5 Potential Natural Disasters You Could Experience on Vacation and What to Do
With summer months away, it’s not too early to start thinking about what your family’s big vacation will be this year. We’ve already planned ours and can’t wait! As you plan, it’s important to consider the potential pitfalls that could happen during your trip. Most moms worry about their kids getting sick, throwing temper tantrums, or losing luggage. Additionally, even though it’s not a thought on our minds when planning a trip, it’s important to be aware of the possibility of a natural disaster happening during your dream trip. Instead of worrying, have a plan. It’s always better to plan and hope you never need that plan! Here are five potential disasters and what to do if one happens to you.
1. Hurricanes
Millions of people migrate to the beaches of the Southern Atlantic Coast and the Caribbean each summer for some sun, sand, and relaxation. In many cases, these trips are booked months or a year in advance. From June to November, the possibility of a hurricane ruining your trip is there. If a hurricane is threatening your dream trip, you may need to cancel. Be sure to have a good trip insurance policy so you can get your money back. If you’re stuck in your destination, you may be directed to evacuate or board up windows and sliding glass doors. Speaking as someone who lived in the Florida Keys for years and dealt with hurricanes regularly, they are nothing to take lightly. Follow directions and take warnings seriously.
2. Wildfires
Traveling out to the western half of the country in the height of summer may put you at risk of encountering a wildfire. Wildfires can happen without warning or advance notice. If you’re suddenly caught in one, stay calm and call 911 for help. Avoid the temptation to drive closer to a fire for pictures. Instead, stay far away and monitor its movement.You don’t want to be one of those people that puts themselves in danger for a picture.
3. Earthquakes
Visiting California is a great way to see gorgeous natural settings, incredible beaches, and the bright lights of the movie industry. Unfortunately, the risk of earthquakes in this region is higher than other places. Follow some smart tips when visiting California, and learn how to stay safe during an earthquake. Drop down to the ground and cover your head if you suddenly feel shaking.
4. Flooding
Flooding is a natural disaster that could potentially happen almost anywhere. In most cases, floods happen after a series of drenching rainstorms. If there is a threat of local flooding, be sure to move to higher ground if your hotel or vacation rental is close to sea level or near the water. Stay away from pooled water when driving in a flooding situation. Even if you think it’s shallow you may not be able to see how fast the water is moving. Additionally, don’t let your children play in overfilled ponds, streams, or drainage pools. Sometimes, floods make these areas potential drowning hazards and they are very unsanitary.
5. Volcanoes
The last big type of natural disaster that may impact your vacation plans is a volcano eruption. There are many different resort areas that reside in the shadow of dormant volcanoes. Luckily, scientists have gotten much better at predicting when a volcano is close to eruption, but there have been plenty of surprises, even in recent years. Today, the most recent volcano eruption travel issues have been related to delayed flights because of reduced visibility.
If you want your next family vacation to be a success, it never hurts to have a plan for natural disasters. Don’t be unprepared or surprised by a weather event or other catastrophe. Instead, be ready and calm for your family.
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