Regional Executive Corner with Joel R. Sullivan - June 2018

Three Preparedness Tips To Help In Your Next Disaster

We all will experience a disaster at some point in the future.  It may be a car wreck, lost in the woods, a severe weather outbreak or some other unforeseen event.  Knowing what to do during one of those events is critical to your recovery.

I promise you will not have to hit next or scroll through a bunch of ads to get to these tips.  For those of you who learn from the internet, you know what I mean.  So let’s dive in.

The American Red Cross urges each person to build a kit, make a plan and be informed.  Just doing those three things will make recovery much easier.

1. Build A Kit – Spend a moment with friends and family and think about disasters you may experience.  In Tennessee, you will most likely experience a tornado, flood or ice storm.  What would you need if these events happened to you at home, work or in the car?  Your kit may have these items in it.  Some common items are a few days of any prescription medications, food, water, flashlight with batteries, money, sunscreen, list of important phone numbers…especially insurance agents, and other key things.

2. Make A Plan – Where will you go in a disaster event.  What family, friend or hotel will you stay at should your residence become inaccessible?  Do they know you are coming?  How will you communicate with co-workers, loved ones and friends?  Who is your point person out of State that everyone can call if you are in a disaster?  It is much easier to get a message out of State than it is for people to try to contact you.  All you need to do is make one call to that point of contact and they will advise everyone else you are okay? You can also register in www.safeandwell.org website that Red Cross administers.

3. Be Informed – Most often in a big disaster, information is limited due to communication sources being out of service.  Be sure you have a regular radio or become a HAM radio operator so you are able to collect the most current information.  Many have battery operated radios and TVs that work as well.  You will most always have access to a car radio to listen to for response information. Also, please know how to use one of the many map applications on your smart device.  Should you get stranded, you can use that device to tell 911 operators exactly where you are.  Some applications even offer your latitude and longitude coordinates.  This is crucial information when time is of the essence.  

It is not if another disaster will happen, but when.  Disasters come in many forms and can be created by Mother Nature or man.  Your key to recovery is to be sure you are prepared to take care of yourself.  You hold the keys to having a successful outcome as a survivor rather than a victim.
Now is the time to prepare!