Natural Disasters…Plan for It Now

Natural disasters are now a very common occurrence so planning ahead for one is something we all should do. Advance preparation will greatly increase the chances that you and your household will stay safe in an emergency, so how what are some things you can do now to be ready for a natural disaster?

Have your emergency go-bags ready. Do not wait until an emergency situation occurs to get your bag ready. It is unlikely you will have much time and supplies could become limited. Your go-bag should contain supplies to last you for about 3 days. It should include water, food, any medication you may need, clean clothes, toiletry items, important documents, and some cash. As well as a go-bag, it is also a good idea to keep extra supplies of water and nonperishable food items in the house.

A natural disaster can cause untold damage to your property. You can prepare in advance to limit the amount of potential damage by clearing out gutters and downspouts and keeping trees trimmed to reduce the likelihood that tree limbs and branches will fall on your home. You will also want to create easy access to shut-off valves for the home’s utilities like gas, electricity, and water. 
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Finally, ahead of time, discuss as a household emergency disaster routes and location points for meeting back up if you are separated. It is good to do this ahead of time as communication is usually a problem during a disaster. 

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