Hurricane Katrina was a devastating reminder that disaster can strike at any time and in any place, often with little no warning. The citizens of New Orleans probably thought they had taken the necessary steps to prepare for a hurricane. But, of course, history proved they hadn’t done enough. Now hurricane season is coming again and are people ready?
I’ve spent nearly a decade working with people from all walks of life who have been affected by crises of all types. And almost without exception, they’ve been totally unprepared when disaster strikes. Disasters happen to the other guy…not me! Although most of us don’t want to think about how to prepare for a hurricane (or for any other type of crisis, whether natural or man-made), it’s vitally important that we do so before the disaster happens.
We need to be able to prove who we are and what we own!
Preparing for a hurricane isn’t just about stocking up on water, non-perishable food and batteries. It’s also about ensuring that things such as insurance policies or legal and financial documents are ready to access at a moment’s notice. How about your photos? Here are some tips on steps you can take now to prepare for a hurricane or any other natural disaster:
* Take control. Being prepared for hurricanes and other disasters can help prevent panic. Handing over your security to a government agency or a private business, such as banks, attorneys, or data backup services, is risky. Taking steps to safeguard your most important information yourself means you’re in control. Do you have your documents stored in one place? How about an online backup?
* Rethink hurricane preparations. Many people who think they’re prepared for a hurricane really aren’t. For example, if you had to leave your house with only a few minutes warning, what would you be forced to leave behind? How would you be able to piece together the story of your personal and financial life?
* Keep it simple. Preparing for a hurricane means keeping it simple. Many people put off making plans or taking proper precautions because they make it too complicated. A “Getaway Bag” that contains everything needed for 48 hours, that’s ready for you to grab during a crisis, will help prevent a tangled mess in the aftermath of a disaster. Every member of the family needs one… including your pets. Take time, think and be prepared.
Submitted by Laurie Ecklund-Long…The Box Lady & Emergency Specialist
My Life in a Box
