Did you know that ONLY about one-third of all Americans are prepared for a disaster?

Be ahead of the curve and prepare for a disaster.

WHERE TO START

Be ahead of the curve and prepare for a disaster. Did you know that ONLY about one-third of all Americans are prepared for a disaster?
Do you live in an area in risk of natural threats? Check out this Disaster Map by ADT to view your area’s exposure to natural hazards. This map calculates the risk of natural hazards by using data from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Everyone should have a plan. Two great places to start are Ready.gov and the American Red Cross. These sites give general and specific planning advice for surviving different types of disasters.

DOCUMENTS TO GATHER IN ADVANCE OF AN EMERGENCY

Disaster Plan

It’s important to have a plan of action in the event of a disaster or emergency. You can download and print free disaster plan templates provided on the American Red Cross website. You can also print this family emergency plan from Ready.gov.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE A DISASTER

1. KNOW WHERE YOUR GAS SHUTOFF VALVE IS LOCATED

If unsure, ask your gas company.

Shutting off gas before an emergency can help avoid gas leaks and explosions.

2. KNOW WHERE YOUR ELECTRICAL SHUTOFF IS

If unsure, ask your local electric company.

Electrical problems cause an average of 25,900 house fires each year. The risk grows during a disaster. Shut off breakers or pull out fuses in the breaker or fuse box.

3. MAKE AN EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION PLAN FOR YOUR FAMILY

An emergency communication plan means family members know where to go, what to do, and how to reconnect and reunite when disaster strikes.

4. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE INSURANCE. DOES IT COVER FLOOD OR EARTHQUAKE?

Floods are the most common and costly natural disaster. Just a few inches of water can cause thousands of dollars of damage.

5. PLAN FOR YOUR PETS

Locate pet-friendly shelters for your furry friends. Many emergency shelters can’t accept pets, for public health reasons. Service animals are always welcome.

6. KNOW EVACUATION ROUTES

Many communities have evacuation routes, learn about them. Minutes matter during a disaster.

DISASTER KIT

Don’t stop with just the plan; make sure you have a kit using this information from the Red Cross. If you can’t afford to make a complete kit- see the list from Ready.gov. Start with just a few items and add to your kit until it’s complete. You can download this free FEMA emergency supply checklist too.

MOBILE APPLICATIONS

Use your smartphone to help keep you prepared in a few different ways using the following applications:

If you don’t have a smartphone or want to save bandwidth using text, FEMA can provide safety tips and find open shelters here. They can also send Wireless Emergency Alerts to phones that can receive them. Click here for more information.

PREPARE FOR ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING

If you make a plan and a kit, you are ready for most disasters. But for those who would like to prepare more, look at the resources offered below.

Do you need disaster preparation tips in another language? Ready.gov can help in Español, Vietnamese, Chinese and others. FEMA also provides more specialized training for emergency managers and regular people to take at their own pace.

Derechos de los inquilinos después de una catástrofe[42]Resources for Survivors

When a tornado, flood, or other event affects you, you may face various legal issues — from hiring a contractor for home repairs to addressing family and employment challenges. The following brochures describe some of the ways the Legal Aid Society might be able to assist you and your family.

For immediate legal advice call 1-844-HELP4TN. To apply for legal assistance, please call Legal Aid Society at 1-800-238-1443 or visit www.las.org for more information.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES