ARE
YOU PREPARED FOR A NATURAL DISASTER?
PRIOR
TO A DISASTER
Make a list of each of your insurance policy numbers
and the insurance company names, and keep the information in your wallet,
purse, or on your mobile device. Be sure to include our web site address
(www.pratt-insurance.com). In the event of a widespread catastrophe, we
will post information about claims procedures on our web site. This is
especially important in cases where our agency, itself, may have been affected,
and has set up temporary operations at another location. In addition, we
will post emergency insurance claim phone numbers. If needed, you can also
utilize social media to contact us. Join our Facebook page now (Pratt Insurance
Inc.) and be prepared.
Questions to consider:
• Are evacuation routes established in your area?
You can contact your city's or town's planning and
emergency assistance organizations.
Ask them for information about disaster planning.
• Does your children's school(s) or day care center have an
emergency plan in place?
• Is a family member is in an elder care facility?
Check to see what emergency procedures they will follow.
• If you have pets, have a contingency plan in place.
Many emergency shelters won't accept them.
PREPARE A HOME INVENTORY
If you were the victim of a major natural disaster
and suddenly found yourself with nothing left, would you remember everything
you lost? Make a detailed written or videotaped inventory of your property
and house-hold possessions. Take a video camera and go through every room,
taping and describing what you see. For valuable items, note when and where
you purchased them and how much you paid for them. Include the serial numbers
of major appliances. Keep your inventory, insurance policies and other important
documents in a safe-deposit box and keep a duplicate set in a fire- and
water-proof container at home. Include important documents such as wills,
deeds, titles, stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit, passports, bank
account numbers, credit card numbers, income tax returns, birth certificates
and so on.
PREPARE A DISASTER SUPPLY KIT FOR YOUR HOME/CAR
Gather water, food and emergency supplies to last at
least three days--longer is better. You probably already have most of the
items on the list below. The trick is gathering them in one area and packing
them so that items are easy to transport. Rubbermaid and other similar
manufacturers make plastic, sealable containers in many sizes and shapes,
some with carrying handles that make them easy to transport. Clean trash
containers with tight-fitting lids are another choice. Find a variety of
container sizes that you can pack into your car in a short time if necessary.
Supply of Drinking Water
Stock a minimum of one gallon of water per person
per day. Buy bottled water or store tap water in washed plastic, fiberglass
or enamel-lined metal containers. Sanitize containers with a solution of one
part bleach to ten parts water before using. If your tap water is commercially
treated, you can use it as-is. For well water or untreated public water, follow
treatment instructions provided by your public health service. Seal the
water containers tightly and label them with the date. Store in a cool,
dark place. Refresh your water supply every six months. If you're on a
private well in an area prone to electrical outages, you might want to
store larger amounts of water to flush stools and for general cleanup.
The bakery departments of grocery stores receive pre-made frosting in covered
buckets and will often give you those buckets free. Cat litter and other
products come in suitable 2-3 gallon covered buckets. Look around to see
what you can find.
Choosing Food Supplies
Use a permanent marker to date foods and replace items
every six months. Pack foods in watertight bags or sturdy plastic containers.
Canned foods are a good choice. Buy ready-to-eat meats, fruits, and vegetables.
Buy canned or boxed juices, milk, soup, and powdered milk. Peanut butter is
a good source of protein. Crackers, granola bars, cereals, trail mix. Instant
coffee and tea. Sugar, salt, pepper, other spices. Don't forget a manual
can opener!
Your First Aid Supplies
First aid manual, scissors, sterile bandages, gauze pads, cotton balls,
safety pins, latex gloves. Antibiotic ointment, cleansing agents such as
isopropyl alcohol and hydrogen peroxide, germicidal soaps, moistened towelettes.
Needles, tweezers, scissors, thermometer. Aspirin, anti-diarrhea medication,
antacids, syrup of ipecac (to induce vomiting), vitamins. Ask your doctor
or pharmacist for advice if you wish to store your regular prescription
medications.
Essential Tools and Emergency Supplies
Battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries, a NOAA weather
radio; Flashlight and extra batteries; Matches in a waterproof container;
Shutoff wrench, pliers, shovel and other tools; Duct tape, scissors, plastic
sheeting; Fire extinguisher; Paper, pens, pencils; Needles and thread;
Paper plates, plastic cups and utensils. Plastic trash bags; Hand sanitizer,
liquid detergent, towelettes, soap; Toilet paper, paper towels; Chlorine
bleach and other disinfectant cleaners; Household documents, contact numbers;
Copies of important documents; Cash or traveler's checks.
Other Items
Blankets, bedding, sleeping bags; Comfortable clothes and shoes;
Supplies for babies and the elderly; Supplies for your pets; Things to do: books,
games, toys.
At Work and In Your Car
Keep an emergency backpack at the office in case you can't get home right
away. Store a supply of food and water in your car. Include jumper cables,
flares, ice melt and other seasonal items. Keep your gas tank filled.
STORM-PROOF YOUR HOME
• Make sure your roof, windows and doors are not in
need of major repair.
• Position cribs/beds away from windows or tall furniture
that could slide or topple.
• Power generators are often used during power outages.
If you own one, make sure it is well maintained and that
all family members know how to operate it properly.
• If you live in a mobile home, make sure it is securely
anchored down.
• If you own a boat, make sure it is securely moored.
• If there is a fire hydrant near your home, make sure
it is clear of debris and can easily be located by
the fire department.
• Remove low branches and dead trees from around your house.
• Clear debris from the chimney, gutters and vents.
FLOODS
Before a flood
• Talk to your insurance agent about the need for flood insurance.
Nearly all communities in the United States have access to flood
insurance. Remember, even if your lender/mortgagee doesn't
require flood insurance, this doesn't mean your property
isn't in a "flood zone." More than 25% of flood damage
occurs in areas that are in lower-risk flood zones.
Also, be sure and purchase coverage on your personal
property, which can be added as a separate item of coverage
on your flood policy.
• Under standard flood policies, there is still no coverage
for the expense of temporarily relocating (often called
"additional living expense"). In addition, standard flood insurance
for businesses does not cover lost business income.
• When a flood watch is issued, move your furniture and valuables
to higher floors in your home. If you live in a single story home,
get valuables off the floor and as high as possible (for example,
on top of a shelf).
• Fill your car with gas in case you have to evacuate.
• Get your disaster supplies kit ready to take with you.
You may be given very short notice to evacuate.
• Bring outdoor furniture inside.
• When a flood warning is issued, listen to your local radio
and TV stations for information.
• If told by authorities, turn off all utilities at the main switch
and close the main gas valve.
• If told to evacuate, do so immediately, especially if the warning
is for flash flooding. It will be easier to leave before the flood waters
become too deep.
• If you live in a flood-prone area, stockpile emergency
building materials, shovels and sandbags.
• Protect your home by having check valves installed in
sewer traps to prevent flood waters from backing up in sewer drains.
• Have large corks or stoppers on hand to help plug showers,
tubs and basins.
• Fill tubs, sinks and jugs with fresh water in case the water supply
becomes contaminated.
During a flood
• Don't attempt to drive through floodwaters.
• Abandon your car if it stalls in an area where there are
rapidly rising waters.
• No matter where you are, move to higher ground.
• Move away from rivers, streams, creeks, storm drains
and other waterways.
• Avoid walking through floodwaters.
• Obey traffic instructions and detour information.
They are being issued for your safety.
After a flood
• The danger caused by floods isn't over when the water recedes,
so don't attempt to return home until authorities say it's safe to do so.
• If your car has been submerged, let it dry out thoroughly before
trying to start it.
• Use battery-powered flashlights or lanterns to examine the
premises. Do not attempt to turn the lights on until you are
sure it is safe to do so.
• Watch out for snakes that may have come into your home
with flood waters. Use a stick to poke through debris.
• Pump water gradually from flooded basements to avoid
structural damage.
• Shovel out mud while it is still moist.
• Raise wall-to-wall carpeting to allow air to circulate through it.
• When plaster walls have dried, brush off loose dirt.
Wash with a mild soap solution and rinse with clean water.
• Clean out heating and plumbing systems.
• To prevent metal objects from rusting, clean immediately,
wipe with a kerosene-soaked cloth and apply a light coat of oil.
• Allow clothing and household fabrics to dry before brushing
off loose dirt.
• Boil any water you use for drinking or food preparation
until the water supply is declared safe.
• Throw out any food or medicine that has come in contact
with flood waters.
• Take wooden furniture outside to dry, but keep it out of
direct sun-light to prevent warping.
• Before the house is aired out, scrub all woodwork and floors
with a stiff brush.
THUNDERSTORMS
Before a thunderstorm
• Remove dead tree branches near your house which could ignite
and cause a fire if struck by lightning.
• Unplug all appliances before the storm hits to prevent power surges.
• Close blinds and shades.
During a thunderstorm
• Keep away from windows.
• Avoid using the phone. Telephone lines can conduct electricity.
• Stay away from faucets, sinks and bathtubs.
• If you are in or near water, go to land immediately and find
the best shelter you can—preferably inside a building rather
than a car.
• If you're in a car, keep the windows closed.
Pull to the side of the road to wait until the heavy rain subsides.
Keep away from trees that could fall on your car.
• If you are outside, find a location that is not likely to flood.
Avoid tall structures, such as towers, trees, fences,
telephone lines or power lines.
• Squat low to the ground and assume a tucked position.
Place your hands on your knees with your head tucked
between them. Try to touch as little of your body to the
ground as possible. Do not lie flat on the ground,
as your fully-extended body will provide a larger surface
to conduct electricity.
• If you feel your hair stand on end in a storm, drop into
the tuck position immediately. This sensation means electrical
charges are already running up your body from the ground
toward an electrically charged cloud. If you can minimize
your contact with the ground, you will minimize your injury.
After a thunderstorm
• Once lightning has struck a person or an object, the person
or object does not carry a charge and cannot harm you.
So don't be afraid to touch or assist a person who needs help.
Administer first aid or CPR immediately. A lightning victim
usually suffers burns in two places on the body—where
the lightning entered and where it exited.
TORNADOES
Before the tornado
• Become familiar with the type of alarm or notification system
your local government will put into effect to let you know
if a tornado watch or warning is being issued. Above all,
don't wait until a tornado warning is issued to find out what
to do. Make sure everyone in the family is fully prepared
to take responsibility for his or her own safety.
• The best preparation for a tornado is to be alert to changing
weather patterns. Pay attention to weather reports and rely
on your own instincts and experience.
• Nature provides certain environmental clues that may precede
tornado. Look for a dark, greenish sky, a wall of clouds
and pieces of hail sometimes as large as grapefruits.
Eyewitnesses say a tornado produces aloud roar, similar
to that of an approaching freight train.
During the tornado
• The safest place to be during a tornado is underground.
If there is no basement in your home, a small room
in the middle of the house is best.
Stay away from windows.
• Get under a steady piece of furniture, such as a
heavy table or desk. Hold on to it and use your arms to protect
your head and neck.
• If you live in a mobile home, even if it has tie-downs,
you should leave and seek shelter somewhere else.
• If there is no safe place inside, go outside and lie flat
on the ground with your hands over your head and neck.
• If you're in a car, get out and seek a safe shelter or
lie down in a low area, again with your hands over
your head and neck.
• If you're in a high-rise building, make your way to
an interior room on the lowest floor. Avoid windows.
After a tornado
• Check for injured or trapped persons. Do not move them
unless they are in immediate danger of further injury.
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