3. Take Action
There are many simple actions that you can take now to prepare yourself and your property for a disaster. For example, you should regularly practice your disaster plan with your family and reveiw and understand your insurance coverage. Here are some other preparedness actions you and your family can take.
* Keep Informed, Alerts and Warnings: There are many alert and warning systems to keep you and your family up-to-date while at work, home, school, or away. Learn which ones are available in areas you spend a lot of time and subscribe to them. Once you have signed up, officials in your area can send you text messages about local emergencies. Some may have mobile apps to ensure that you can receive the information when disasters happen. Workplaces, schools, and community-based or faith-based groups may have their own similar opt-in notification systems. The FEMA app offers notifications with information on local threats. Double check that your mobile devices can get Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs). Make a list of all the alert systems available to you, and make sure everyone in your household gets the alerts as part of your household communication plan.
* Know Your Insurance Options and Document Your Property: Understanding your insurance needs is an important step to prepare yourself and your family for a disaster. Getting the right type and amount of insurance can mean the difference between a quick recovery from disaster and years of financial challenges. Attached is a brochure to help you assess your current insurance needs. The insurance industry identifies a cause of loss, such as fire or theft, as a “peril.” Insurance only applies when your policy covers the peril that caused the loss. Be sure to check your policy to see which perils it covers, and in what situations.
**Note: this information can be found on www.ready.gov.
Tina Arthur, CHMM
Environmental, Safety, Health, & Security Manager
Hager Companies