everyone has heard the disaster preparation messages when hurricanes approach our coast. This training topic will revisit those messages because one can never be to prepared for a disaster. These messages not only apply to hurricanes they also include fires, tornados, earth quakes and any other disasters that affect life and/or property. This topic is only covering those things you should do in case of an evacuation.
the first item of business when a disaster threatens is to make sure that you can put your hands on all of your important documents. These documents include insurance papers, photographs and any other documentation that you would not want to lose. A good recommendation is to put these documents in a fire proof safe that is portable. This way you can keep everything of importance in one place that you can take with you should you need to evacuate. Also you should make sure that you have all of your prescription medications at hand in case of a need to evacuate. Always keep at least a three day supply on hand.
If you have pets they may or may not be able to go with you when you evacuate. Some shelters allow pets and some do not. Check with your county before an evacuation is required. If your pets can not go with you make sure that they have enough food and water to ride out the disaster. The same rule applies if you take your pet with you. There are several things you can do should you become separated from your pet. You should have a collar or some other means of identification on your pet. On the identification you should have your address and phone number. This way your pet can be returned to you. You could also implant a microchip under your pet's skin. With this chip any vetranarian with a scanner can scan the chip and return your pet.
One final thing you should do is take pictures or video of your house and property. This way should you need to call your insurance company to report damage you have proof of the contents of your property. This should expedite your claim processing.
This topic was meant to revisit the messages heard prior to an evacuation. It should give everyone an idea of what preparations they should do before they evacuate.