Preparing for a natural disaster

1. Learn about the risks in your area.   What are the risks?   Are there specific timeframes to be prepared for based on the history of the area.

Check with your City, County and State sites regarding natural disasters.   Most have information about services they provide and information about how to prepare for the types of national disasters in your area.  When you are made aware of the potential of a likely natural disasters in your area, start then beginning your steps to be prepared.  

2. Have a Plan in which each person is knowledgeable about the steps to be taken.

For your safety and the safety of your family a plan is crucial.   Include in your plan – items such as:

• Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of important phone numbers.  The list should include family members, local emergency services, neighbors and friends.
• Develop a Communication Plan: Should cell towers or phone lines go down, have in place alternative options on how to ensure family members know how to communicate through alternative methods such as text messages or social media.
• Develop an evacuation plan for small children and pets. As part of your plan for evacuation, include the steps to evacuate small children and pets to safety.
• Meeting Points: If during an emergency, part of the group evaluating becomes separated, select a pre-agreed safe location for everyone to meet.  Based on the type of emergency, you should consider you may need to have a couple of pre-agreed to safe locations.  As part of the key evacuation plan – include informing everyone which safe location is selected.

3. Assemble an Emergency Kit

An emergency kit can be essential for surviving.  Have your kit easy to access when needed.   Some of the items to include are noted below but each person’s needs many require additional items that are crucial.   The number of days supply should be based on the guidelines provided by Local, State and Federal recommendations for the specific natural disaster impact in your area.

• Water: A one gallon per person per day is recommended for an emergency.

• Non-perishable Food: Items such as of canned goods, granola bars, and other non-perishable items should be chosen.  Depending on the extent of the damage, power may be out of service. Consider this when selecting foods.

• First Aid Kit: Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, prescription medications if needed and any other medical supplies needed for you or your family members.

• Flashlights and Batteries: Multiple flashlights and extra batteries for the flashlights should be included.

• Important Documents: In waterproof container, place copies of identification documents, insurance policies, passports at a minimum.  Store copies of passports, insurance policies, identification in a waterproof container and any other documents important to you. Store in a secure spot so they can be accessed easily in case of an emergency. 

• Tools: A multi-tool, screwdriver, wrench, tape as examples could become a huge assistance during a natural disaster

• Clothing and Blankets: Do have extra dry clothing, shoes that are functional and comfortable and blankets available.

• Additional Items: Depending on you and your family’s needs – include items such as baby formula, pet supplies and any other items that are critical for personal needs.

4. Secure Your Home

Some of the steps to take to help minimize damage to your home:

• Review insurance coverage now with your insurance provider: Review with your insurance provider whether your homeowner’s insurance policy covers the types of disasters common in your area. If not, you may want to consider additional coverage.
• Trim Trees: Keep trees and shrubs trimmed.  This can reduce the risk of branches falling on your home during storms.
• Areas on your property that flood or retain water:   Assess areas on your property that flood or retain water.  Determine how these areas could be addressed to reduce or control water retention away from your house.
• Have a plan for securing outside and porch items as well as plants: Assess what is outside of your home such as plants in pots, umbrellas, patio furniture, etc.   Plan now on how you will secure each of these items to keep them from being blown by the wind and/or damaged by a storm.
• Reinforce Doors and Windows: Depending on the location of your home if it is in an area more hurricane-prone, installing storm shutters or impact-resistant windows might be a consideration.