Luckily, it's been some time since we've experienced a direct hit from a serious storm in my area. I suspect most people still understand that being prepared for a major disaster or emergency could be the key to surviving the event for you and your loved ones. Even the simplest preparations can make the difference of diverting a tradegy.
What some may not realize is that preparation for a disaster, like a hurricane, can also speed up the time it takes to get your life back to normal. It may seem obvious, but it is a point many people do not clearly understand. Investing your time and resources now increases your resiliency. This investment not only increases your ability to survive a storm, but how quickly you bounce back from a storm.
Most people focus on the immediate impact, and rightly so, as the deadly threat of a major storm is nothing to ignore; but, few think about what happens after the storm passes.
- Will your house be livable and what will you do if it's not?
- How about your job? Will the business still be there? If not, what will you do without income for days or weeks?
- What if your children's schools are not open? How will that effect your returning to a regular schedule?
- Electric? Medical? Cell and phone service? Internet? What will it mean to you, if any of these infrastructures are not working?
Another reason these are difficult questions is because the answers, to these and other post-event questions, typically lies outside of you, the individual. Know where to find your emergency relief services, such as Red Cross and your local Emergency Operations Center. Keep your important records on you, preferably as a hard copy of the original as well as a digital copy on a thumb drive. Know how to get in touch with your insurance companies. Have a talk with family and friends outside of the area to identify potential places to stay in case the worst happens. Try to keep an amount of emergency funds on hand just in case.
The answer will require you to rely on others for help and assistance.
These are only suggestions to point you in the right direction. Every plan will be tailored to the individual. The most important thing to do at this moment is talk to loved ones and neighbors. Identify your weak links in your preparations. Begin to gather your resources.
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The best place to start any preparations is with your local Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Nearly every county has one of these governmental centers in charge of managing large scale emergency crisis. Their websites tend to have an invaluable trove of information, focused on your unique, local issues and resources, to help develop your own emergency plans.
The most effective way to receive information that I have found is the Alert service that many EOCs provide. Once you subscribe on your local EOC website, you will receive text messages and emails alerts whenever there is any sort of emergency in your area. This happens in real time and from the source, so no waiting for media to make the report.
This is useful beyond a hurricane event, but for tornadoes to wild fires as well.
Here is the link to Indian River County's EOC (the Alert subscription button is along the right side, towards the top):
http://www.irces.com/em/index.htm
If you don't live in Indian River county, than do an internet search for "(Insert Your County) Emergency Operation Center". That should take you to the EOC webpage. If you don't see such a service, give them a call and find out how to get these important alerts.
I have never met anyone in an EOC that isn't thrilled to help out someone looking to prepare for a major emergency.
Get Prepared! Stay Safe!
Get Prepared! Stay Safe!
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