Important Red Cross PSA: Top 6 #Sharknado4 Survival Tips

Meteorologists are saying that a fourth Sharknado is about to hit the United States. As we all remember, the Great Sharknado of 2014 (Sharknado: The Second One) was a true tragedy that completely wrecked New York City. Luckily for us, and sadly for them, this time it appears the upcoming Sharknado will be hitting Las Vegas on July 31. For those of you who were lucky enough to miss the last three Sharknados, a Sharknado is a tornado that carries sharks from the water and flings these deadly creatures around various cities. As this inevitable storm approaches we are here to give you tips on how to survive a Sharknado, or any other major disaster.

Tip 1: Make an Emergency Communications Plan

We suggest getting as far away from Finn Shepard as you can during a Sharknado. Since Finn and sharks seem to go together almost as much as peanut butter and jelly, staying away from him might be your best safety plan. Even if you have managed to avoid Mr.Shepard you should still make a communications plan with your friends and family. You should have two designated spots to meet -- one right outside your home, and one outside your neighborhood in case your house gets destroyed by falling sharks. As with any emergency, local phone lines tend to get overloaded or go out of service, because of this, the Red Cross suggests you have contacts outside your immediate area -- long distance calls will be easier to make. Trust us, you will want to know where your friends and family are when the sharks start raining down.

Tip 2: Have a Sharknado Preparedness Kit

Due to the randomness of the weather phenomenon, it is important to have an emergency Sharknado preparedness kit on hand because you never know when a shark may attack. Although we know from previous Sharknados that having chainsaws and lasers are key to beating the sharks, you may want to have some other supplies handy as well. Hopefully a spacesuit will not be needed for this storm since those are hard to come by. Here are some essential items to put in your emergency kit:

• Potable Water—one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home) 
• Food—non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
• Flashlight
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit (We will talk about this more in detail later.)
• Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
• Multi-purpose tool
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items
• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
• Cell phone with chargers
• Family and emergency contact information
• Extra cash
• Map(s) of the area
• Emergency blanket (to pull over your head when a shark is heading your direction)

Tip 3: Know your Flood Zone

Sharknados bring heavy rainfall and flooding with them. To avoid becoming a midnight snack for the sharks, check the New York City Office of Emergency Management’s evacuation zone map to find the shelters closest to you.

Tip 4: Download free Red Cross Disaster Apps

Download the free American Red Cross emergency mobile apps for iPhone and Android for tornado, flood and hurricane alerts, as well as first aid information and more. When severe weather (and/or sharks) loom, you want to stay informed. Our mobile apps provide lifesaving tips and real-time information about severe weather threats. These apps are available in English and Spanish.

Tip 5: Take First Aid Training and Assemble a First Aid Kit

In a Sharknado simple first aid skills are just as important for life saving as chainsaw skills are. You’ll need to perform some basic first aid techniques when others have been wounded fending off sharks or if family members have been injured while evacuating. Having a first aid kit ready is also helpful. You can find a premade kit from the Red Cross Store. If you decide to assemble your own first aid kit, make sure to include the following items: 

• 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
• 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
• 1 roll of adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
• 5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)
• 5 antiseptic wipe packets
• 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
• 1 blanket (space blanket)
• 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
• 1 instant cold compress
• 2 pair of non-latex gloves (size: large)
• 2 hydro-cortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)
• Scissors
• 1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)
• 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
• 5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches)
• 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
• Oral thermometer (non-mercury/non-glass)
• 2 triangular bandages
• Tweezers
• First aid instruction booklet

Tip 6: Take a Citizens Preparedness Training Class

The 2014 Sharknado inspired New York state officials to begin a free online Citizens Preparedness Training program open to all residents. For those that have never practiced preparedness, this training gives a comprehensive review of how to prepare for all kinds of common disasters, what to do when disaster strikes, and what actions you can take to help recover.

After completing all of these steps you will be prepared for a Sharknado, and any other type of disaster. Good luck out there.

*This post is based around a real movie based on a fictional event. These tips are real.