It can be tempting to procrastinate planning for difficult situations. Planning a party is one thing, but planning how you would survive a natural disaster is something else entirely. If you’re like most of us, you’ll deal with that “tomorrow.” Yet all too often the disaster happens – and you’ve never gotten around to preparing for it. With some forethought and planning, you can help yourself and your loved ones weather the storm safely.
The 8 Things You Should Do First, If Disaster is Imminent
Take these steps immediately if you receive early warning of an impending disaster.
- Identify a primary contact person, preferably one outside of your area, that your entire family will use.
- Charge your cell phone and keep an extra charger and battery in your disaster kit.
- Determine where you will go if you’re forced to evacuate, whether it be to a family member or friend’s home, hotel or shelter. Don’t forget to check pet policies, too! If you choose a hotel, call right away to make an early reservation. You can always cancel if you need to. Put together a list of phone numbers of other hotels along your evacuation route in case of any issues. If you choose a shelter, your local fire department or emergency preparedness agency can help you identify options.
- Review and update the contents of your disaster kit, especially if you haven’t done this in a while.
- Pack clothing, sturdy shoes and other necessities.
- Put valuables and/or mementoes that you would want to take in the car now; you can always remove them later if you end up not leaving.
- Gas up the gar. Don’t wait until you have to evacuate, when you may be fighting lines of motorists.
- Get a supply of cash. After a disaster, ATMs may not work for a time.
