Be Prepared, Not Scared: A Nigerian’s Guide to Emergency Preparedness (700+ Words)

​In Nigeria, a land of immense beauty and vibrant energy, life moves at a fast pace. However, alongside the daily hustle, we are all exposed to various risks—from localized flooding and fire outbreaks to medical emergencies and security concerns. The common thread in all these situations is the need for swift, decisive, and informed action.

​Emergency preparedness is not about predicting disaster; it is about mitigating its impact and ensuring you and your loved ones have the best chance of staying safe, recovering quickly, and minimizing loss. For every Nigerian family, community, and individual, preparing for the unexpected is a non-negotiable step towards building resilience.

​Understanding the Hazards: What We Face in Nigeria

​Preparedness begins with knowing what you are preparing for. While some hazards are universal (like medical emergencies), others are geographically or seasonally specific to Nigeria.

• ​Natural Disasters:
  • ​Flooding: This is arguably the most common and devastating natural disaster, especially in coastal regions and states near major rivers. It’s often compounded by inadequate drainage.
  • ​Drought and Desertification: Affecting the northern parts of the country, leading to resource scarcity and internal displacement.
  • ​Landslides: Occur in areas with steep slopes and heavy rainfall.
• ​Security & Social Issues:
  • ​Civil Unrest/Communal Clashes: Can erupt unexpectedly, requiring rapid evacuation or sheltering-in-place.
  • ​Fire Outbreaks: Common in markets, residential areas, and commercial buildings, often due to electrical faults or gas explosions.
• ​Health and Medical Emergencies:
  • ​Accidents/Trauma: Road accidents are a frequent cause of emergency response.
  • ​Disease Outbreaks: Nigeria has faced outbreaks of infectious diseases, highlighting the need for strong hygiene and health vigilance.
• ​Technological/Industrial Accidents:
  • ​Building Collapse: A risk in many urban centers due to poor construction.
  • ​Oil Spills: Predominantly in the Niger Delta region.

​1. Build Your Nigerian Emergency “Go-Bag” (72-Hour Kit)

​This is perhaps the most critical component of personal preparedness. Your “Go-Bag” should contain essentials that can sustain you and your family for at least 72 hours if you have to evacuate immediately.

​ Essential Contents for a Nigerian Go-Bag:

• ​Water and Food: At least three days’ supply of bottled water (one gallon per person per day) and non-perishable food items (e.g., canned foods, energy biscuits, dried fruits). Include a manual can opener.
• ​Documents & Cash (The Life-Savers): Keep copies of vital documents in a waterproof bag. This includes ID cards, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies, medical records, and bank account information. Crucially, include a reasonable amount of physical cash, as ATMs may not function during a crisis.
• ​First Aid Kit: Bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, prescription medications (at least one week’s supply), and any personal medical necessities.
• ​Communication & Light: A battery-powered or hand-crank radio (for news updates), a charged power bank for your phone, a powerful flashlight, and extra batteries.
• ​Tools and Gear: A whistle (to signal for help), a multi-tool or knife, matches/lighter in a waterproof container, and a dust mask.
• ​Sanitation: Hand sanitizer, moist towelettes, soap, and personal hygiene items (including menstrual supplies).
• ​Clothing: A change of clothing and sturdy shoes for each family member.
• ​Children and Pets: Infant formula, diapers, pet food, and necessary toys or comfort items.

​2. Formulate Your Emergency Action Plan

​A bag is useless without a plan. Every family must sit down and discuss a clear, actionable plan.

• ​The Family Communications Plan:
  • ​Designate an Out-of-State Contact: In a crisis, local phone lines can be jammed. Agree on a friend or relative outside your state or country whom everyone can call to check in and relay messages.
  • ​Establish a Meeting Point: Have a primary and secondary location where the family will meet if separated. The primary could be a nearby landmark (a school, church, or community center), and the secondary a location further away (a relative’s home in another town).
• ​Know Your Escape Routes: For your home, workplace, and children’s school, identify two ways out of every room. Practice evacuation drills for fire and flood.
• ​Turn-Off Utilities: Teach responsible family members how and when to turn off the main water and electricity supply to the house. In the event of a gas leak, teach them how to shut off the gas valve.

​3. Master the Emergency Numbers and Contacts

​Time is your enemy in an emergency. Having the right numbers handy is vital. Save these contacts on your phone now:

Agency/Service	National Emergency Number	Notes
All Emergencies (Police, Fire, Medical, Disaster)	112 (Toll-Free)	Primary national emergency number.
Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)	122	For road-related accidents and emergencies.
Police (Crime/Security)	199	Direct line for security threats.
National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)	0800-CALL-NEMA (0800 22 55 63 62)	Coordinates disaster response like floods and building collapses.

Pro Tip: Also save the number of your local police station, fire service, and a trusted, reliable taxi service, as official response may sometimes be delayed.

​4. Invest in Basic First Aid and CPR Skills

​In an emergency, you are the first responder. Knowing how to stop severe bleeding, administer CPR, or treat a minor burn until professional help arrives can save a life. Look for training courses offered by the Nigeria Red Cross Society or local private medical response organizations. These skills are invaluable for any Nigerian.

​Final Word: The Power of Community

​In a country like Nigeria, emergency preparedness is often a communal effort. Know your neighbours, understand the risks in your area, and agree on a community response strategy. By pooling resources, knowledge, and manpower, we not only prepare ourselves but also strengthen the entire community against the unpredictable nature of emergencies.