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Are You Prepared for a Natural Disaster?

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Real Estate Agent with Fathom Realty

Are you prepared for a Natural Disaster?

Disaster KitMy heart goes out to the people of Japan who are suffering from the recent tsunami and earthquake. I can only imagine the anguish they are going though at this time. This devestating disaster started me to thinking...how prepared am I for a disaster?

What would I do in the event we were trapped in our house or had to be evacuated? Here in Austin, we're fortunate to be far enough inland not to suffer greatly from hurricane distruction like the Gulf Coast. And, we've never, to my knowledge, experienced an earthquake. However, from time to time, we do have flooding in Central Texas as well as an occasional tornado. What would you do in the event of a natural disaster? Disaster Kit

This morning on Good Morning America, they suggested that we need to pay more attention to personal preparedness to handle emergencies. Ready.gov provides a list of suggested items each household should make sure are on hand at all times. Below are just a few items.

  • Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation 
  • Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Whistle to signal for help
  • Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
  • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
  • Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
  • Local maps
  • Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

You can find additional items for your emergency kit at http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/index.html

BTW...wouldn't it be a thoughtful gesture to include a small emergency kit with your closing gift?

 

Your friend in the business,

Marilyn Deen

512.289.4814 cell

www.mdeenhomes.com

From Me, To You...Reliability, Integrity and Trust.

Comments(3)

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Rob D. Shepherd
RETIRED - Florence, OR
RETIRED

I live in Florence on the Oregon coast we were asked to evacuate. I had an hour to get ready. What I found out was if we only had 10 minutes, we werent close to ready. Working on setting up a tote box and jugs owater in garage to throw in car an run. Could leave in under a minute.

Mar 15, 2011 07:20 AM
Carrie Trotter
National Property Inspections - Dayton, OH
Home Inspector

Marilyn - such important information. Most of us are not even close to ready - especially if you have to leave very quickly like Rob mentions. And it doesn't matter if you are coastal or not - every place has its potential for some type of disaster. Thanks for the reminder.

Mar 15, 2011 08:15 AM
Debbie Jean (DJ) Artrip
Debbie Jean (DJ) Artrip, Cardinal Real Estate, Northern Mich - Hawks, MI

Hye Marilyn, Thanks for sharing your wonderful tips. And yes, it is horrible what has happened to Japan. Our hearts go out to all the families.  DJ

Mar 15, 2011 02:22 PM