The wisdom of Benjamin Franklin's observation, if you fail to plan, you are planning to fail, is as true today as it was in colonial times. This often repeated adage is certainly good advice when it comes to fires, storms, and floods today. These emergencies occur suddenly with little or no time to properly organize your family to conduct safe and secure actions that can reduce injuries and save lives. By overlooking preplanning steps for events that possibly will occur in your area and postponing time to plan ways to facilitate escape and safety, you really are, to quote another timeless adage, playing with fire. These suggestions that follow come from Jason Blair, Owner, Paul Davis Restoration, Sud Ouest/Rive Sud, QC. Blair has seen the effects when chaos takes place and his message is always “plan ahead so you won’t be sorry.”
- Start by considering the types of emergencies likely to occur where you live (e.g., floods, tornadoes, wildfires, severe storms or hurricanes, and of course house fires). This will affect key aspects of your emergency plan.
- Next, list names, phone numbers and email addresses of the people in your household. Also, information for your children’s daycare and schools. Choose an emergency contact outside of your immediate area and note their phone and email.
- Now, list the name, type, color and registration number of your pet(s). Include phone numbers of pet-friendly motels, your vet and the local animal shelter in the event your pet becomes separated from you.
- Arrange to meet with your insurance advisor to make sure your coverage is appropriate for the types of disasters that could affect your area.
- Make a copy of your policy and take it with you if you need to evacuate. Be sure to have some cash on hand in the event ATMs and credit cards don’t work due to power outages. List bank account numbers along with contact information.
- Assemble a survival kit as recommended by the Government of Canada. This link will help. Click https://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/kts/bsc-kt-en.aspx .
- Keep your survival supplies in one or two easy-to-carry, “grab and go,” water-resistant bags or backpacks. Maintain a battery-operated or hand-crank radio in order to stay abreast of disaster information if power fails. Keep flashlights and extra batteries close at hand.
And if you need to evacuate …
- Have your battery-operated or hand-crank radio with you for the latest news and alerts.
- Determine how you will evacuate family members with special needs.
- Identify several places you could go, such as a friend’s house or a motel and identify two or three possible routes (going in different directions) to safety. Keep a full tank of gas if evacuation by car seems likely. Take your emergency survival kit with you.
- If family members are separated, agree on a meeting place or number to call to reconnect.
If you are advised to shelter in place...
- Have your battery-operated or hand-crank radio at hand for the latest news and alerts. Seek shelter in the lowest level of your home, such as a basement or storm cellar. If you
don’t have a basement, go to an inner hallway, a smaller inner room or a closet.
- Stay away from windows and glass doorways. Keep pets on a leash or in a crate or carrier. Stay inside until you’re certain the emergency has passed. Do not return home or venture out before the area is declared safe by local officials.
- Use extreme caution in and around your home, immediately reporting downed electrical
wires; the smell of gas; weakened walls, bridges, roads and sidewalks; and anything else that may pose a danger to people or property.
Paul Davis stands ready to assist wherever and whenever there is a need for property damage
services and restoration. For immediate help, call 1-800-661-5975.