Have an Emergency Plan for Disasters

WASHINGTON, July 10, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Every minute counts during a disaster ? plan now so you're prepared. Know the risks about the different disasters and hazards that could affect you and your family where you live, work, and go to school. Preparedness is a shared responsibility. While government plays a role, there are important things individuals, organizations, and businesses can do to be ready for the unexpected.

Here are some steps you can take to become better prepared:

• Download the FEMA App to get alerts and warnings about weather conditions. Receiving timely information about weather conditions or other emergency events can make the difference in knowing when to take action to be safe. The app also provides safety tips about what to do before, during, and after disasters.
• Create and test a family communications plan. Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area. Know how you'll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that's familiar and easy to find.
• Document and insure your property. When a disaster strikes, having insurance for your home or business property is the best way to ensure you will have the necessary financial resources to help you repair, rebuild, or replace whatever is damaged.
• Buy insurance that covers the specific risks associated with your region. Look for homeowners or renters insurance that covers damage caused by floods, high winds from tornados and hurricanes, earthquakes, or other concerns.
• Strengthen your financial preparedness. Collect and secure personal financial, insurance, medical, and other records so you have the documentation needed to start the recovery process without delay. Know your disaster costs.
• Get trained to help others. Minutes matter in a disaster, and if emergency responders aren't nearby, you can be the help until more help arrives.
• Learn how to find volunteer opportunities and donate to survivors. After a disaster strikes, many people want to donate their time, money, or goods. Learn tips on how to avoid scams when you're searching for a charitable organization to work with, and the best steps to take to support first responders.

National Preparedness Month is coming up in September. The month serves as a reminder that we all must take action to prepare, now and throughout the year, for the types of emergencies that could affect us where we live, work, and also where we visit.

Visit Ready.gov for tools, tips, and resources to help you prepare, including a video on six things to know before a disaster.

USAGov is a federal program that guides you to tips and tools in English and in Spanish from hundreds of government agencies, departments, and programs. We make it easier for you to find answers you can trust about government information and services--online, by phone, e-mail or chat, and in print.

SOURCE USAGov