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Home > Consumer Focus Archive > Natural Disasters: Are You Prepared?
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Consumer Focus: Natural Disasters: Are You Prepared?
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Natural Disasters: Are You Prepared?


Natural disasters come in many different forms and with different intensities. Technology can predict some events and increase our warning time, but everyone needs to do his or her part by preparing in advance. Preparing will also decrease your recovery time if a disaster strikes where you live.

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Where Disasters Will Occur

Some areas are prone to specific natural disasters. Become familiar with the disasters that threaten your area. Being familiar with those risks will give you the advantage of knowing how to prepare properly. Once you know the risks, take the proper steps to prepare.

Listed below are some tips to help you start preparing for three of the most devastating and widespread spring and summer season natural disasters - floods, tornados, and extreme heat. (The hurricane season generally begins in late summer and lasts throughout the fall.)

Flood

  • Store valuables in the attic or on the highest floor.
  • Relocate the main breaker or the fuse box and the utility meters above the anticipated flood level, if economically possible.
  • Buy flood insurance.

Tornado

  • Practice tornado drills by designating an area in the home as a shelter and having the entire family go there in response to a simulated tornado threat.
  • Have disaster supplies on hand.
  • Develop an emergency family communication plan in case you are separated, such as having an out-of-state relative serve as a "family contact."
  • Learn the danger signs of a tornado.

Extreme Heat

  • Know the symptoms of heat-related illnesses and overexposure to the sun, and be ready to give first aid treatment.
  • Install any window air conditioners snugly, and insulate for a tight fit.
  • Close any floor heat registers and check air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation.
  • Use a circulating or box fan to increase airflow.
  • Keep air conditioning inside by installing temporary reflectors, such as aluminum foil covered cardboard over windows, to reflect heat back outside.
  • Keep air conditioning inside by weather-stripping doors and windowsills.
  • Consider keeping storm windows up all year. Storm windows can keep heat out and air conditioning in during the summer just like they keep heat in and cold out in the winter.

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General Emergency Preparedness

Even if your region is not susceptible to floods or tornadoes, you should know what to do in the event of an emergency. Fires and accidents can occur at any time. Knowing what to do could be the key to your survival.

  • Make a list of important local telephone numbers, such as the police department, fire department, and poison control center. Keep a copy by each telephone and carry one in your wallet.
  • Write down telephone numbers and contact information for your family. Be sure to include any special contact information and plans for children and seniors who may be home alone during an emergency. Keep one copy by the telephone and provide others to family and friends.
  • Make a neighborhood directory and map.
  • Make your house easy to find. Street address numbers should be large and well lit so that emergency personnel can find your house quickly.
  • Organize emergency preparedness kits, one for your home and one for an evacuation.
  • Keep a copy of important records, such as birth and marriage certificates, insurance contracts and financial statements in a fire safe box or away from the home in a secure place such as a safety deposit box.
  • Keep a small amount of emergency cash on hand at all times.
  • Make and practice an evacuation plan out of your home and out of your area.

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A Note About Pets

Disaster plans should include your pets. Last minute efforts to find them or take care of them during an emergency could endanger you or members of your family.

  • If you have to evacuate your home, designate an adult to find and bring your pets.
  • Keep carriers accessible and ready-to-use.
  • Make sure identification tags are up to date and securely fastened to your pet's collar.
  • Pack a pet survival kit with food, water, a leash or harness, any medication, and a copy of their medical records.

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Other Resources

This is just a brief overview. For more information on natural disasters, check out these resources from FCIC and the World Wide Web:


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*If you click on these links, you are leaving FCIC's website. Please bookmark us before you leave so you can return easily. FCIC is not responsible for the content of these websites.

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