Depending on which part of the United States you live in, you and your home my be at risk for the following disasters that minimize your resident safety: winter storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, mudslides, brush and forest fires, and floods, to name a few. Any of them can become devastating events that put you and your family in danger.
While there are early signs for some natural disasters-with hurricanes, for example, we often know as far within a week of advance about the possible paths they will take -like tornadoes,can strike all of a sudden. In either case, it is best to be prepared ahead of time.
Often, staying safe requires having a backup plan, in case the first plan falls through. In the event of a major storm in your area, for example, do you have more then on explain for picking up the kids from school. This will increase your resident safety What if your regular routes are flooded or closed? Do you know the alternate way to take> Have you arranged with other parents or neighbors to perhaps pick your children up instead ?
What do yo do if natural disasters like a tornado, hurricane or flooding threatens and requires yo to evacuate your home? Do you wait until the police officers come to your door and tell you to go, or do you leave ahead of time? Do you have an evacuation route planned? Do you know where you are going to stay? If you have pets, do you know which shelters will allow you to bring them with you? Have you made a list ahead of time of what valuables you should take? Do you have the legal papers in a box that you can grab quickly, or are they already in a safety secure deposit box? Do you have a computer backed up to a portable hard drive or via the internet.