Are you prepared?

With over 377** federally declared Presidential Disaster Declarations since January 1, 2000, too many are no stranger to the devastating effects of natural disasters. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) the most frequent and devastating disasters are severe storms, hurricanes, floods, and fires.

Flooding and hurricanes accounted for over $17.4 billion^*** in property losses in the last 3 years. 

Fire has been especially destructive.  In 2007 alone, there were over 530,000 structures destroyed by fire in the US, resulting in over $10.6 billion^**** in losses. 

It is the responsibility of all residents to assess the potential disasters they face, take action to insulate themselves from harm, and prepare and educate themselves by knowing how to respond and recover if a disaster strikes.  This should be done before a disaster happens because when disaster strikes it’s too late to prepare.

The Insurance Information Network has identified the following steps everyone can do to prepare.

1. Plan in advance, including:
 
* Know the likelihood of disasters in your area, such as of hurricanes, severe storms, wildfires, floods, or earthquakes.
* Prepare for evacuations.  Discuss evacuation procedures with all family members.  Assign evacuation tasks to everyone.  Create a checklist of things to do before you leave and things to take with you when you evacuate.
* Hazard-proof your home.  Clear over-grown plants and trees.  Replace worn or damaged electrical appliances and parts.  Secure heavy items that might tip over or fall.  Keep a wrench where you can quickly find it and know how to shut off gas if you smell a leak.

2. Pre-pack emergency supplies and important documents such as financial records, insurance policies, deeds, wills, and trusts.  Have a 72- hour kit to take care of the short-term needs of family members and pets.  Remember medications and comfort items in addition to the essentials of food, sanitation, clothing, and bedding.

3. Create a home inventory providing a reliable record of your belongings.   A good home inventory includes pictures or video, scanned receipts, important documents, feature descriptions, and other data about your belongings such as purchase date, purchase price, manufacturer, part number, serial number and all other information relevant for assessment and replacement. Scan important documents and store all your important information and inventory offsite so it is safe even if your home or property is totally destroyed without warning.  The insurance claims process works smoother and faster, and you can get fairer settlements when you have a well organized inventory. 

4. Establish out of town contacts for the family to call, in case you are separated during an emergency or evacuation.

Safety Tips:

If you are affected by a disaster here are a few tips you can follow to minimize the damage and get on your way to a speedy recovery.

1. Have your emergency preparedness kit ready.  Your first aid supplies should be there.

2. Listen to the local public service media for instructions, using a battery-operated radio if the electricity is out.

3. Help the injured when you can and alert emergency crews.  Check on your neighbors, especially the elderly or people with disabilities.

4. Minimize telephone use.  Don't use the telephone unless it is absolutely necessary. Emergency crews will need all available lines. 

5. Check your home, but take care to avoid potential hazards. Remember to:

* Use a flashlight
* Don't light matches or turn on the electrical switches until you are sure there are no gas leaks or damage to gas lines.
* Check for fires, fire hazards or other household hazards.
* Sniff for gas leaks, starting at the water heater. If you smell gas, turn off the main gas valve, open windows and get everyone outside quickly.
* Shut off any other damaged utilities.
* Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline and other flammable liquids immediately. Wear protective clothing. For major spills or leaks, call in professional help.
* Confine or secure your pets.

6. Contact your insurance agent immediately.

7. Inventory and record the damage.  Use your home inventory as a checklist for damaged or missing items.

8. Wait for your insurance agent or insurance adjustor to appraise the damage before removing debris and damaged items.

9. Don't be afraid to get your own estimates or hire professionals.

Disasters are unpredictable, but your response should not be.  Plan and educate yourself and you will be able to recover quicker, easier, and more completely.

For more information about planning for disasters and making a home inventory email Ken Wolsey at kwolsey@ksysinc.com or visit www.epistree.com.

** FEMA, Presidential Disaster Declarations by Region
*** FEMA Significant Flood Events
**** FEMA Fire Statistics