Disaster Preparedness & Recovery

We never know when a natural disaster will change our life or the lives of family and friends. In the case of hurricanes, there is time to prepare as best you can - or evacuate. Tornadoes and other natural events may happen with little notice. The best way to prepare is to be informed ahead of time. But being preoccupied with everyday life, we sometimes overlook that opportunity. We can only wonder how many folks impacted by the two recent hurricanes thought it would never happen to them! So we have decided to give this important page its own place on this blog and it will be here when you need it. There is also information for after disaster strikes.

All the following information was compiled by our friends at KCM (Keeping Current Matters) and if you are a regular reader, you may recognize them as our primary source of information for this blog. They put a lot of effort into keeping us up-to-date on real estate matters and here is their compilation of information to help keep you safe. We thank them for all their dedication.

And folks, links change from time to time so if you are reading this and a link is broken, please let me know.

Finally, don't forget to share....


General Disaster Preparedness & Recovery
Department of Homeland Security’s Disaster Preparedness Kit Instructions
A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency. Also includes a downloadable/printable list.

FEMA & The American Red Cross’s Preparing for Disaster Guide - PDF
4 steps to be prepared before a natural disaster strikes.

12 Ways To Disaster-Proof Your Place
Trulia - No matter where you live, disaster preparedness is a crucial part of keeping your family and your home base safe.

USAA’s Preparing for Disaster: Is Your House Ready?
Tips for preparing for Hurricanes, Wildfires, Winter Storms, Floods and what to do after disaster strikes.

Settling post-catastrophe insurance claims: What agents should know
Inman News - Whether it’s Hurricane Harvey, a flood, tornado, earthquake or fire, it can take years to resolve a major insurance claim and restore your property. Here is a must-have guide to follow if you have a major insurance loss on your home.

Earthquake Preparedness & Recovery
Department of Homeland Security’s Guide to Earthquakes
This page describes what to do before, during, and, after an earthquake.

Flooding Preparedness & Recovery
HomeAdvisor’s Five Home Projects to Address Immediately After Your House Has Flooded
Depending on the storm and its staggering effects, homeowners might face a number of devastating problems: from feet of standing water in the living room, to trees and debris spread across the across your lawn and driveway, to a roof completely torn apart.

HomeAdvisor’s Water Damage Restoration
Water damage restoration is one of the most rapidly growing and evolving industries in the country. What used to consist of a contractor setting up a few fans in a flooded basement has now become a bonafide science.

HomeAdvisor’s 10 Essential Hurricane Preparedness Supplies
Being prepared ahead of a hurricane warning is the best way to protect yourself, your loved ones and your home.

HomeAdvisor’s Hurricane Safety Tips
Knowing what to do when a hurricane is expected in your area can mean the difference between life and death. And it can mean the difference between minimal and severe property damage as well. Here’s what you need to know.

Department of Homeland Security’s Guide to Hurricanes
This page explains what actions to take when you receive a hurricane watch or warning alert from the National Weather Service for your local area. It also provides tips on what to do before, during, and after a hurricane.

Department of Homeland Security’s Guide to Snowstorms & Extreme Cold
This page explains what actions to take when you receive a winter weather storm alert from the National Weather Service for your local area and what to do before, during, and after a snowstorm or extreme cold.

Department of Homeland Security’s Guide to Tornadoes
This page explains what actions to take when you receive a tornado watch or warning alert from the National Weather Service for your local area and what to do before, during, and after a tornado.

HomeAdvisor’s Fire Prevention, Preparedness & Recovery

To help homeowners and firefighters decrease the risk of fires, we have prepared a resource guide specifically for kids, seniors and pets on the necessities of fire prevention, preparedness and, when needed, recovery.

HomeAdvisor’s The Ultimate Guide to Wildfire Safety
It’s critically important to know a thing or two about wildfire safety. Why? First, 90 percent of all wildfires are started by humans, whether from arson, careless behavior, or lack of fire safety. Weather factors, such as lightning and drought conditions, also contribute to wildfires.

Department of Homeland Security’s Wildfire Guide
This page explains what actions to take if you receive a fire weather watch alert from the National Weather Service for your local area and what to do before, during, and after a wildfire.


And we are adding one more to the list...

PREPAREDNESS VIDEOS - Their message "In order to encourage Americans to prepare themselves, their families, and their communities, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in partnership with The Advertising Council, has sponsored public service advertisements (PSAs) that educate and empower Americans to prepare for and respond to all kinds of emergencies."