Natural catastrophes can strike quickly and without warning. In the worst cases -
such as the Oakland Firestorm, Hurricane Andrew, the Northridge Earthquake, and the 1996 winter
floods - many people learned the hard way how well their homes and property resisted disaster.
The following information is provided to help you protect your home and
belongings against hurricanes, fires, tornadoes, earthquakes and floods.
Included are preparedness checklists to help you identify the worst hazards
and bolster your home's resistance to damage from natural perils. There's
also a list of suggested post-disaster activities to help keep you and your
family safe, prevent further losses and start the recovery process on your
own until help arrives. On the last page are summary boxes outlining what
should be included in a Disaster Supplies Kit and some Evacuation Tips,
should you need to leave your home.
To learn more about emergency preparedness and resources available in your
community, we suggest you contact your local emergency services department,
the American Red Cross, or your independent insurance agent. Working together
- insurers, homeowners, government agencies and volunteer organizations
- our goal is to improve disaster response and mitigate the effects of catastrophes
of any magnitude.
Here are some tips to protect yourself against tornadoes -- as well as flash
floods, lightning, windstorms or large hail that sometimes accompany them.
It's a myth that tornadoes cause houses to explode due to changes in air
pressure. Most damage is from violent winds and debris slamming into buildings.
If you live in a tornado-prone area, do you have a reinforced shelter
area inside or near your home?
Is your roof and siding in good condition?
Are large trees on your property trimmed for wind resistance?
Can you secure outdoor furniture and other items that can become projectiles
in high winds or get in the way of emergency personnel?
Can you close and lock or reinforce all windows and sliding doors?
Does everyone in your family know "What to do when a tornado
approaches?"
Steps to Follow After a Tornado
Be alert for potential hazards such as broken gas lines, shattered
glass, splintered wood or other sharp protruding objects
Identify any structural damage to home or other buildings
Take photos or make a videotape to record property damage
If your property is damaged, make temporary repairs to prevent further
loss from rain, wind and looting. Keep your receipts -- the cost of temporary
repairs may be reimbursable under your insurance policy
Report claims to your insurance agent promptly
Have electrical system and other utilities checked by a professional
before using
Collect inventory records, appraisals and photographic records to
help document loss
Get bids for repairs from licensed contractors and other professionals
Look for ways to better prepare your home for storms as you repair
or rebuild
Review your family disaster plan and see how you can help to improve
disaster planning in your community.
Are You Prepared for an Earthquake?
In a major earthquake, the risk of damage from shaking, falling debris and
strong aftershocks is particularly great in certain locations and certain
buildings. Use this checklist to help you protect your home and belongings.
Is your house frame securely bolted to the foundation?
Have chimneys, roofs, walls been checked for stability?
Are cabinets, bookcases and mirrors secured to wall studs?
Do your cabinet doors all have strong latches?
Is your gas hot water heater strapped to the wall?
Are your hazardous or flammable materials stored safely?
Are you prepared to be self-sufficient (food, water, survival kit)
for at least three days?
Does your family know "What to do in an earthquake?"
Steps to Follow After an Earthquake
After tremors stop, vacate premises immediately until it is safe to
return
Look for and eliminate fire hazards which can cause further damage
Take photos or make a videotape to record damage before you clean
up or make repairs
Check your building for cracks and structural damage, including the
roof, chimney and foundation
Move valuables to a safe weatherproof location
Review your insurance coverage and report claims to your agent promptly
Collect inventory records, appraisals and photographic records to
help document loss
Use licensed professionals to conduct inspections and repair your
home
Look for ways to better prepare your home for earthquakes as you repair
or rebuild
Review your family disaster plan and see how you can help to improve
disaster planning in your community.
Are You Prepared For A Fire?
To reduce your risk of fire damage, prepare now to protect your family,
home and property. Most house fires start with the barbecue, fireplace or
electrical objects, but if you live in an arid part of the country, you
should also guard against brush fires.
Are roofs, gutters and chimneys cleaned and inspected regularly?
Do you prune trees and shrubs and keep a 20-30 foot safety zone around
your home?
Are paint, gasoline, oily rags and other flammable materials stored
safely?
Do you have smoke detectors near sleeping areas and on each level
of your home?
Do you test smoke detectors monthly and change batteries every six
months?
Does each family member know where your fire extinguisher is kept
and how to use it?
Is your home and nearest water source well-marked and access routes
cleared for emergency services?
Do you have fire fighting tools such as ladder, hose, and pails ready?
Does your family know "What to do in case of fire?"
Steps to Follow After a Fire
Before you clean up or make repairs, take photos or make a videotape
of all damaged property
Cover broken windows and holes in your roof and walls and do what
you can to salvage and protect appliances and equipment
Identify any structural damage to home or other buildings
Report claims to your insurance agent promptly
Have electrical system and other utilities checked by a professional
before re-using
Separate items that have been smoke damaged and vacuum to remove odor
and grit
Have smoke or water-damaged carpets, furniture, clothing professionally
cleaned
Collect inventory records, appraisals and photographic records to
help document loss
Get bids for repairs from licensed contractors and other professionals
Look for ways to better prepare your home for fire as you repair or
rebuild
Review your family disaster plan and see how you can help to improve
disaster planning in your community.
Are You Prepared For A Flood?
Flooding can occur within a few minutes or hours of excessive rainfall,
a dam or levee failure, or a sudden release of water held by an ice jam.
If your home and family are at risk of flooding, use this checklist to help
prepare for such a disaster:
Do you know the evacuation routes in your area?
Are roofs, gutters and down spouts clear?
Have you checked trap valves to prevent flood water backing up in
your drains?
Can you secure outdoor furniture and other items that can float away
or get in the way of emergency personnel?
Do you have floodfighting tools such as sandbags and pails ready?
Do you have a sump pump?
Is there a back up power supply?
Does your family know "What to do in case of a flood?
Steps to Follow After a Flood
Inspect home carefully before re-entering
Do not use gas or electrical utilities until they have been checked
Do what you can to make temporary repairs and avoid further damage
Air house thoroughly to remove foul odors or escaped gas
Pump or bail out flooded areas and give walls and floors an opportunity
to dry
Scrub all woodwork and floors with a stiff brush to clean off mud
and dirt
Raise wall to wall carpets to allow air to circulate
Dry metal objects including electric motors in home appliances carefully
and rub with oil to prevent corrosion
Review your insurance coverage and notify your insurance agent promptly
Make photos or videotape of damage property and keep a record of expenses
Review your family disaster plan and see how your can improve disaster
planning in your community
Are You Prepared For A Hurricane?
Use this checklist to help protect your home and property against such hurricane
hazards as high winds, storm surges, tornadoes and flooding.
Is your house frame securely bolted to the foundation?
Have chimneys, roofs, walls been checked for stability?
Is your roof and siding in good condition?
Do you have boards or storm shutters to cover your windows and doors?
Are large trees on your property trimmed for wind resistance?
Can you secure outdoor furniture, toys, tools, pots, plants?
Do you have a sump pump in case of flooding?
Is there a back up power supply?
Does your family know "What to do in a hurricane?"
Steps to Follow After a Hurricane
Take photos or make a videotape of damaged property
Make temporary repairs to secure your home and prevent further damage
Move valuables to a safe, dry location
Check electricity, gas lines and water utilities before turning them
back on
Contact your insurance agent promptly to report claims
Clean and dry everything that got wet with fans, dehumidifiers and
desiccants
Raise wall to wall carpets to allow air to circulate
Clean wooden furniture as quickly as possible. Give special care to
antiques, paintings, art objects, silver and brass
Collect inventory records, appraisals and photographic records to
help document loss
Look for ways to further disaster-proof your home as you repair or
rebuild
Review your family disaster plan and help to improve disaster planning
in your community
Home Hazards
During a disaster, anything that can move, fall, break or cause a fire is
a home hazard. The Family Emergency Preparedness Protection Program suggests
that you inspect your home at least once a year and fix potential fire and
household hazards as well as conducting regular fire and emergency evacuation
drills with your family to determine the best escape routes and the safe
spots in your home for each type of disaster.
Disaster Supplies
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the American Red Cross
recommend that you keep enough supplies in your home to meet your family's
needs for at least three days. Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit with items
you may need in an evacuation and store these supplies in sturdy easy to
carry containers. Keep a smaller kit in your car. Include:
A 3 -day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food
that won't spoil
One change of clothing and footwear per person
One blanket or sleeping bag per person
A first aid kit, including your family's prescription medicines and
extra glasses
Sanitation supplies
Emergency tools, including a radio, flashlight and plenty of extra
batteries
An extra set of car keys, a credit card and cash or traveler's checks
Any special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members
A waterproof pouch containing important family documents
Evacuation Tips
If directed by emergency personnel, evacuate immediately. Here are some tips from the FEMA:
Keep emergency and other critical numbers posted clearly near a phone
Listen to your battery powered radio for weather and emergency updates
Follow the instructions of local emergency officials on evacuation
procedures
Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes
Take your Disaster Supplies Kit with you, including important family
documents
Lock your home
If instructed to do so, shut off water, gas, oil and electricity before
leaving
Post a note telling others when you left and where you are going
This information brought to you by The Fireman's Fund, and CBIZ.
Are You Prepared For A Tornado?