top of page

Let's Be Prepared!

Writer's picture: Wili Baronet-IsraelWili Baronet-Israel

Updated: 12 hours ago


FAMILY EMERGENCY PLAN

   

Stop what you are doing print this sheet and fill it out today!   No excuses on safety and being prepared in case of an emergency.


(Editable Word Doc.)





Earthquakes   -  Early in my career, I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Lucy Jones, a renowned earthquake expert and the creator of the Great ShakeOut program. During our conversation, she emphasized an important truth: disasters don’t always strike when you’re at home—they can happen anywhere.  She highly recommended an emergency kit in your car and your home.  The emergency kit in your car should also include comfortable shoes and a coat as you never know where you will be in an emergency. 

 

Fire  -A friend of mine who tragically lost her home to a fire shared a valuable lesson from her experience. In moments of crisis, you may freeze or act proactively. In her case, she froze, unsure of where to go or what to save. She later realized the importance of preparing in advance. She created a list of items she wanted to prioritize in an emergency and taped it to her refrigerator, ensuring she would know exactly what to grab if it ever happened again.


Here are some tips inspired by both of these emergency situations and great advice:


  • Preserve Precious Items: For irreplaceable items like family heirlooms or important documents, consider storing them in a fireproof safe.


  • Insure High-Value Belongings: If you own valuable items, such as an original Andy Warhol painting passed down by your grandmother, explore specialty insurance options like those offered by Lloyd’s of London.


  • Document Your Belongings: Walk through your home and record a video of each room, making a detailed list of items along with individual photos with their estimated value. This can serve as essential documentation for insurance claims.


  • Store Information Securely: Save your inventory list and videos in a secure cloud storage system and share them with your insurance provider for safekeeping.


Taking these proactive steps when you’re not in an emergency ensures you’re prepared, no matter when or where disaster strikes.


1. Create an Emergency Plan


  • Family Communication Plan:

    • Identify emergency contacts and ensure everyone knows how to reach them.

    • Establish a meeting point in case of separation.

    • Ensure you have a pet evacuation plan with a neighbor in case of a disaster with keys on how to enter the property to save your pet.  


  • Escape Routes:

    • Plan and practice evacuation routes for your home.

    • Identify multiple exits and ensure they are accessible.

    • Do a run through with your family members what are the safest exits.


  • Local Resources:

    • Know the locations of nearby shelters, hospitals, and safe zones.


  • Pet Safety Plan:

    • Include pets in your emergency plan and know pet-friendly shelters.  Also put a pet sticker on your front door so emergency personnel know there is a pet in the house.


2. Assemble Emergency Kits


  • Home Kit:

    • Non-perishable food and water (3 days’ supply per person).  Plus food for three days for every pet in the house

    • Flashlights, batteries, and a hand-crank or battery-powered radio.

    • First aid supplies, including prescription medications.

    • Multi-tool or Swiss Army knife.

    • Personal hygiene items (toiletries, hand sanitizer, etc.).

    • Important documents in waterproof containers (IDs, insurance policies).

    • Cash in small denominations. 

    • Take photos of all your documents and keep them in a cloud on your computer


  • Car Kit:

    • Jumper cables, tire repair kit, and flares.

    • Extra blankets, water, and snacks.

    • Portable phone charger.


  • Go Bag:

    • A smaller kit with essentials for quick evacuation.


3. Earthquake Preparation


  • Secure Your Home:

    • Anchor heavy furniture, bookcases, and appliances to walls.

    • Install latches on cabinet doors to prevent contents from falling.

    • Use museum putty to secure fragile items.


  • Identify Safe Spots:

    • Teach everyone to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” under sturdy furniture or near interior walls.


  • Utilities Shut-Off:

    • Learn how to turn off gas, water, and electricity.


4. Fire Preparation

  • Install and Test Alarms:

    • Install smoke detectors in every bedroom, hallway, and common area.

    • Test alarms monthly and replace batteries yearly.


  • Fire Extinguishers:

    • Keep extinguishers on each floor and in the kitchen. Learn how to use them.


  • Create a Fire Escape Plan:

    • Practice two ways out of each room.

    • Teach children to crawl low under smoke.


  • Clear Your Property:

    • Remove flammable debris, such as dry leaves, from around your home.

    • Trim trees and shrubs near structures.


5. Flood Preparation

  • Know Your Risk:

    • Check FEMA flood maps to understand your area’s flood risk.


  • Protect Important Documents:

    • Store in waterproof containers or upload digital copies to the cloud.


  • Home Preparation:

    • Install sump pumps with backup batteries.

    • Elevate utilities like HVAC systems, electrical panels, and appliances.


  • Emergency Sandbags:

    • Keep sandbags ready to protect your property.


6. Stay Informed


  • Sign Up for Alerts:

    • Use apps like FEMA, Red Cross, or local government services for real-time alerts.


  • Monitor Weather Reports:

    • Stay updated on conditions using a NOAA weather radio.


7. Practice Drills


  • Conduct family drills for each emergency scenario:

    • Earthquake: Practice “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.”

    • Fire: Practice home evacuation in under 2 minutes.

    • Flood: Practice getting to higher ground quickly.


8. Insurance and Documentation


  • Review Insurance Policies:

    • Ensure you have adequate coverage for earthquakes, floods, and fires.


  • Home Inventory:

    • Create a detailed inventory of your possessions, including photos or videos.  THIS IS PROBABLY THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP YOU WILL DO.  KEEP IT ON A GOGLE DOCS OR A CLOUD WHERE YOU CAN FIND IN THE FUTURE.  MAKE SURE TO UPDATE WHEN YOU MAKE LARGE PURCHASES IMMEDIATELY OR


9. Strengthen Your Home


  • Earthquakes:

    • Retrofit older buildings to meet seismic codes.


  • Fires:

    • Use fire-resistant materials for roofing and siding.

    • Install spark arrestors on chimneys.


  • Floods:

    • Seal foundation cracks and install flood vents.


10. Build Community Connections

  • Emergency Contacts:

    • Share plans with neighbors and establish mutual aid agreements.


  • Local Resources:

    • Know the locations of shelters, first responders, and supply centers.


11.  IF YOU HAVE AN EV CAR


Preventive Measures

  1. Protect the EV from Extreme Heat or Fire

    • Park Safely: Keep the vehicle away from areas prone to fires or extreme heat, such as garages without proper ventilation or fire-prone zones.

    • Fire Barriers: If possible, park the EV in a fire-resistant structure or a garage with fireproofing materials.

    • Emergency Covers: Invest in a fire-resistant car cover to protect the vehicle in high-risk areas.


  2. Maintain the Battery

    • Routine Maintenance: Regularly inspect the battery for signs of wear or damage. Replace faulty components immediately.

    • Firmware Updates: Ensure the vehicle's software is updated, as manufacturers may provide updates that improve thermal management and safety.


  3. Battery Storage Best Practices

    • Avoid fully charging the battery in extreme heat (keep charge levels between 20–80%).

    • Keep the vehicle plugged in during potential emergencies to ensure the battery management system can regulate temperature and maintain a charge.


  4. Install Backup Power

    • Portable Chargers: Keep a portable EV charger or battery bank that is compatible with your vehicle.

    • Solar Panels: Consider adding solar panels or a generator as a backup charging option.


    When disaster actually strikes, be prepared:

    In the face of a disaster, preparing to evacuate can feel overwhelming. With emotions running high and time working against you, it's easy to overlook critical details that could make a big difference in your recovery process. This guide is designed to help you prioritize, organize, and take action—whether it's packing essentials, documenting your property, or knowing how to navigate insurance claims.


    As you get ready to leave, remember: the steps you take now can save you time, money, and stress later. This blog will walk you through everything you need to do to protect yourself, your family, and your future. Let's get started....


    You're About to Evacuate: What You Need to Know and Do-


    1. "Pictures and Passports"-

      This includes all your important documents. While some agencies offer fee waivers for replacing these items after a disaster, the process can be time-consuming and stressful. If possible, prioritize saving these documents to avoid the hassle later.


    2. Empty the safe of valuables - Remove all valuables from your safe, especially sentimental items. Even if the safe is labeled fireproof, it's better to be cautious and take them with you to ensure their safety.


    3. Pet essentials- food, bowls, and pet CBD if you have it. Pets can be highly agitated and scared for days, especially if you can’t return home. Keeping their routine consistent, like using their familiar food bowls, can help comfort them during this stressful time.


    4. Stay Hydrated and Energized- Bring a reusable water bottle (you can refill it anywhere) and pack high-protein snacks to keep your energy up.


    5. Essential Clothing and Work Prep- Pack enough clothes for 3 days, a week’s worth of underwear, basic toiletries, two professional work outfits, and minimal makeup. You may need to return to work before determining if any of your clothing can be salvaged.


    6. Don’t Forget Your Medications- Take all your daily medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter meds, and supplements. If you accidentally leave behind prescription medications, most insurance plans cover 1–2 "lost bottle" refills per year. Contact your pharmacist, explain the situation, and they can apply the waiver for a refill at your usual copay.


    7. Document Everything Before You Go- Before leaving, take detailed photos of each room, including close-ups of closets, cabinets, and shelving. This will be invaluable when creating a contents list for insurance later. Don’t forget to document your vehicles—photograph the exterior, the interior, and the odometer showing the mileage. These photos will save you time and stress during the claims process.Take pictures of each room before you leave. Try to grab closer up pics of closets, cabinets and shelving. You'll have to make a contents list for insurance later and these pictures will make the process much easier. Take pictures of your cars - inside with mileage showing and outside.



Helpful Links:


ITEMS NECESSARY IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY










38 views
bottom of page