Risk & Business Magazine Miller Insurance Magazine Summer 2018 | Page 7

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
E
very summer, the eastern
seaboard of the United States
braces for the potentially
devastating power of Atlantic
hurricanes. In the West, it is
only a matter of time before the next
earthquake strikes. And across the globe,
individuals, families, and businesses alike
face their own natural threats.
But not all of Mother Nature’s powerful
events are disasters. Only if these events
cause great damage, injury, or loss of life
do they become disasters.
Disasters are the potential result of
natural and even human-made events.
Although the collective result of an event
may indeed be a disaster by definition, at
an individual level, proactive steps can
be taken to reduce the likelihood that an
event is as severe for you as it may be for
others.
HAVE A TEAM MEETING
Whether your team is made up of family
members or employees, get together
as a group and identify the types of
emergencies which may occur. There are
the most obvious scenarios including
building fires, flooding, and winter storms.
Then there are more geographically
specific events to consider. These include
hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, and
even tsunamis. Often overlooked are
human-made catastrophes. Consider
situations which involve chemical spills or
nearby explosions, health pandemics, or
power outages.
As you add to your list, consider the
probability of each and work through your
preparedness in that order. In an ideal
world, we would be prepared for every
emergency. But that is nearly impossible,
so preparing for the most likely threats is
best.
BUILD A DISASTER SUPPLIES KIT
Search for the phrase “disaster supplies kit”
on the internet and an endless list of items
will appear. For the purposes of preparing
a disaster kit, begin with the basics and
work up from there.
According to the Department of
Homeland Security, there are 13 essential
items to be included in a disaster supplies
kit. In condensed form, these essentials
include the following:
•
•
•
• Food and water
•
• Pliers and a can opener
Radio, flashlight, and batteries
First aid kit, a whistle, and dust mask
Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and
plastic ties
Local maps, cell phone, and battery
backup
Once the essential supply kit is complete,
begin adding to it based on your local
area and likelihood of potential events.
Additions may include such items like
water purifying straws, collapsible lamps,
or even a tent.
Beyond supplies, it is important to keep
copies of important documents on
hand. With today’s technology, personal
information may be carefully stored on
portable flash drives.
CONSIDER MAKING
COPIES OF DRIVERS’
LICENSES, PASSPORTS,
CHECKING ACCOUNT
INFORMATION, AND
OTHER PERSONAL
AND FINANCIAL
INFORMATION.
IN THE EVENT OF
A TOTAL LOSS TO
PERSONAL PROPERTY,
HAVING THESE
DOCUMENTS ON
HAND WILL LET THE
RECOVERY PROCESS
BEGIN MUCH FASTER.
MAKE A PLAN
Although some events such as hurricanes
and blizzards can be planned for ahead of
time, many catastrophes occur suddenly
and without warning.
Create a plan which includes designated
meeting places besides your primary
residence for certain events. Review and
update emergency contact information
and store it in your cell phone and on
paper in a safe, secure location.
Review escape routes, both in the home
and on the road. Knowing where all
possible exits are in your house can save
lives. And knowing local evacuation
routes will help when you are required to
evacuate.
IDENTIFY RESPONSIBILITIES
Preparing for a natural event and
working to avoid your own personal
disaster needs to be a joint effort.
Delegate responsibilities of your disaster
plan among each member of your
team. Responsibilities may include the
following:
• Creating and resupplying the disaster
supplies kit
• Identifying and updating evacuation
plans
• Gathering and maintaining personal
and financial information
Sharing responsibility will help ensure
everyone is participating in each other’s
safety.
BE PREPARED
A disaster supplies kit and action plan
are just the first steps in preparing for
a catastrophic natural or human-made
event. Often it is the overlooked items
which make a bad situation even worse.
If you have pets, have a plan for them as
well. Infants and babies carry their own
set of challenges when planning for the
unknown. Having medications, contact
lenses, feminine products, or even a
change of clothes at the ready can be
just enough to make it through the next
natural event. +
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