Tag Archives: disaster plan

When They Tell You to Evacuate – Do It!

August 24, 2015 by Disaster Tips

You’ve all seen it on the news. Every time we have a disaster in the country, from a volcanic eruption to a hurric139ane, some individuals simply refuse to leave their home and evacuate. Many do not feel that the disaster will be as dangerous or as damaging as it could be. Others don’t trust the authorities that tell them to evacuate. Some worry about leaving their home for looters. Many simply have nowhere to go, so they stay in the only place they know.

However, it is highly dangerous to stay. When the authorities tell you that it is time to evacuate, they are not doing it just for a power trip. They are doing it because you and your loved ones actually are in danger.

The Dangers of Staying During a Disaster

What dangers do those who decide to stay face? First, they face the dangers of the immediate disaster. If there is a flood, they face the danger of drowning. If there is a fire, they face the danger of burning. When you stay… you and anyone staying with you faces death during the disaster.

However, things do not suddenly turn better once that initial danger is over. After the disaster, there is contaminated water, downed power lines, looters and a host of other issues that could plague you. Even disease, dehydration or starvation could kill you if the authorities are unable to help you in time.

Think about this as well. When you stay after they’ve told you to evacuate, you are putting others at risk, not just yourself. The authorities and rescue workers that have to come and save you could have injuries or even die in the process. If people are on their way to help you, it means you are also taking resources away from other people who need it.

Do not do this to yourself or your loved ones. When they tell you that it’s time to go, then do it. I can’t tell you how many times victims who did stay and lived to tell about it say they will never ever do that again.

Creating an #EvacuationPlan Now

You need to make sure that you have a good evacuation plan in place. Create a plan for you and your family on where you will meet and how you will contact one another once you reach your destination.

Make sure you always have gas in the car. Try to keep the tank at least half-full just in case you need to evacuate and you don’t have the time to stop and get gas when you leave. Many times, gas stations will be closed anyway.

If You Get Separated

There are plenty of websites as well as friends, neighbors, county and city officials that can get you back together with your family.  Once you are able to get to a computer, phone, etc., have a plan if you get separated. Stay calm. With today’s technology, you won’t be alone long.

Leave as early as you can after the evacuation order so you don’t have to face the throngs of people that wait until the last minute. Always make sure to take emergency supplies with you in the vehicle as well as a weather radio, pets, extra food and water, and other essentials. It might be a few days or longer before you can get back into your home, so the more comforts you can bring with you the better. Additionally, have some cash on hand, as credit card machines and ATMs could be out of order when you leave.

What Happens When States Can’t Afford to Call in FEMA?

February 16, 2015 by Disaster Tips

femaclosedIn a true disaster, the governor of the state in which the disaster occurs will need to request federal help, and the President will need to declare a major disaster in the state and the county. This is the only way that residents of the area will be able to have any sort of disaster relief that comes from FEMA, even though they may have a number of local, county, and even state options for help right after the disaster takes place.

What Is a Disaster According to the Government?

It is important to remember that what you and your neighbors might consider a disaster might not meet the federal requirements for being an actual disaster. For the government to allow federal assistance from FEMA, the disaster must be serious and affect a large number of people. Some of the most recent examples of declared disasters include #HurricaneKatrina and Hurricane Sandy. Typically, a disaster, according to the government, happens when hundreds of homes are destroyed or damaged at the same time and a large number of people are displaced from their houses and apartments.

If your area or county can’t meet the requirements of the federal government when it comes to a disaster, then you simply won’t receive help from FEMA.

How Do You Prepare for a Disaster That FEMA Can’t Help?

Sometimes, you will be on your own, even though you and your neighbors might feel that you are living in a disaster area. Instead of waiting for something like this to happen and being at a loss, you should take steps to prepare. One of the best things to do is get high quality insurance for your property. Homeowners insurance is important, as is renters insurance for those who don’t own.

However, look at the fine print of what these policies will and will not cover. Make sure they are able to cover a range of different disasters and that they do not have loopholes for “Acts of God” and the like. Make sure it covers things such as flood, quake damage, wildfires, etc. Insurance isn’t the best answer; it’s the only answer if there is no government assistance.

Look at Local Programs for Some Help

When you don’t have anywhere else to turn after your home is gone and it looks as though FEMA help won’t be coming through, you can turn to local programs. Many times local charities and churches will set up temporary shelters and be able to provide clothing, food and a warm place to stay for those who need it. These can be real lifesavers. Celebrities4DisasterRelief.com is my new foundation to help disaster victims.

It might be a good idea to consider looking at some of the local programs set up in your neighborhood right now just to have a better idea of where to turn when you need help. You could also get to know your neighbors better, so you have a network of people in the area that can help one another when the chips are down. When the government is not there to help, we need to be able to be there for one another.

Keep in mind that sometimes help from the government just takes some time. It might be a few days or longer before they actually declare the area a disaster. If they do, then you will be eligible for help from FEMA. You can visit their site, call them, or talk with representatives who will likely be in the area about what you need to do to get assistance from them.