The atmospheric rivers, resulting flooding and mudslides in the Western U.S., the tornados in the deep south, and even a minor quake or two in Kansas and California remind us that disasters can occur anywhere and at any time. We cannot always predict what is coming our way, but we can plan ahead in order to be as prepared as possible for emergencies.
The following are general steps for homeowners to take to prepare, but homeowners will need to tailor the list further based on their circumstances and location.
Find out the risks for your property.
- While there are many activities that are part of preparation for any disaster, homeowners who know the specific risks for their property can prepare for those possibilities. Are tornados possible in your area? Go to Tornado Safety at the American Red Cross website. (The Red Cross website also has preparation tips for 23 types of emergencies!) Do you need to prepare for hurricanes? Visit NOAA National Hurricane Preparedness.
Mitigate those risks.
- Are there home improvements that lower the risk of damage from hurricanes, flooding, earthquakes, wildfires, etc.? State and local authorities in your area often offer specific remedies for typical weather issues. In addition, there are many resources online, Homes that can withstand hurricanes, wildfires and other natural disasters, and through private organizations. United Policyholders is a non-profit organization that has been a resource for disaster preparation and recovery since 1991.
Review your insurance policy for coverage.
- Read your insurance policy. Do you see language that will cover the specific risks associated with your home’s location? Typically flood and earthquake damage are not covered.
- Check with your insurance agent or carrier if you are not sure what is or is not covered.
Insure to value.
- Can you rebuild your home/business building if it is destroyed? Costs have been going up faster over the last two years than they have in many years. Has your policy limits been increasing to keep up? Have you upgraded or added onto your home? Again, discuss this with your insurance agent or carrier.
- Prepare an inventory of your possessions. There are worksheets that you can download from the internet, or just make a list of items that you own, or the easiest way is to video your belongings in every room, every closet and cabinet. Of course, save the video to cloud storage or keep a copy outside your home in a location that is unlikely to be affected by the same disaster that your home might be.
Prepare an evacuation plan (or to shelter at home)
- Although there is not much a homeowner can do to prepare for a hillside of mud to engulf their home, preparing an evacuation plan that includes a bag with important papers is one small step that will help the homeowner recover with greater ease.
- Include in the emergency bag important paperwork such as copies of insurance policies, deeds, lists of medications/doctors, contact phone numbers and addresses, photos, and any other financial, personal, health-related documents that are necessary for your family.
- Plan escape routes from your area. Keep maps in your evacuation bag. Plan where to meet other family members.
- For disasters and their aftermath where you must shelter at home, prepare supplies that will last several weeks, if needed.
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