Take Small Steps Toward Being Prepared for Disaster
Do 1 Thing is an web-based program designed to prepare your family for emergencies throughout the year. Each month focuses on a different thing that you can do to be prepared for an emergency situation. January's theme is "Make a Plan." When a disaster happens you may need to make a decision quickly, while under the stress of the situation. By planning ahead, it will be easier to make the right decision when in an emergency situation. Here are three things that you can do to help you make a plan!
1. Learn About Disasters and Decide What You'll Do In That Event.
Different types of disasters are more likely in different areas. It is important to understand what types of disasters can happen where you are. Think about if your home is in a floodplain or an area that has earthquakes. When are tornadoes most likely to happen? Knowing what disasters could affect you will help you know how to be better prepared and what to do if and when disaster hits. You can contact local emergency management offices or the American Red Cross to learn more about disasters in your area.
Meet with your family and possibly even your community to discuss how to prepare and respond to emergencies. Not only should you think about where you live, but also where you work and any other places you spend a lot of your time. You never know where you could be when disaster strikes. Identify responsibilities for each member of your household or work place and work together as a team to come up with a disaster preparedness plan.
2. Take Steps to Prevent Damage at Home.
Once you are aware of what disasters could happen in your area, there are many things you can do to lower your risk of injury or property damage Here are some suggestions for you to consider:
- Tornado - Add a tornado safe room to your home or add extra protection to an existing room to keep your family safe in the event of a tornado. FEMA has more information on tornado preparation.
- Hurricane - Install hurricane shutters and keep the trees around your house trimmed to prevent damage from falling branches. Secure your soffits to make sure that they won't provide a way for wind and water to get into your home. Make sure entryway doors have three hinges and a deadbolt lock.
- Flood - Elevate your home above the base flood level or take steps to flood proof. Elevate your utilities and make sure you have adequate flood venting. Use flood resistant building materials when you build or remodel. Taking steps like these can lower your flood insurance rates. Having flood protection barriers on hand is also something for flood prone communities to consider!
- Wildfire - Use fire-resistant building materials like shingles and siding. Cut back branches and brush within 30 feet of your home and keep firewood at least 30 feet away. Check into the National Fire Protection Association's Firewise Program for more ideas.
- Earthquake - Secure your furniture, appliances and water heater to walls and floors. Install safety catches on cabinets and cupboard doors. Make sure your appliances are connected with flexible connections. Consider using a safety film on your windows or installing laminated glass to prevent injuries from broken glass.
For more information on preventing damage to your home during a disaster or emergency situation, please visit FEMA.gov.
Choose two different places for your family to meet in the event of an emergency. One of these places should be right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency such as a fire, while the other should be outside your community in case you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate. Decide both where you would go and the route that you would take to get there. You may choose to go to a hotel, stay with friends or family in a safe location or go to a shelter. Practice an evacuation plan that way you're ready when the event actually does occur. The more practice you've had, the more confident you will be in the real situation.
Plan ahead for your pets because pets are typically not allowed in shelters due to health concerns. Keep a phone list of pet-friendly hotels and animal shelters that are along your evacuation route. You can also contact your local humane society or animal shelter to ask if pet emergency shelters will be opened during disaster situations. Consider anyone with special needs or disabilities and how you will assist them during an evacuation as well.
3. Plan What To Do If You Have to Evacuate.
Choose two different places for your family to meet in the event of an emergency. One of these places should be right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency such as a fire, while the other should be outside your community in case you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate. Decide both where you would go and the route that you would take to get there. You may choose to go to a hotel, stay with friends or family in a safe location or go to a shelter. Practice an evacuation plan that way you're ready when the event actually does occur. The more practice you've had, the more confident you will be in the real situation.
Plan ahead for your pets because pets are typically not allowed in shelters due to health concerns. Keep a phone list of pet-friendly hotels and animal shelters that are along your evacuation route. You can also contact your local humane society or animal shelter to ask if pet emergency shelters will be opened during disaster situations. Consider anyone with special needs or disabilities and how you will assist them during an evacuation as well.
While different areas are prone to different disasters, flooding can happen anywhere. It doesn't take but a few inches of water to be dangerous. When it comes to flooding disasters, BIG BAGS USA® is here to help! Our innovative flood barriers are a fast and simple solution for containment and deferment of water. BIG BAGS USA® is a great on hand sandbags tool for disaster prevention!
If you have an immediate need for our systems, or have any questions for us, please Call us Toll Free at 1-800-337-0537 or visit www.BigBagsUSA.com.
If you have an immediate need for our systems, or have any questions for us, please Call us Toll Free at 1-800-337-0537 or visit www.BigBagsUSA.com.
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