Emergency Preparation

Prepare Your Family for the Unexpected

Emergencies and disasters can occur anytime and anywhere. Some are seasonal and allow time for preparations, while others occur swiftly and without warning. Communication, transportation, utilities and other essential services could be disrupted by disasters, forcing you to rely initially on your own resources for food, water, first aid, transportation and shelter.

Are you prepared if a disaster or catastrophe would happen? Planning is the key for a safe recovery. Prepare now! We’ve compiled the checklist below of items to keep in mind when creating your emergency plans.

If a loss does occur, report your claim to your local Independent Insurance Agent as soon as possible. Also, do what you can to protect your property from further damage. We provide 24/7 claims service! Call us at any time at 800-274-3531.

Be Informed

Lessen the impact of an emergency or disaster by knowing what to do before, during or after.

• Learn the warning systems that your area uses and what actions to take when you hear them.
• Listen to local radio and television stations for forecasts and emergency announcements.
• Place emergency phone numbers by every phone.
• Be familiar with emergency plans in your workplace and in your children’s school or day care.
• Learn first aid and CPR.

Check Your Insurance

Insurance for most perils is readily available to cover your property and personal belongings. It is a good idea to check regularly with your insurance agent to ensure you have the appropriate and adequate coverage, including any additional coverages that may be available.

• Coverage is available for most major disasters such as fire, lightning, wind, hail, tornadoes and others. Flood insurance needs to be purchased separately.
• Most policies do not automatically include sewer back-up coverage. Check your policy or talk to your insurance agent.
• Keep a detailed paper and/or photographic/video inventory of your property at your residence or business. Keep these items in a safe place other than at your residence or business.
• Keep your insurance policies and related records are in a safe location and easily available after an emergency or disaster.

Develop a Family Emergency Plan

Base your plan on the kind of emergencies that can occur in your area. Have a family meeting to discuss potential emergency situations and talk about what each family member should do to prepare and respond in each situation.

• Plan how your family will stay in contact if separated by a disaster or emergency. Pick two meeting places: (1) a location at a safe distance from your home in case of a fire; and (2) a place outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home.
• If important family papers are kept at home, store them in a portable, fireproof, and waterproof container. Maintain a list of the family’s required medications, prescribed dosages and the names and phone numbers of family doctors.
• Make copies of family photos and store them off premises but keep irreplaceable items such as photo albums where they can be quickly accessed if you must leave home in a hurry.

Audit Your Home

A hazard audit of your home will not only increase your safety, but also help you respond more effectively to an emergency or disaster.

• Check smoke detectors and replace batteries every six months.
• Don’t keep flammable materials near electrical equipment or the furnace.
• Check for frayed electrical cords or overloaded circuits.
• Identify all potential exits.
• Learn how to turn off your water and electricity safely.
• Locate the safe areas in your home in case of a tornado.

Maintain a Supply of Food and Emergency Items

A major emergency or disaster could isolate you in your home for several days. Gas or electricity for cooking, heating and refrigeration may not be available. Be prepared with a stock of items for emergency use.

• Battery-powered radio and flashlight in working order with extra batteries.
• First aid kit and manual.
• Fire extinguisher.
• Waterproof matches.
• Candles.
• A three-day supply of non-perishable food items and water.
• Sleeping bags or blankets in a waterproof bag.