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How to Prepare Your Family for Emergencies


A good number of people in the United States experience emergency situations every year. Often due to catastrophic natural phenomena like wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, storms and severe winter weather conditions.



Typical CAT seasons now exhibiting near atypical patterns Hurricane season usually begins from May 15 through November 30 in the Pacific Ocean and from June 1 through November 30 in the Atlantic Ocean; however, tropical storms and severe weather conditions can occur at any time of the year. Similarly, active wildfire season starts from May through November, with peak occurrences in the summer months; however, due to climate change and other conditions, the seasons can extend longer, and fires can occur anytime of the year in the areas that are most susceptible.


Naturally, not all parts of the country are prone to these events; however, as they can be destructive and unpredictable, having prearranged plans for how to mitigate, survive, and recover can help you save lives and reduce losses. Government websites such as Fema.gov and Ready.gov have troves of resources and materials to help you do just that to keep you and your family safe during many of these emergency situations. We will highlight here a few of the plan actions you can take to help your family.


Preparing Your Family and Home for Emergencies


Plan Before a Disaster Occurs


No one wants to think about or worry about disasters every day; however, depending on where you reside, making a few simple plans before a disaster occurs, can help you react quickly and save lives. It can also minimize preventable harm and damage that can result from the panic and frenzy that commonly ensue when disasters occur and evacuation orders are issued.


I. Plan Communication and Accommodation

Discuss with your family what actions are to be taken in the event of an emergency - who will do what, how and where.


The plan should include details of:

  • how you will communicate with each other,

  • where you will go and how you will get there,

  • how you will stay in touch with each other,

  • who outside your immediate household to will be contacted, and

  • a predetermined place to reconvene should you lose touch with each other and are not able to communicate via any form of media.


II. Plan the Emergency Kits

Prepare emergency bag(s) to go on moment’s notice. Determine what is best for your situation.


1.       Keep important documents safe

This can include identity documents, birth certificates, marriage certificates, social security cards, military service records, tax statements, health records, financial records, insurance policies, and an inventory of personal property. Keep digital copies of these documents safe elsewhere; however, if that is not an option, keep them safe where you can easily grab and add to your emergency bag on the go.


2.       Essentials to pack

The items to put in the bags should sustain you and your family for a while and they can include the following.

  • Emergency Contacts: An address book of contact list of family, friends, professionals, work, and emergency centers. This can be in addition to one you may have digitally stored in your electronic devices.

  • Food: Nonperishable food, bottled of water, pet food, baby food, and snacks.

  • Electronic: Flashlights, extra batteries, portable radio, mobile Wi-Fi, cell phones, laptop, tablets, and chargers.

  • Medication & Hygiene: First-aid kit with supplies, prescription medication and glasses, bug spray, personal care and hygiene items.

  • Cloths: Blankets and weather sensitive change of clothes.

  • Tools: A small multipurpose tool kit, a utility knife, match, lighter, a can opener, a whistle to signal for help, a pencil, a pen and a notebook, and plastic zipped bags or waterproof bags.

  • Miscellaneous:  a personal favorite or comfort item or memorabilia that can fit in the bag.

  • Money: Cash and credit cards,

  • Bag: A bag, case, or backpack to put all above items in.


Ideally, preplan this bag so that it is easy to quickly add, grab, and go in moment’s notice.

Lastly, ensure all doors, windows, and garage are shut before your leave the property.

 

Preparing Your Home Before a Disaster


The type of mitigation preparation you undertake will be situation specific, your location of residence, and the type of disaster that is prone to your area; however, all or some of these will be helpful in reducing damage to your property in the event of a natural disaster.


  • Trim the trees around your property to remove weak and dry branches.

  • Replace exterior glass with tempered glass.

  • Install hurricane-proof doors, install storm shutters to windows, update and reinforce roofing.

  • Remove or secure outdoor furniture, potted plants, and other loose outdoor fixtures.

  • When making updates, bring building to code with updates that will enhance its resistance to wildfire, hurricanes, hailstorms, high winds, and severe thunderstorms.

 

Plan for Insurance Before a Disaster

 

  1. Buy Insurance that provides appropriate coverage and adequate level of limits to protect your property and liabilities prior to the occurrence of an event.

  2. The reason you buy insurance is to be able to recover when the unfortunate happens. If you already have one, it is important that you review your insurance policy to ensure that you have the appropriate coverages in place. 

  3. Keep valid contact information of the insurance company and your broker or agent.

  4. Update the inventory schedule of the contents in your home so that it is easy to identify items that are lost or damaged.

  5. Keep abreast with the claim reporting procedures and requirements stipulated in your insurance policies before a loss. Timely claims reporting will make a difference in your recovery.

 

Preparations you make before an event occurs can make a difference; however, these are only suggestions. Your local authorities and community advisors may also have direction specific to events in your locality.

 


At Axios Risk Solutions, LLC., we help small and medium-sized enterprises, families, and individuals minimize and manage their business risks through tailored risk management strategies and protect their business and assets through a variety of insurance solutions in the market. To request a quote or speak to an broker, call (404) 480-0272. ​



Author: Sandra Owusu-Fianko

Sandra Owusu-Fianko is the Principal and Risk Advisor at Axios Risk Solutions, LLC. She has extensive experience in the insurance industry and a MS degree in Enterprise Risk Management. She is passionate about finding appropriate risk management and insurance solutions for her clients.

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