and its Watson AI services are popular in certain areas like health care. So making these technologies available, along with the $30 million pledge, encourages coders to gain experience with IBM's tech, while also serving a cause.Get the latest IBM stock price<a href="http://markets.businessinsider.com/stock/ibm-Quote"> here.</a> <div class="margin-top"> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/john-carreyrou-how-theranos-deceived-silicon-valley-startup-bad-blood-sample-technology-2018-5">How a $9 billion startup deceived Silicon Valley</a></h3> <div> </div> </div>

IBM will give $200,000 to a team that can come up with a solution for natural disaster relief

Harrison Jacobs/Business Insider<ul class="summary-list"><li>Doomsday preppers are accustomed to preparing for disasters of all kinds.</li><li>But preppers say they're not phased by the COVID-19 outbreak, because unlike the other disasters they prepare for, "it's not end game."</li><li>Their best advice for weathering the novel coronavirus outbreak includes eating right and getting enough rest.</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/?hprecirc-bullet">Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories</a>.</li></ul>Hand sanitizer is <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/purell-hand-sanitizer-sells-out-amazon-coronavirus-fears-2020-2">selling out on Amazon</a>. Shelves normally lined with <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-update-photos-of-empty-shelves-in-us-stores-2020-2">masks at Home Depot are bare</a>. And people across the country are stocking up on their canned goods. But preppers, the apocalypse-minded group of folks <a href="https://www.insider.com/who-are-doomsday-preppers-preparing-for-the-apocalypse-2019-10">who are perpetually preparing for any disaster scenario</a>, and none in particular, are not phased by the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-virus-everything-we-know-deadly-2019-ncov-wuhan-spread-2020-1">worldwide COVID-19 outbreak</a> caused by the novel coronavirus."I wouldn't even be nervous," Jason Charles, head of the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/inside-doomsday-preppers-apartment-photos-2017-2">New York City preppers network</a>, said over the weekend. "It's not end game." Further south in Virginia, James Walton, who hosts a weekly show on the <a href="http://prepperbroadcasting.com/">Prepper Broadcasting Network</a> agreed. "I'm not that concerned about us catching a virus that we won't be able to beat," Walton told Business Insider. "In the prepping community, we have a base level of preparedness."Still, there are extra steps that both Charles and Walton said they are taking in this outbreak to stay healthy and sane. Here are the top science-backed pieces of advice we heard from the preppers.

7 reasonable pieces of coronavirus stockpiling advice from doomsday preppers

<ul class="summary-list"><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/category/hurricane">Hurricanes</a> can be extremely dangerous so it's important you do not underestimate them.</li><li>You should avoid standing in front of windows or going outside during a hurricane.</li></ul>When preparing for a hurricane, there are a few things you should keep in mind for the safety of yourself and others. After all, these <a href="https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutsshws.php">storms can have a severe, damaging impact</a> on the areas they hit and those who reside there. Although facing down a hurricane can be scary, there are some steps you can take to <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-tips-in-case-of-an-emergency-2019-5">prepare your home and family for these potential disasters.</a>Here are some mistakes you should avoid making during a hurricane.<h2>Mistake: Trying to 'ride out the storm' even though you've been advised to evacuate </h2><div type="image" title="hurricane storm rains" height="1750" width="2333" msid="77355513" hostid="261"></div>Unlike some other natural disasters such as earthquakes or fires, hurricanes typically come with several hours or days of advanced warning, so it's important to evacuate if the storm is set to hit your area or if you've been told to do so.To stay in the loop, whenever you hear of any hurricane or storm threat in your area, you'll want to frequently <a href="https://www.ready.gov/alerts">tune in to emergency services</a> for announcements about if and when you should evacuate. If you've been given a voluntary evacuation order, it means officials and authorities <a href="https://www.islandpacket.com/news/weather/hurricane/article171971857.html">strongly encourage you</a> to begin leaving your area to seek a safer location.If you've been given a <a href="https://www.islandpacket.com/news/weather/hurricane/article171971857.html">mandatory evacuation order</a>, you should follow officials' instructions to get to a safer area as soon as possible as "emergency management officials use a mandatory evacuation as a protective action in certain emergencies to help save the lives of residents and first responders," per <a href="https://weather.com/safety/news/what-mandatory-evacuation-means">Weather.com</a>.Both voluntary and mandatory evacuation orders mean there <a href="https://www.islandpacket.com/news/weather/hurricane/article171971857.html">will likely soon be</a> a threat to your area so they should be taken seriously. Remember to carefully follow instructions as there's usually a certain time when you should and can evacuate as well as specific routes you are advised to take.If you or a loved one needs help with evacuation, try researching evacuation-assistance organizations in your area.For instance, New Orleans has the <a href="http://evacuteer.org/">Evacuteer organization</a>, a team of volunteers dedicated to helping people evacuate in the event of a major storm. But before facing any hurricane threat, you and your family may want to take time to <a href="https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes">craft an evacuation plan</a>, which includes familiarizing yourself with your evacuation routes and zones as well as your nearby shelter locations. <h2>Mistake: Leaving your pets behind to fend for themselves</h2><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-prepare-pets-for-hurricane-2018-9">Include your pets in any evacuation plan</a>.Keep in mind that, in <a href="https://www.animallaw.info/intro/state-and-federal-disaster-planning-laws-and-pets">many cases</a>, public shelters do not allow non-service animals inside during natural disasters — so you'll want to <a href="https://www.wavy.com/news/no-you-cant-take-your-pets-to-just-any-hotel-or-shelter-during-a-hurricane/">check your local laws and policies ahead of time</a> and plan accordingly. For starters, you may want to research which hotels in areas not threatened by a hurricane are pet-friendly in advance, as Greta Gustafson, media relations specialist for the American Red Cross, told Insider.Creating a <a href="https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/pet-disaster-preparedness.html#pet-emergency-kit">pet-focused disaster-preparedness plan</a> in advance can also help tremendously. This includes assembling an emergency kit with pet supplies like food, copies of their medical records, and a secure carrier.<h2>Mistake: Opening your windows or doors </h2>"There is a common and unfortunate belief that opening a window during a hurricane can equalize pressure and help prevent damage," said Sam Maizlech, an outdoors and survival expert for <a href="https://glacierwellness.co">Glacier Wellness</a>. "In reality, there is no chance that your home is airtight, and creating large openings will likely only cause more property damage." Keep all doors and windows shut tight for the duration of any storm — in many cases, you may also want to <a href="https://time.com/4932737/hurricane-irma-boarding-up-windows/">properly board them up</a>, too. <h2>Mistake: Staying close to windows during the storm </h2>Even if your home is all boarded up, stay away from its windows during the worst of the storm.If a window does break, then it's best to steer clear of that area of your home until the storm subsides as you <a href="https://www.insider.com/basic-first-aid-hacks-everyone-should-know-2018-7">never know what sort of debris could fly through the opening.</a>During a storm, it's best to <a href="https://www.weather.gov/oun/safety-severe-homesafety">seek shelter in interior rooms</a> such as a windowless bathroom, hallway, or even closet, as explained by the National Weather Service.You'll also want to try to get as low as possible, preferably underground or in a basement area. <h2>Mistake: Lighting candles and gas-lit lanterns </h2><div type="image" title="Candles" height="683" width="910" msid="77355517" hostid="261"></div>To lower your risk of starting a blaze, you'll want to avoid using <a href="https://www.isolutionsfl.com/5-Tips-for-Fire-Safety-During-Hurricane-Season-1-3.html">flame-lit candles or gas-based lights</a> during or just after a hurricane. "Although power outages are practically guaranteed during a hurricane, it's important to avoid using candles or lanterns [since] the extreme winds can often damage gas lines and create leaks, lighting a fire should be avoided at all costs," Maizlech told Insider. "Instead, stick with battery-operated flashlights until your gas lines are secured and power is safely restored." <h2>Mistake: Having a 'hurricane party' during the storm </h2>Hurricane parties, when people gather and typically drink alcohol as a sort of distraction from the storm, are known for being a <a href="https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/2017/09/08/dont-drink-and-hurricane-during-irma/645472001/">bit of a tradition</a> but they're not exactly a safe one.After all, when dealing with a dangerous situation you'll likely want to be as alert and prepared to deal with it as possible."We <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2017/09/09/why-boozing-your-hurricane-irma-party-not-good-idea/649558001/">do not encourage hurricane partying</a>," Don Walker, public information officer for Brevard County Emergency Management, told USA Today. "During times of emergencies, it's important that people remain aware and alert at all times." <h2>Mistake: Not having an updated emergency-preparedness kit</h2>Preparation is key and your home (especially if it is in an area that has frequent weather-related threats) should have a special kit that can help you handle a hurricane or serious emergency.According to <a href="https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes">Ready.gov</a>, this kit should include enough water and food to last you and those in your household at least three days, medications, first-aid supplies, cash, flashlights, and extra batteries. You can <a href="https://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit">visit the official website</a> for more ideas for items to include in your disaster-preparedness kit. And if you already have a kit prepared, remember to <a href="https://offgridsurvival.com/inspectemergencysupplies/">check on it now and then</a> to ensure the food in it has not expired, the information in it is updated, and the items inside of it are still in working condition. Read More:<a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-prepare-pets-for-hurricane-2018-9">8 ways to prepare your pets for a hurricane</a><a href="https://www.insider.com/what-not-to-do-in-a-fire-2019-7">10 dangerous mistakes to avoid during a fire</a><a href="https://www.insider.com/best-tips-in-case-of-an-emergency-2019-5">We asked 2 disaster experts about their best tips in case of emergency</a><a href="https://www.insider.com/best-self-defense-tips-everyone-should-know-2018-3">11 tips everyone should know to stay safe, according to self-defense coaches</a>

7 dangerous mistakes to avoid during a hurricane

<keyword id="58585" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="NDRF">NDRF</keyword> or the <keyword id="119446" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="National-Disaster-Response-Force">National Disaster Response Force</keyword> is an exclusive body formed for the sake of providing expert and dedicated response to a disaster or a threatening disaster situation. The constitutional provision for forming this body has been made via the Disaster Management Act, 2005 section 44–45. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is the authoritative Apex Body for Disaster Management. The Prime Minister of India is the Chairman of the NDMA. Why NDRF? In the federal system of governance found in India, the responsibility of disaster management lies with the State Government. Ministry of Home affairs is the nodal ministry in the central government for managing natural disasters. When the country faces some severe calamity, the central government has the responsibility to provide the necessary assistance and aid to the affected state. This will also include the deployment of Armed Forces, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Central Paramilitary Forces, and the communication, air and other assets that are required and available. Authority and ranks National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is governed by the National Disaster Management Authority. The office of the head of the NDRF is known as Director General. IPS officers are posted in this position on deputation from Indian police organizations. The Director General of NDRF holds the rank on par with the army’s three star general. In addition to the Director General, there are also many Inspector Generals and Deputy IGs in NDRF. As per their ranks, they are allowed to fly flags and also wear army style badges pertaining to their ranks. <keyword id="8020071" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="What-is-NDRF">What is NDRF</keyword> made of? NDRF is composed of 12 battalions. These battalions are organized in the same fashion like the para military forces. In fact they are also managed by persons drawn from the para military forces on deputation. The total strength of personnel in each of the battalions is 1149. Each of the NDRF battalions is capable of undertaking 18 self-contained specialist service. Their team of 45 rescue personnel consists of engineers, electricians, technicians, paramedics, medical professionals and dog squads. In addition to providing assistance during a natural disaster, the NDRF can also handle the crisis situations like a nuclear, biological, chemical and radiological disaster. Deployment The 12 battalions of NDRF are stationed at 12 different locations across the country on the basis of vulnerability profile of different locations in order to cut down the response time required for their deployment. NDMA will carry out the proactive deployment of these forces during a threatening disaster situation in consultation with the state authorities. This period is also called as the preparedness period. Functional parameters National Disaster Management Authority in India works with the objective of building a safer as well as disaster resilient India by way of developing a comprehensive, proactive and technology oriented disaster management strategy. NDRF has proved its efficiency in terms of its appreciable performance during some grave instances of landslides, floods, cyclones, building collapses and many others. The personnel in NDRF are thoroughly trained, re-trained and subjected to mock drills and joint exercises with other bodies to stay prepared to combat any arising disaster situation.

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