Do You Have A Disaster Plan?

Home Kuel Thought Leader: Lori Roach

Have you ever thought about what you would do if a disaster struck your home?  

Here in Florida, we all know that hurricane season starts June 1st. May is the month we check our inventories of bottled water, canned soups, beans, and tuna, and of course, dog food, and wine. Ok, those last two are priorities for me…but the point is, to stock up just in case. 

“Having an updated disaster plan for your home and family is crucial.”

Regardless of where you live, natural disasters are potentially right around the corner. Earthquakes, tornadoes, snowstorms, floods, wildfires…the list goes on. 

We can’t always control the circumstances – but we can do our best to control our responses. The best way to control our response is to be prepared. 

Having an updated disaster plan for your home and family is crucial. Without one, you could be left scrambling to figure out what to do and how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. And scrambling is the very last thing you want to be doing in an emergency! 

Why Do You Need A Disaster Plan? 

By taking the time to create a comprehensive disaster plan, you can help ensure that you and your family are prepared for whatever comes your way. Having an updated disaster plan can make all the difference in your safety and possibly even survival.  

Here are some reasons why having an updated disaster plan is so important: 

Anticipate Natural And Man-Made Disasters:

Disasters can strike at any time, and it’s essential to be prepared. An updated disaster plan can help you anticipate potential disasters and take the necessary measures to protect your home and family. It can help you stay safe and minimize damage. 

Ensure Family Safety:

One of the most critical reasons to have an updated disaster plan is to ensure the safety of your family. An updated disaster plan can help you identify safe areas in your home, establish communication protocols, and prepare emergency kits.  

“Disasters can strike at any time, and it’s essential to be prepared.”

When everyone in your family knows what to do in case of a disaster, it can help reduce panic and ensure everyone’s safety. 

Reduce Recovery Time And Costs:

Disasters can cause significant damage to your home and property, and the recovery process can be costly and time-consuming.  

However, an updated disaster plan can help you minimize the damage and reduce recovery time and costs. By having a plan in place, you can quickly assess the damage, contact your insurance company, and start the recovery process. 

Five Essential Elements To Include In Any Disaster Plan:

When it comes to preparing for a disaster, having a plan in place for your home and family is essential. Here are some key components to include in your disaster plan: 

1. Emergency Communication Plan:

In the event of a disaster, it’s important to have a plan for how you will communicate with your family members, friends, and neighbors.  

• Designate a meeting place, whether at home or in the community 
• Establish a communication chain so everyone knows their responsibilities 
• Ensure that everyone has access to important phone numbers and contact information 
• Don’t rely on your cell phone’s storage – memorize your family’s phone numbers! 

“Having the right supplies on hand can make all the difference in a disaster situation.”

2. Evacuation and Shelter Strategy:

If you need to evacuate your home, it’s important to have a plan in place for where you will go and how you will get there.  

• Identify evacuation routes 
• Prepare a “go bag” with essential supplies 
• Know where the nearest emergency shelters are located 
• Have a plan for pets, too – who is responsible for them, where they can go 

3. Essential Supplies Checklist:

Having the right supplies on hand can make all the difference in a disaster situation.  

Some essential items to include on your checklist may include:  

• Food and water 
• First aid supplies 
• Flashlights and batteries 
• Radio and batteries 
• Emergency contact information 
• Evacuation routes 
• List of important documents to grab in case of an evacuation

4. Protecting Important Documents:

In the event of a disaster, important documents such as passports, insurance policies, and birth certificates can be lost or damaged. Be sure they are stored in a secure location, such as a fireproof safe or a safety deposit box. We keep ours in a portable safebox in a hall closet, where we can grab it at a moment’s notice and take with us in the event of evacuation. 

Make copies of your most important documents and store them where they can be accessed remotely. 

5. Regular Review and Drills:

Your disaster plan should be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure that it remains relevant and effective. You will want to practice your plan with regular drills and simulations, so that everyone in your family knows what to do in the event of an emergency. Even if you live alone – take the time to review your plan, for your own safety and peace of mind. 

Disaster preparedness may not be the sexiest topic out there – and hopefully, you’ll never need to act on your plan. 

But if you do have a disaster in your area – won’t you be glad you took the time to be prepared? 

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