We should all take action to prepare! We are all able to help first responders in our community by training how to respond during an emergency and what to do when disaster strikes, including where we live, work, and visit. It takes time and effort to help as many individuals, families, and communities around us engage in preparedness actions at home, work, business, school, and place of worship.
Disasters Don't Plan Ahead. You CAN!
Remember not to text and drive at the same time when you are trying to contact your family members!
Starting on September 1st, Texas becomes one of the states that adopted no texting and driving ban. Texting would be punishable by a fine of up to $99 for first-time offenders and $200 for repeat offenses. (Texting & Driving / Hands-Free Laws in Texas)
Practice and Building Out Your Plans
During the event of a disaster, can be usually stressful circumstances, and having access to personal financial, insurance, medical, and other records is crucial for starting the process of recovery quickly and efficiently. Taking the time before the disaster hits to collect and secure these critical records will give you peace of mind and, in the event of an emergency. Here are a few of the steps worthy of taking before disaster hits:
1. Gather financial, critical personal, household, and medical information.
2. Consider saving money in an emergency savings account that could be used in any crisis. Keep a small amount of cash at home in a safe place. It is important to have small bills on hand because ATM’s and credit cards may not work during a disaster when you need to purchase necessary supplies, fuel or food.
3. Obtain property (homeowners or renters), health, and life insurance if you don't have them. Homeowners insurance does not typically cover flooding, so you may need to purchase flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program)
1. Gather financial, critical personal, household, and medical information.
2. Consider saving money in an emergency savings account that could be used in any crisis. Keep a small amount of cash at home in a safe place. It is important to have small bills on hand because ATM’s and credit cards may not work during a disaster when you need to purchase necessary supplies, fuel or food.
3. Obtain property (homeowners or renters), health, and life insurance if you don't have them. Homeowners insurance does not typically cover flooding, so you may need to purchase flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program)
- What important docs should you have in your emergency kit? (Financial Preparedness)
- Plan ahead: Flood insurance policies have a 30-day waiting period before they go into effect. (FEMA)
- Get Oriented with First Aid, CPR and Other Topics Before Disasters (Safety Skills)
What Would You Do When Disaster Happens in Your Home and Community?