This year, hurricanes, wildfires and a pandemic brought devastation across the nation. These incidents remind us why it’s important to be ready for anything.
Taking steps to plan for the unexpected can mean you are more equipped to protect yourself and others if a disaster happens. Resolve to be ready with these ten tips.
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Create an emergency plan.
Know your evacuation routes and have place designated for your family to meet in case you get separated. -
Make an emergency kit.
These portable kits should include food, water, medications, prescriptions, cash, radios, flashlights and other necessities. It is also recommended that you have hand sanitizer and face masks included in your kit, to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. Keep an emergency kit in your car in case you are stranded. - Keep your pantry stocked.
Food is often in short supply during disaster events. It is important to have several days’ worth of food safely stored in your home to support yourself and your family. Don’t forget to include food for your pets!
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Get to know your community.
Learn about disaster planning in your community and what resources are available to you in case of emergency. Join a local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program to get trained on basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations.
- Sign-up for emergency alerts for your area
It’s important to know how to get information when a disaster happens. Local radio and television stations provide information on evacuation routes, temporary shelters and other emergency procedures.
- Check your insurance policy.
Understand what your policy covers in case of major disasters. Contact your insurance company for detailed instructions on what you will need to make a claim for insurance. Learn more about flood insurance what is available to you under the National Flood Insurance Program.
- Take Inventory of what you own.
Snap pictures of your property and make an inventory for insurance purposes. Having a clear record of what you own will make the insurance process easier.
- Protect your valuables.
Store precious belongings, such as photographs or heirlooms, in damage proof containers so you don’t risk losing them permanently. Also keep copies of your critical documents safe and secure in case of emergency.
- Plan for your pet.
Build a separate emergency kit for your pets. This can include creating a list of shelters that accept pets if you need to evacuate the area.
- Budget for a disaster.
Financially prepare for the New Year. Find out how with the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit. Start to grow an emergency fund today so you can cover any unexpected changes in your day-to-day life.
Visit Ready.gov/resolution for more information on how you can resolve to be ready.