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.
- Rebuilding After Disaster: Do You Stay or Leave?
- 5 Landslide Prevention Tips Plus — When to Get Out by Emergency Management
- University of Southern California – What Can Chronically Ill Patients Do to Brace for Natural Disasters?
- The Earthquake Alliance tells you everything you need to know to live in “Earthquake Country,” which is growing in size.
- The Complete Guide to Flood Preparedness and Safety by National Council for Home Safety and Security
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.
- Upcoming Legal Clinics
- Printable Tornado Relief Brochure | en español
- Common Legal Problems Faced by Disaster Survivors
- Renters Rights After a Disaster
- Hiring a Contractor After a Disaster
- Replacing Important Documents After a Disaster
- Disaster Insurance Claim Tip Sheet
- Disaster Related Emergency Assistance
- Disaster Relief Resources
- Resources for Cookeville / Putnam County Residents
- Tornado Victim’s Resource Guide
- Nashville VOAD
- Disaster Related Emergency Assistance
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
- Important Documents – Consumer Disaster Recovery Resources by Disaster Readiness Portal
- Picking up the Pieces After Disaster by The Federal Trade Commission.
Attorney Resources
Attorney’s Guide to Common Legal Problems Faced by Disaster Survivors
Disaster Unemployment Assistance
LAS/NBA Disaster Relief Training
FEMA
- FEMA Assistance and Appeals Training Video for Pro Bono Attorneys (Free video)
- FEMA: Appeals, Recoupment, and other Issues (Free CLE video)
- FEMA Assistance and Overall Relief
Insurance
- Which Disasters are Covered by Homeowners Insurance
- Consumer Rights and Insurance Issues After a Disaster (Free CLE video)
- Post-Disaster Insurance Issues (Free CLE video)
- Federal Flood and Homeowner’s Insurance (Free video)
Employee Rights/Unemployment