Obtain property, health, and life insurance if you do not have them. Review existing policies for the amount and extent of coverage to ensure that what you have in place is what is required for you and your family for all possible hazards.
Flood Insurance
If you live in a flood-prone area, consider purchasing flood insurance to reduce your risk of flood loss. Buying flood insurance to cover the value of a building and its contents will not only provide greater peace of mind, but will speed the recovery if a flood occurs. You can call 1(888)FLOOD29 to learn more about flood insurance.
Inventory Home Possessions
- Make a record of your personal property, for insurance purposes. Take photos or a video of the interior and exterior of your home. Include personal belongings in your inventory.
- You may also want to download the free Household and Personal Property Inventory Book from the University of Illinois at www.ag.uiuc.edu/~vista/abstracts/ ahouseinv.html to help you record your possessions.
Important Documents
Store important documents such as insurance policies, deeds, property records, and other important papers in a safe place, such as a safety deposit box away from your home. Make copies of important documents for your disaster supplies kit. (Information about the disaster supplies kit is covered later.)
Money
Consider saving money in an emergency savings account that could be used in any crisis. It is advisable to keep a small amount of cash or traveler’s checks at home in a safe place where you can quickly access them in case of evacuation.
Special Needs
If you or someone close to you has a disability or a special need, you may have to take additional steps to protect yourself and your family in an emergency.
Disability/Special Need - Additional Steps
Hearing impaired -May need to make special arrangements to receive warnings.
Mobility impaired - May need special assistance to get to a shelter.
Single Working Parent - May need help to plan for disasters and emergencies.
Non-English -May need assistance planning for and responding to speaking persons emergencies. Community and cultural groups may be able to help keep people informed.
People Without Vehicles - May need to make arrangements for transportation.
People With Special Dietary Needs - Should take special precautions to have an adequate emergency food supply.
Planning for Special Needs
If you have special needs:
Find out about special assistance that may be available in your community. Register with the office of emergency services or the local fire department for assistance so needed help can be provided.
- Create a network of neighbors, relatives, friends, and coworkers to aid you in an emergency. Discuss your needs and make sure everyone knows how to operate necessary equipment.
- Discuss your needs with your employer.
- If you are mobility impaired and live or work in a high-rise building, have an escape chair.
- If you live in an apartment building, ask the management to mark accessible exits clearly and to make arrangements to help you leave the building.
- Keep specialized items ready, including extra wheelchair batteries, oxygen,catheters, medication, food for service animals, and any other items you might need.
- Be sure to make provisions for medications that require refrigeration.
- Keep a list of the type and model numbers of the medical devices you require.
source: FEMA - Are You Ready? Guide