Homeowners & Renters - Prepare for Disaster Before It Strikes

With the latest storms that have included tornadoes to hit our area, and as a coastal area that is hit with Nor'easters and threats of hurricanes; I thought I would provide this reminder of how to be prepared! Keep in mind that if you obtain your household water from a well; if the power goes out you will lose your water service! Fill your tub with cold water to use for sanitary needs! Keep bottled water for drinking and cooking.

Disaster preparedness for homes should include:

- A solid emergency response plan. Find evacuation routes from your home and establish meeting places. Make sure everyone understands the plan beforehand. Keep emergency phone numbers handy. Ask an out-of-state friend or family member to be your "post-disaster" point of contact-a person to call to provide information on your safety and whereabouts.

- Adequate insurance. Disaster preparedness begins with having adequate insurance coverage-at least enough to rebuild your home. Homeowners should review their policies to see what is not covered. Flood insurance is essential. To find out more about the National Flood Insurance Program, visit www.floodsmart.gov.

- Making copies of important records. It's a good idea to back up vital records and information saved on computer hard drives, and store those items at a distant offsite location. Computer data should be backed up routinely. Copies of important documents and CDs should be kept in fire-proof safe deposit boxes.

- A "Disaster Survival Kit." The kit should include a flashlight, a portable radio, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, non-perishable packaged and canned food, bottled water, a basic tool kit, plastic bags, cash, and a disposable camera to take pictures of the property damage after the storm. But if your area is severely impacted by a storm; do not return to your property until Emergency Response Officials give the all-clear.

For more preparedness tips for homeowners and renters, visit www.sba.gov/disasterassistance.

Read more: http://rismedia.com/2009-06-03/homeowners-renters-and-businesses-prepare-for-disaster-before-it-strikes/#ixzz0MvhjvRSB

Be Prepared & Stay Safe!

Eilean Foster

Keller-Williams Realty

Atlantic Shore

(609) 602-6699