The Natural Disaster You’re Not Thinking About
“It won’t happen to me…” this is what most people say in regards to preparing for a disaster. Until it happens to them, they don’t really think about preparing for an emergency.
Like it or not, disasters are inevitable. Having a foolproof plan during emergency situations can be a critical element in keeping you and your family safe. Below are tips you can follow to ensure your safety in the event of a natural disaster.
Know the different types of natural disasters and what to expect
Natural disasters come in many forms and each type may require different preparations. Determine the type of disaster your area is prone to having and make plans accordingly.
• Hurricanes and Storms: In the US, these natural disasters usually happen between June and November in the East coasts and Gulf coasts.
• Floods: If you’re living in low-lying areas, flooding may be a possibility.
• Earthquakes: No area is really safe from earthquakes and they can happen at any time.
• Tornadoes: The tornado season is usually between March and August.
• Wildfires: Southern California is prone to wildfires because of their forested areas and lack of precipitation.
Determine your evacuation routes
Know the escape ways from your own home. Consider even the most obscure ones like the windows of your bathroom. It’s better if you can draw a map for exit routes and post it in a place where everybody can see. Let everyone, especially your kids, get familiarized with all evacuation routes.
In case of being outside the house, decide on one location where everyone can gather after everything is over. For instance, an evacuation shelter provided by the state or a relative’s home.
Sign up for emergency alerts
Electricity is usually unavailable during a natural disaster, so the best way to get warnings and updates is through emergency alerts on your cell phone. Make sure you have signed up for one of these emergency alert systems.
Charge your gadgets and fuel up your vehicles
This is especially important if a warning sign has been given to your area. Having fully charged cell phones can help you stay connected with others. Also, having a full tank of gas in your vehicle can assist you in case you need to leave your own city or town.
Prepare an emergency kit
Your kit should include disaster relief necessities such as basic first aid supplies, water, and food for at least three days. You may also include emergency equipment such as flashlights, rope, whistles, regional maps, personal sanitation needs, and even a duct tape. You may also need to pack cell phone chargers and inverters. If you can, include a small amount of cash in your kit as ATMs may be down during a natural disaster.
Return home safely
Don’t rush in going back home without checking if the premises are safe. Going back home after a major calamity is daunting. There will be several damages that can be hazardous. So, take all the necessary precautions.
Document the damage
Recovering from a major disaster won’t be easy, both emotionally and financially. It’s only wise to file for an insurance claim to help you get back up again. So, before cleaning up, be sure to take clear pictures of your damaged home.
How can the National Damage Appraisers help?
We can help you collect your insurance claims for your damaged properties due to a natural disaster or an accident. We are not connected to any insurance company; we work directly for you.
We will assist you in documenting and preparing your insurance claim and negotiate the insurance settlement on your behalf. Our deep legal knowledge and experience will ensure that you get the best out of your insurance claim.
Call us today at 877-290-2929 and let us do the work for you.