When They Tell You to Evacuate – Do It!

August 24, 2015 by dustinthewind 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 hurricane, 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.

Inexperienced, Incompetent or Impaired? The FEMA Inspector at Your Door

February 10, 2015 by dustinthewind Disaster Tips The Book

After a disaster, the FEMA inspector at your door might be inexperienced, incompetent or impaired.

I spend a lot of my book talking about how a contract #FEMAinspector (CFI) is a real human being taking time out of their real life to help you, most often with the best intentions and the most professional demeanor. But it is true, (as we saw in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy) that the inspector at your door might sometimes be a bit more human than it is in your best interests.

You need to know that if you are worried about a FEMA inspector’s behavior or professionalism, if you fear you received a “kitchen inspection,” if your inspector seems to be lost through the process, you may be right. You have recourse. You can always appeal your inspection.

I encourage you to ask a few questions about the FEMA inspector’s background. “Did you do tornado (or relevant disaster) work in the past?” “How long have you been inspecting?” You have every right to know the truth about your CFI, and it is up to you to figure out whether or not they are doing the best job possible for you.

One of the major contractors had trained more than 90,000 CFIs and yet when Hurricane Sandy devastated New York and New Jersey, only 3,000 showed up. The high turnover rate for CFIs is a problem, and in the wake of each disaster, rookies have to be trained to handle the number of inspections. Many of the inspections done after Hurricane Sandy, for example, were done by rookies, and may have been substandard and are probably valid candidates for appeals from the applicants. I don’t know how many of the applications were appealed, but I doubt it was anywhere near the number that could have been easily challenged.

If you’d like to learn more about what to expect and what to watch out for when you open the door to a FEMA inspector, I have a chapter in my book devoted to this.

Thank your family by protecting them in a disaster

November 27, 2014 by dustinthewind The Book

On this Thanksgiving Day, I give thanks for my family!

In my book, I acknowledge my brother for his companionship, tell funny and disgusting stories about doing inspections with my dad, and note that my mom and I have the same pants-dropping doll on our windshield (and she is my biggest supporter and best friend too!). In short, my family is awesome! I have a lot to be thankful for.

In honor of this American holiday, use this coupon code at Smashwords to get my ebook at 50% off the regular price. You can get it for any ebook reader. Readers of Dust in the Wind: Real FEMA Disaster Stories get stories, yeah, but also valuable tips on preparing for a disaster and dealing with the government when disaster is declared. My book might help you protect your family in a disaster.

Click to buy an ebook here and at checkout, use coupon JQ86F. It expires on Sunday.

Or, if you prefer a good old paperback, (they make better gifts!) use the coupon code E6MAPMFB for $4 off when you buy the print book here.