Are You Ready? Ten Questions For You To Answer
If you're thinking, "I don't live in a hurricane, tornado, earthquake, or wildfire zone, so I don't need to worry," I sincerely hope you're right—and that you never have to face one.
A few years ago, a chemical leak south of Houston forced people to leave their homes. They were gone overnight and in some cases longer.
Hurricane season is upon us, and even though it is forecast to be a below-normal season, you never know! When we returned to Houston, I had no idea we’d spend 3 occasions in a closet due to tornadoes.
Below are 10 questions to ask yourself.
1. DO YOU HAVE A PLAN?
Not just an “It’s in my head plan,” but one that is printed and/or on your phone that you or your family can refer to.
DID YOU KNOW…
It takes, on average, 10-30 seconds for a person to break out of the “freeze response” and start to remember what they need to do.
Having a plan and protocol in place, even rehearsing it with your family, can speed your reaction time.
In the case of a house fire, you may have only two minutes to escape.
2. DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR INSURANCE WILL COVER FOR FIRE, WATER DAMAGES, THEFT, FLOODING??
If the last time you reviewed what your insurance covered was when you purchased your property, now may be a good time to ensure you have the coverage you need.
3. DO YOU KNOW WHAT EMERGENCY SUPPLIES YOU HAVE AND WHERE THEY ARE?
Most of us have a First Aid Kit at home, but have you checked it recently?
Do you have non-perishable food, flashlights, and extra batteries for your devices?
4. HAVE YOU PHOTOGRAPHED AND/ OR VIDEOED YOUR HOME AND ITS CONTENTS LATELY?
Who can remember what we have?
5. HAVE YOU BACKED UP YOUR DEVICES LATELY?
It’s a good idea to have a printed copy of what you might need. Can you remember the number of your nearest relative? Everything we have is on our devices!
6. HAVE YOU PREPARED YOUR HOME?
If you are in a wildfire area, have you cleared out brush and other items that could be fuel for fires?
If you are in a storm area, have you trimmed trees that could fall on power lines or your home?
7. IS YOUR CAR READY IF YOU HAD TO EVACUATE?
Could you rely on it if you had to leave in an emergency? Does it have a flashlight and anything else you’d need for an emergency?
8. HAVE YOU DOWNLOADED GOVERNMENT AND EMERGENCY ALERT APPS? Here are 5 to consider!
9. HAVE YOU ASSEMBLED YOUR EMERGENCY “BUG OUT” OR “GO” BAG?
Think about what you’d need if you had to be away from home for 2-3 days? Meds, glasses, thumbdrives with your documents?
10. DO YOU HAVE WHAT YOUR PETS WOULD NEED?
You’ll need their medication and proof of vaccinations and shots.
With luck and the law of averages, you won’t have to leave your home or stay in it during an emergency. However, there’s something very peaceful knowing you’re prepared.
With luck and the law of averages, you won’t have to leave your home or stay in it during an emergency. However, there’s something very peaceful knowing you’re prepared.
Comments(22)