Emergencies and disasters can strike suddenly, without warning, anywhere, at any time of the day or night. How you prepare can have a significant impact on whether you survive and how you manage in the days and weeks immediately following a disaster.
At a minimum you should take the following steps to prepare for a disaster that could threaten you, your family and your property:
- KNOW THE RISKS associated with the area in which you live.
- Consult your local, county or state emergency managers to learn more about the risks that you face in your area.
- MAKE REPAIRS AND CHANGES to your home to minimize the damage associated with disasters such as:
- Elevating the furnace, water heater and appliances in flood-prone areas.
- Installing hurricane shutters, straps and tie-downs in areas prone to hurricanes and high winds.
- Securely fastening large and top-heavy objects to keep them from tipping or falling in an earthquake.
- Clearing brush and vegetation and other flammable materials a safe distance from your home and other structures in areas prone to wildfires.
- Building a safe room to protect you and your family from tornadoes and hurricanes.
- Installing a standby generator to supply your home with electricity after disaster strikes.
- DEVELOP AND PRACTICE an emergency plan with your family members and make sure it includes how you will communicate with each other, especially if you become separated.
- KNOW THE LOCATIONS of your gas, electric and water shutoffs and be familiar with how to shut off utilities in the event of an emergency. CAUTION - If you turn off the gas for any reason, a qualified professional must turn it back on. NEVER attempt to turn the gas back on yourself.
- FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF with evacuation routes, shelter locations and alternate routes to hospitals and other emergency services.
- PREPARE AND UPDATE a Disaster Supplies Kit and keep it in a designated location.
- USE A WEATHER RADIO to keep you informed of sudden changes in weather and developing storms.
- TAKE A CLASS in CPR and First Aid offered by your local chapter of the American Red Cross.
- LEARN how to use a fire extinguisher.
- PLAN for the needs of your pets or livestock including food, water and sheltering needs.
- CONSULT WITH your insurance agent or broker and purchase appropriate property insurance including Flood Insurance.
- FOLLOW THE ADVICE AND INSTRUCTIONS of your local authorities before and after a disaster strikes.
- For more information about how you can prepare for emergencies and disasters go to the Plan Ahead section of the FEMA Website.
