EMERGENCY RESOURCES

Doomsday preppers: College edition

Suggested steps to prepare for unexpected disasters, emergencies

By Aubrey Vogel

@aubrey_vogel

Being away from home for the first time can catch many students off-guard, leaving them unprepared for dealing with serious situations, whether it be power outages, sickness or an unplanned weather predicament. With the unpredictability of natural disasters, it is important to plan ahead and be prepared with the needed, and possibly life-changing, supplies.

Here is a list of essential supplies students should have ready in case disaster strikes, which may just make their lives easier:

First aid kit

Whether students need bandages or some medication to help with an unexpected illness, it is important to have a fully-stocked first aid kit. Ensure the kit is filled correctly with various bandages, sterile gauze and wipes as well as supplies to stop bleeding in case of minor injury. Additionally, students should be sure to include common over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or Tylenol, stomach relief and allergy medicines.

On-campus safety

With as often as students are on campus, they may also run into safety concerns while conducting day-today business. Across campus there are a 115 of 12-foot blue poles all bearing a phone which connects students to campus police with the exact location of their emergency. Students can also communicate with dispatch as they wait for emergency services to arrive. Additionally, to keep students safe while navigating campus at night, the Corp of Cadets offers escort services available from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. on weekdays and 24 hours a day on weekends. A Corps member will walk with the student to any place on campus and will provide them with a receipt upon arrival.

Charged power banks

From winter storms to general power outages, having a phone die is the biggest inconvenience when the electricity is down, though keeping a power bank on hand can be a lifesaver for phone batteries, literally. Power banks can be found anywhere from Walmart to Amazon and come in various power-holding capabilities, so students should order one if they have not already. Getting the power supply is only one step of the process — it is completely useless without being charged, so be sure the power is always full for use anytime or as a back-up just in case.

Toolkit

Between things getting broken or buying new furniture which may need to be assembled, students should invest in a small toolkit encompassing the basics, including a hammer and screwdrivers. Some students may not consider themselves handy, but a toolkit can serve a huge purpose for even the simplest repairs.

Fireproof safe

After seeing houses and dorms flooded during the February 2021 winter storm, many students have invested in fireproof safes to protect their valuables from both fires and floods; plus, it is another level of protection from intruders. Safes can help store prescription medications as well as documents like birth certificates and social security cards.

Extra security door lock

When moving into a new location, students may feel uneasy, especially if they are living alone. To combat these anxieties, individuals should invest in a trusted door lock or deadbolt to ensure they feel safe in their homes.

Carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarms

Required for the health and safety of all individuals in a household, carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarms protect from potentially dangerous situations. Individuals should check both on a regular basis to make sure both devices are working properly, as they can truly save lives.

Extra batteries

From television remotes to gaming controllers, many things in everyday life take batteries, which individuals may not always have on hand. Especially in storm situations, it is important to have batteries to refill essential supplies such as flashlights and radios to monitor weather conditions.

Fire extinguishers

Kitchen or electrical fires can break out with zero warning, but having a fire extinguisher on hand can help prevent a large amount of damage to an individual’s home. Be sure to check the device is up to code and in good use before it is needed.

Winter storm preparedness

With the long winter storm week in 2021 and more snow in early 2022, it is important for students to be prepared during the colder months, even in Aggieland. Around December, students should prepare by having the following supplies on hand for mother nature’s unpredictable weather: • Candles and/or flashlights • Charged power banks to charge phones • Nonperishable food that can be prepared without using electricity • Bottled water • Extra blankets

Additionally, students should be sure to leave their sinks dripping and cabinet doors open for all exposed outdoor walls when temperatures dip below freezing. Students who live in townhomes or houses should protect outside faucets with cloth or towels ahead of winter weather.

Drug and alcohol safety

During college, many students are put in situations where they may encounter drugs or alcohol for the first time. Whether underage or of age, students should be aware of the dangerous effects of drugs and alcohol on their bodies.

During the first few weeks at college, freshmen are often tempted by the access to alcohol. This is the time in which 33% of freshmen engage in binge drinking, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Binge drinking can cause alcohol overdose and subsequent life-threatening symptoms as it begins to interfere with the ability to breathe and the function of major organs. Students should seek help immediately if they believe themselves or someone they know is exhibiting symptoms of overdose or alcohol poisoning.

Additionally, students should be aware of the prominence and availability of drugs, especially in a college setting. Drugs also present dangers and should be avoided unless prescribed by a doctor and should only be used as directed.