Preparedness: Be Ready for Any Disaster

Preparedness is key to protecting yourself, your family, and your property during a disaster. By following simple steps to prepare ahead of time, you can reduce risks, stay informed, and respond effectively when emergencies arise.

Essential Steps to Prepare for Disasters

1. Insurance Coverage and Documentation

• Review Your Insurance: Ensure you are adequately covered for various types of disasters, such as floods, fires, earthquakes, and other emergencies.
• Document Your Possessions: Make a detailed inventory of your valuables, including model numbers and photographs. This will be essential for reimbursement claims in case of damage or loss.
• Keep Insurance Information Secure: Store your insurance policies and important documentation in a safe, secure place, such as a safe-deposit box or a fireproof/floodproof safe.

2. Know the Risks in Your Area

• Understand Local Hazards: Research the types of disasters or emergencies that are most likely to affect your region. These can range from personal emergencies (like a medical crisis) to community-wide disasters (like floods or earthquakes).
• Stay Informed: Learn how local authorities will notify you during a disaster. Familiarize yourself with the channels they use, such as:
  • Local radio
  • TV stations
  • NOAA Weather Radio

3. Understand Weather Alerts and Warnings

• Know the Difference: It’s crucial to understand the difference between weather watches and warnings, as well as the actions to take for each:
  • Watch: Conditions are right for a disaster to occur. Be alert.
  • Warning: A disaster is imminent or already occurring. Take immediate action to protect yourself. 

• What to Do: When you receive an alert, always follow the recommended safety actions. These can vary depending on the type of disaster (e.g., evacuation orders, shelter-in-place instructions, etc.).

4. Travel-Related Preparedness

• Prepare for Emergencies on the Road: If you travel frequently, familiarize yourself with common risks in the areas you visit. For example, if you travel to an area prone to earthquakes or hurricanes, learn what to do if you experience one while away from home.
• Know Local Emergency Procedures: In case of a disaster while traveling, know the local emergency numbers, evacuation routes, and shelter locations.

5. First Aid and CPR Training

• Be Prepared to Help: In the event of a major disaster, emergency response teams may be delayed. Make sure at least one person in your household is trained in first aid, CPR, and how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). This life-saving knowledge can be vital in various emergencies.
• Training Benefits: First aid and CPR training are essential not only in major disasters but also in daily life for dealing with injuries, medical emergencies, and more.

Important Resources & Links

To help you further prepare for disasters, refer to the following helpful resources:

• America’s PrepareAthon Fact Sheet: A comprehensive guide to understanding disaster preparedness and actions you can take.
• Checklist for Protecting Critical Documents & Valuables: A helpful list of steps for safeguarding your important documents, like birth certificates, insurance policies, and financial records.
• Know Your Alerts and Warnings: Learn about the different types of weather and emergency alerts, including watches, warnings, and advisories.

Conclusion

Preparedness is essential for coping with disasters of any magnitude. Whether it’s securing your property, understanding weather alerts, or having a first aid kit on hand, these proactive steps can make a significant difference when emergencies occur. Start preparing today to ensure the safety and well-being of your loved ones during unexpected events.

Stay informed. Stay prepared.