Before a Disaster Hits YouGet PreparedIs your Important Information handy if a disaster
strikes you or your loved ones? "Nine out of ten homeowners don't know where the deed to their
home is. Or for that matter, WHERE other important or irreplaceable documents
are stored," according to Mike Chilton. These documents should be stored in a fire proof or safety deposit box: Birth records How to Prepare for a Disaster [Editor's Note: Shirley went through four hurricanes last year when she first moved to Florida. While living in Colorado she has been very close to wildfires and probably some blizzards also. Check out Shirley's Pink Sheet Emergency Medical Kit and Personal Paper Tracking System (a FEMA representative told Shirley "if the folks I have already seen had had this kit [ Personal Paper Tracking System] AND completed it, life would be much easier for them and FEMA right now". ] One should always prepare for an evacuation to make that actual event go as smooth as possible but continue those optimistic prayers for the best. This family evacuation plan should be developed LONG before the storm or disaster hits. In other words - DO IT NOW! Don't wait! Do it while everyone involved is under a relaxed manner, minds are thinking rationally, there is plenty of time to locate a "designated single-point-of-contact", and evacuation routes can be determined. The plan can be reviewed and revised in a calm and logical manner. In other words, the more organized you are now, the easier you and your loved ones will tolerate the emergency event. OK, let's get started. I cannot address everything in this article so will address the most important. Like anything in life, let's start AT THE BEGINNING. Everyone should have an emergency family plan. This plan can be utilized for any type emergency, (i.e.: earthquakes, floods, fires, tornadoes, blizzards). What should be in a FAMILY PLAN? >> Locate a "safe" room or THE safest area in your home for each hazard identified in the previous step. In many circumstances, the safest area(s) may NOT be in your home BUT within your community. >> Determine escape routes from your home and places for loved ones to meet. Keep the mileage just "outside" the storms expected "initial target" spot, rather than hundreds of miles away. >> Designate an out-of-state family or friend as a "single-point-of-contact" for family members to check in with. >> Make plans for pets. >> Post emergency telephone numbers by the phone, placing a copy in each person's wallet/purse. Make certain that children know how and when to call 9-1-1. >> Check your insurance policies. Many homeowners insurance policies do not include flood damage. Be aware that many insurance companies have a "cut off" time for any changes to policies prior to a major storm season arriving. Stock up on non-perishable emergency supplies Let's say you had these items together and the disaster is growing nearer and nearer and the decision has to be made, do we stay in our home or do we leave? (if the situation is a "voluntary evacuation"). If the situation is at a "mandatory" evacuation status, PLEASE DO NOT play "macho" and say "we can stick it out". Emergency Preparedness folks study these disasters for a living and get paid BIG BUCKS for what they do, PLEASE DO NOT second guess them! After the Disaster Once the situation has settled down a bit and life seems a "tad bit more normal" then start working on the notes you made earlier. In addition, if the below was NOT part of your notes, you need to incorporate them into your action plan. By creating a family plan and setting up an area of your home to be stocked with non-perishable emergency-need items is an excellent way to organize and prepare for the non-pre-warn disaster. In the area with the supplies: replace items (such as batteries) every 6 months. Rotate the non-perishable foods out and replace them with fresh items. Go over your family plan as there may be updates that need to be documented. The out-of-state single point of contact is "a must" in any disaster. So many
times a large portion of land line phone lines are knocked out and everyone is
trying to use what is still working thus overloading the circuits, not to
mention people who are trying to call into the area from who knows where in the
world. Many times the land line phones that are still working are only working
on an "outbound" call format. Then the cell phone situation, more than likely a
lot of the cell-towers have been damaged, thus restricting call flow. Also, keep
in FEMA: Hurricane Preparedness , Preparing for a Tornado, Avoiding Wildfire Damage: A Checklist for Homeowners (PDF document), Wildfire: Are You Prepared? (PDF document), Before A Flood, Before a Landslide or Mudslide , Winter Weather Preparedness Tips, Disaster Planning Tips for Pets, Livestock and Wildlife Business-Continuation Plan: Preparing for the Disaster and Disaster Recovery Planning and Disaster Recovery Planning Without Destroying Your Budget Sample Business Continunity Plan FEMA: Protecting Your Business From Disasters Some great reports here!
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