Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low around 65F. Winds light and variable..
Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low around 65F. Winds light and variable.
Are you ready for a natural disaster? It is not a question of if it will happen, but of when. Disasters happen everywhere and often without advance notice.
A disaster can destroy your house, car or business. But it also can significantly impede your ability to live well in the future. Education and a realistic plan help build resilience and self-reliance needed to emerge strong and whole from catastrophe.
In recognition of National Preparedness Month, the Northeast Texas Habitat for Humanity is sharing ways to prepare your household. As the maxim advises, “The best time to get ready was yesterday; the second-best time is now!” We can’t control nature’s timing, but we can be prepared to recover faster by following these five steps:
Learn about the natural disasters most likely to happen where you live. Visit the Natural Hazard Explorer to input any city or zip code and learn about likely regional disasters. Prepare accordingly.
Review your insurance coverages. Ensure you have the proper coverage in sufficient amounts to replace losses or provide needed medical care. Property and health policies can be complicated. Your agent or HR rep is the expert and can help you interpret coverages and make required adjustments.
Make a plan. Write it down. Disasters may not occur when a family is together. Hold a family meeting and map a communication plan. Include:
Subscribe to local emergency alert services. Most communities have systems that send texts, calls, and emails with warnings, safety instructions and the latest updates during the disaster. Check your city or county to register. The American Red Cross Safe and Well App — ARC Safe and Well website features an “I’m Safe” button that will post to your social media pages. Get it free from the AppStore or on Google Play.
Write it down. Prepare a laminated contact information card for everyone. Include family contacts, emergency services, the meeting place, back-up and the web address for the American Red Cross Safe and Well website. Carry it at all times.
Practice, practice, practice. Review and update the information and practice-preferably every six months, at least annually.
Build a disaster kit. The disaster kit is designed according to the household’s unique characteristics and the likely, disasters. Items needed to evacuate pre-disaster differ from what you need to shelter in place or leave a damaged home. However; every kit should include these basics:
Considerations when choosing kit containers: The primary container must be sturdy, air, water, fire and pest-proof. Size and portability matter. Consider dimensions, weight and ease of transport. Group the contents into categories, package them separately and place them into the primary container. Important documents should be stored in fire and waterproof packaging. Do not store battery-operated items with the batteries installed. A battery can corrode and damage functionality.
Maintain the kit. Examine the disaster kit every three to six months to replace or update: expired food, drink and medication; important documents; and check functionality of battery-operated devices. Replace expired batteries.
Consider the changing household: Did you move? Are you prepared for the type of event that may occur? Has your evacuation route or home’s emergency exit map changed? Do you have new family members? They may have specific needs not considered in the past. For example, a new baby will require diapers, formula and clothing. Has a pet joined or left your home? A leash and collar for each and bedding may be needed. Health changes mean the first aid kit may be updated. Note: Adding reminders to your calendars is an easy way to remember this vital safety task
While it’s not healthy to dwell on the worst-case scenario, thinking about it before it happens can dramatically improve the outcome of an unwelcome event. Having a solid plan and resources, you need to recover assure that you build back better and faster.
LaJuan Gordon has been the Chief Executive Officer of Northeast Texas Habitat for Humanity since 2012. The organization is dedicated to creating safe and affordable places for people to live and thrive in Gregg, Harrison and Upshur counties. She has 25 years of experience in the nonprofit industry, including executive leadership, consulting, program development and resource development. Gordon holds a Certificate of Emergency Management; and worked for six years in nonprofit disaster preparedness and response. She writes on disaster preparedness, housing as a human right, and nonprofit leadership and facilitates planning sessions for individuals and businesses.
LaJuan Gordon has been the Chief Executive Officer of Northeast Texas Habitat for Humanity since 2012. The organization is dedicated to creating safe and affordable places for people to live and thrive in Gregg, Harrison and Upshur counties. She has 25 years of experience in the nonprofit industry, including executive leadership, consulting, program development and resource development. Gordon holds a Certificate of Emergency Management; and worked for six years in nonprofit disaster preparedness and response. She writes on disaster preparedness, housing as a human right, and nonprofit leadership and facilitates planning sessions for individuals and businesses.
Meredith Shamburger oversees newspapers in Carthage, KIlgore and Marshall. A Carthage native, she has been with M.Roberts Media since 2016. Before joining the staff, she served as a reporter with the Dallas Morning News.
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