What a Disaster!

In September 2008 Hurricane Ike ripped through the Galveston & Houston areas of Texas.  At that time our daughter was living between the two cities, in the hurricane's path.  She was evacuated and unharmed but learned some valuable lessons about being prepared for disaster. 

Click here to read her personal story.

While hurricanes are not a West Coast problem, fires, floods, earthquakes, and the occasional tornado or tsunami makes its way to our area.  Gathering your important papers, storing essential living items, and organizing your action plan BEFORE such a disaster strikes is always a good idea.

10 Tips to Organize for Disaster

1.     Create a disaster supply kit for your home, vehicle and office.  An old suitcase or plastic tub works well for this. You can find many helpful tips and lists on these websites:  www.redcross.org - click on Preparedness button; www.fema.gov - click on Prepare Ahead button; www.dhs.gov - click on Preparedness and Response button.  Create a list of contents and regularly plan for restocking.  Many items can be quickly gathered from around your home, as long as you know what you need and where it is.

2.     Organize your important papers for insurance, financial, and personal recovery after the disaster.  Copy or scan them and store the copies in your office, a secure lock box, with relatives in another town, or other location away from your home.

3.     Create a list of vital personal and agency contacts (name, address, phones, email), plus account numbers, security passwords and user codes.  Keep this secure and in a safe place where it can be retrieved after a disaster.

4.     Walk through your home with a camcorder or digital camera.  Take photos in each room showing valuables and possessions.  Photograph pets and family members too.

5.     Declutter your space.  You will have less to lose if you have less to begin with.  As you declutter, take photos and make lists of possessions and locations.

6.     If disasters are imminent (floods, wildfires, hurricanes, etc.) keep your car gas tank at least half full at all times.  Keep cell phones charged; however realize that cell service may be severely disrupted during weather related disasters.  When power is out you may not be able to recharge your battery.

7.     Review your plans on a regular basis with all family members, especially children.  Organize a "family preparedness day" where you can discuss possible actions and emergency supplies.  Know where north, south, east, west is in relation to your house.

8.     A family meeting place or contact person is critical during disasters.  You will want to know that everyone is safe and accounted for.

9.     Create a shopping list of food items that do not require refrigeration.  Keep in mind portability, ease of opening, need for cooking (you may have no power), fluid replacement, and toiletries.

10.   Don't forget the pets.  You will need food, bedding, proof of vaccination, and possibly a crate for transportation.  Some shelters will not take pets; have a secondary plan.