DISASTER RECOVERY GUIDE
DISASTER RECOVERY GUIDE You never know when it may happen: disasters happen without warning. Depending on the size of the event, there is a chance emergency responders may not be immediately available to help. To prepare for a situation like this, experts recommend three steps: develop a communication plan, build a survival kit and stay informed. DEVELOP A FAMILY COMMUNICATION PLAN A family communication plan provides a strategy for family members to contact one another and details what to do in various emergency situations. Work with your family and neighbors to make an emergency plan for the types of disasters that can typically affect your area. Make sure everyone in your family understands where to go and what to do in case of an emergency, as your family may not be together when a disaster strikes. To start building a communication plan here are some tips available from FEMA: http://www.ready.gov/family-communications Additional brochures from FEMA regarding communication plans: http://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/34330 KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS There really can be safety in numbers. Join (or start) a neighborhood organization so residents can communicate and share emergency resources (items such as generators or chainsaws) if need be. You can find out more about what you can do at: http://www.ready.gov/neighbors-helping-neighbors-through-preparedness
STAY INFORMED Differences among potential emergencies will impact your decisions and actions you take. A good way to stay informed is to learn more about potential emergencies that are more likely to happen in your area and the appropriate way to respond to them. Educate yourself about the emergency plans that have been established for your area by your state and local government. Knowing what to do during an emergency is an important part of being prepared. FARMERS CLAIM SERVICES Remember, when disaster strikes, our industry leading Farmers Claim Services means you can count on us to be there when you need us. Anytime, day or night, just one call to (800) 435-7764 will help you restore your world to order fast. No one is ever sorry they were prepared when an emergency arises. Unfortunately, it is often a case of not whether a disaster will occur but when. Plan ahead, stay prepared, and stay safe. BUILD A SURVIVAL KIT Damage to roads, bridges, power lines, or continuing bad weather could mean that emergency services and personnel may not be available for some time after a major disaster. If this is the case, you could be on your own, and need to be prepared. In addition to any essential medicines, make sure there is bottled water, and food that will keep in the event of a loss of electricity. As a general guideline, for each person in the household, store one gallon of water per day for drinking, washing and cooking (including pets). That means storing three gallons for each person to cover 72 hours. Have a three-day supply of canned or pre-packaged food for everyone in the home (including pets). Added tip: It s a good idea to try to buy nutritious favorites, especially for young children, as you don t want the added stress of introducing new foods in an emergency. Farmers created an easy-to-follow guide designed to help you plan to keep your family safe until help arrives. Use the following checklist to assemble the supplies and tools you ll need:
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS CHECKLIST A list of any pets and relevant information, such as name and description Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days for drinking and sanitation and approximately a gallon a day for pets, depending on size and number Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food, including pet food Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger First aid kit along with a week s supply of all essential medications, copies of all prescriptions and an extra pair of eye glasses Essential infant and/or pet care items Warm clothes and sturdy shoes for each family member, along with blankets and pillows Battery-powered radio to listen for updates and rescue information Flashlights, candles, a battery-powered clock and extra batteries, and waterproof matches Light sticks - If you suspect a gas leak, these flameless lights will not set off sparks or cause a fire Fire extinguisher Whistle to summon help or alert others Small tent and cook stove (with required fuel) Manual can opener for food Heavy gloves for cleaning up broken glass and debris Rope, duct tape, a shovel, an axe, a broom, a multifunctional knife and trash bags Pliers and a wrench large enough to shut off a gas line Pry bar to lift and move debris if someone is trapped Dust mask to help reduce dust or smoke inhalation Map of area identified evacuation routes and shelter locations. Hygiene products, tissues, wipes, hand sanitizer, etc. Toilet chemicals and plastic bucket as proper sanitation and plumbing may be unavailable Data courtesy: USGS, NOAA, University of Hawaii, U.S. Congress, Red Cross, FEMA and UC Berkeley FEMA survival kit: http://www.ready.gov/kit 36-1572 5-15
Emergency Response Personnel: STOP HERE Critical situations currently exist at this residence. Immediate assistance is required.
Emergency Response Personnel: WE RE OK No critical situations currently exist at this residence. Please proceed to a home requiring immediate assistance.