News & Events

What to Do After a Natural Disaster

Lately we’ve been bringing more awareness to the common natural disasters that we often face, but it’s also a good idea to talk more about what to do for yourself and your family in the aftermath of a disaster.

Remember the most important thing to have in place is an emergency kit. If you already have one, it never hurts to double check to make sure you’re stocked up on the correct essentials. Remember to replace items that may have expired. Also, it’s critical you discuss an escape route with your family ahead of time. Ask local officials about city shelters in the event they are needed.

You know what to expect by now for hurricanes, wildfires, and tornados and the destruction they can cause. But what do we do after a disaster? Depending on the natural disaster that you deal with, the answer may vary, but let’s start with the basics:

If you do go outdoors, stay away from all live wires, downed powerlines, and any destruction or debris. Many times, in the aftermath of these disasters, injuries and even fatalities can occur when precautions aren’t taken. If your family has to leave the area, make sure you are listening for information from city officials. Often during and following disasters there is a curfew in effect. If you’re allowed to be out, be careful about any debris blocking the roadways and don’t drive down flooded streets. If you have any family or friends in a safe area and need to get to them, figure out through authorities first if its accessible from your location or if city officials have deemed an evacuation route.

If you need a place to wait out the storm or to stay at afterwards, look for a shelter near you. Check locally today to see what your city has to offer in the event of a disaster.

And remember, take precautions after a disaster to ensure you and your family is safe. Not everything can be planned and prepared for, but we can take steps to avoid any further damage a disaster.