Remember Me
forgot your password?

Disaster Preparedness - Essential Tips to Help you Prepare

As the California wildfires continue and the new threat of mud slides emerge, disaster recovery planning is front and center. It's important for all to take this time to plan. If you havent prepared a disaster recovery plan, now is the time to do so. Even 30 minutes now can save one from a lifetime of heartaches.

Dr. Paulo J. Reyes, a First Responder in California and author of the fiction thriller Sledgehammer has firsthand disaster recovery experience and participated in various disaster relief efforts in California including the major earthquake in L.A. in 1994. He advised, "Loss of lives can be greatly reduced if everyone has a complete plan of action prior to the event. Not only with the reduction of heart attacks and stress related illnesses, but people tend to get to safety quicker if they have already planned ahead and know what they are going to do. Here are some steps to take to prepare:

Step One --Identify a safe place for everyone to meet. This pre-determined place should be discussed with family members prior to an emergency. A second location should be discussed. Also, out-of-town relatives should be advised of this location. Additionally, each person should have a list of phone numbers for immediate neighbors and family members. 3X5 index cards work well.

Step Two  Take an inventory now. Write down all your valuables (personal and business). Don't forget the little things that can truly add up. Keep receipts of all purchases. The receipts allow you to get that value when filing a claim. Take photos. Secure all this in a safe place.

Step Three -- Write down a complete family medical history. Include any medical conditions, medicines and dosages, doctors names and contact information, where medical records can be found, etc. Be specific. A life can truly depend on this one step alone.

Step Four  Get a copy of all important information, wills, trusts, mortgages, deeds, birth certificates, contracts, medical records, even household bills to help get things restored quickly, etc. Back-up your computer. Get extra cash. Often ATMs are down so cash is needed.

Step Five -- Write down all your computer passwords, and important information.

Step Six -- Doublecheck all your insurance coverage. Are you adequately covered? Write down all your coverages, insurance policies, contact information, policy numbers, group numbers, date of births, etc. Think coverage of everything -- life insurance, car insurance, property insurance, business insurance, etc.

Step Seven -- No one wants to think about this one, but you should for your family's protection. Do you have your will up-to-date? If not, please do. Especially for those with minor children. You need to know that they will be taken care of and placed in the homes of those who you trust and whom you know will provide the best care.

Plan now and update your plan often. Also, when you write down your information and contact numbers it allows you to see if you have the coverages you need. The amount of stress this will save can make a big difference in how you recover if a disaster were to offer.

Diana Ennen

Diana Ennen is the author of the Home Office Recovery Plan: Disaster Preparedness for Your Home Office and Virtual Assistant the Series: Become a Highly Successful Sought After VA. http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com . Contact us for a free sample of our disaster recovery book. She specializes in book publicity and marketing. Article is free to be reprinted as long as authors bio remains in tact.

Rate this Article: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s)
Print Email Re-Publish

Add new Comment



Captcha

  • Latest Home and Family Articles
  • More from Diana Ennen

Sliding Glass Patio Doors: Pre-Installation Tips

By: Cristian Stan | 11/11/2009
One of the first things to consider before thinking of installing a glass patio door yourself is, are you up to it? By that I mean are your DIY skills and tool kit up to it?

Replacing Your own Patio Doors

By: Cristian Stan | 11/11/2009
Is your patio door looking tired and weather beaten, has it seen better days? Patio doors do tend to get a bit of a hammering with all that Mother Nature throws at it.

Modern Patio Doors - Choosing the Right One for You

By: Cristian Stan | 11/11/2009
Due to modern advances in window and door technology it is possible to buy patio doors that will match your overall building design. There are many features available such as Georgian and mock Tudor designs and a choice of hard-wood or PVC.

Make a Home Improvement Scrapbook

By: Joe Cline | 11/11/2009
Going through a home improvement project is often an exciting time for homeowners. Many people want to have their dream homes but cannot afford them at the time they are ready to buy a house. They instead purchase a fixer upper, and decide later to renovate and improve the structure. Deciding to undertake a home improvement means moving closer to that dream home, and you may decide to commemorate the experience by recording the event in a scrapbook.

40th Birthday Party Ideas - Top 8 Dos And Don'ts To Make It A Milestone To Remember

By: Linda Kling | 11/11/2009
Do you want to throw a 40th birthday party that truly celebrates the life of the guest of honor? Then it's time to focus on that special person and make this a happy occasion. Here are the top dos and don'ts to help get you there.

Things to Consider Before Investing in Wood Play Sets

By: Mike McCube | 11/11/2009
One of the great things about wood playsets is that you get to indulge your little kids and let them have all the fun and adventure they need in their childhood. When the weather is great and you want to join in the fun with your kids, nothing is better...

Foods To eat When Pregnant: Get To Know Your Food During Pregnancy

By: Roger Noonan | 11/11/2009
Finding out that they are pregnant is a wonderful time for most women. However the newly expectant mother soon begins to reconsider all aspects of her current activities from the viewpoint of the well-being of her unborn child. An important consideration at this time should be her pregnancy diet. A good knowledge of the correct foods to eat when pregnant is essential for every mother-to-be if she wants to ensure a healthy and safe pregnancy.

Surviving Hostage Takings

By: Kerry | 11/11/2009
This article is a good starting point for teaching your family how to survive hostage takings, armed robberies and home invasions. The article details simple, practical and proven tips and techniques to help you and your family survive.

Ways to Help Your Business Survive & Thrive This Holiday Season

By: Diana Ennen | 07/11/2009 | Small Business
Make it a profitable holiday season with these tips. Ways to help your small business survive and thrive this holiday season.

Party Planning This Fall Made Easy With This Apple Harvest Party

By: Diana Ennen | 26/10/2009 | Recipes
Holiday cooking and party planning just got easier with this Apple Harvest Party. From great food to party decor tips, we provide all you need to have a fabulous fall party.

Celebrate National Adoption Awareness Month with the Perfect Personalized Gift

By: Diana Ennen | 30/09/2009 | Parenting
November is National Awareness Adoption Month. A time to celebrate the joys that adoption brings. And there’s no better way to acknowledge this month than with a personalized Gotcha Day gift. Here are a few recommendations.

Personalized Gifts: Perfect for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month

By: Diana Ennen | 11/09/2009 | Gifts
October is pregnancy and infant loss awareness month, a time to reflect and honor those angels who are no longer with us through miscarriage, Sids, stillbirths, etc. What better way to honor them then with a personalized gift to commemorate their life.

Personalize It: Giving the Perfect Gift for Every Occasion

By: Diana Ennen | 23/07/2009 | Accessories
A personalized gift is the right gift choice for all occasions. From baby showers and weddings to Gotcha Day and special events, a personalized gift shows you care. Here are some unique gift recommendations.

Virtual Assistants and Small Businesses See More Profits with a Virtual Terminal

By: Diana Ennen | 17/07/2009 | Small Business
Can a virtual terminal help your virtual assistant business or small business? Absolutely. With the ability to accept credit cards virtually, the ability to set up automatic recurring billing & shopping cart capabilities, businesses thrive with the right virtual terminal.

Busy Salons Thrive Even in This Economy When They Accept Credit Cards via Phone

By: Diana Ennen | 07/06/2009 | Business
Salons benefit by accepting credit cards, especially those that have the option to accept credit cards over the phone. It’s convenient and cost effective. These tips will show you how.

Authentic Pre-Owned Handbags - Dress Like a Celeb for Less

By: Diana Ennen | 18/05/2009 | Fashion
You too can own fashionable designer handbags as seen on your favorite celebrity. Here are tips to buying the right authentic handbag for less.

Submit Your Articles Free: Signup
Article Categories




Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2008 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved. (1.36, 6, w1)