Make emergency plans for spring storms
By Eileen Yager, Communications Officer Extension and Ag Information, University of Missouri
Warmer temperatures in the Spring bring a new weather threat — severe storms and tornadoes.
Missouri had more than 100 tornadoes and nine disaster declarations in 2006. Every county in the state experienced at least one natural disaster.
Preparing for a disaster can prevent deaths and injuries, said Eric Evans, a community emergency management specialist with University of Missouri Extension.
"People should take those watches and warnings seriously and review emergency steps to prepare," Evans said.
When warnings and watches are issued, families should quickly review their family disaster plan and emergency supply kit, and stay tuned to the TV or radio for updates. If the warnings are issued for an impact late at night, Evans said make sure that sturdy shoes, flashlights and clothing that can be put on quickly are near the bed.
"There are some simple things people can do in case something happens," Evans said.
Families should create a family disaster plan and prepare an emergency supply kit ahead of time. A basic emergency kit should contain flashlights, batteries, food, water, first-aid supplies, paper and pencil, disinfectant, extra clothes, rubber gloves, matches, some spare cash, toiletries, hand-soap, a battery-operated radio and a copy of the family plan.
Evans said emergency kits should contain a list of prescription medications and the pharmacy, insurance information and a phone number list to notify relatives, especially those out of state, that you are safe.
"The way a call list should work is that you call one person who can let the others know your status instead of relatives calling into the disaster area," Evans said.
Each family member should know what do and how to find safe places in an emergency. "If they're away and their home is damaged, families should arrange for a place where they can check in and make sure everyone is safe."
Disaster plans also should include contingencies for what a family will do if they are without utilities or their home is unlivable for extended time. "One of the things we learned during the January ice storm is that people are not well-prepared for the long-term impact," he said.
"Having homeowners insurance is probably the most important thing people can do to protect that investment," Evans said. Policy holders should check to see what types of damage are covered. Special policies may be required for damage caused by earthquakes, floods, snow loads or other natural disasters.
Brenda Procter, MU Extension family finance specialist, said if a home is damaged, owners should secure their property to avoid further damage.
"Before doing anything else, contact your insurance agent," Procter said. "Find out exactly what is covered, and be sure you don’t remove any evidence of damage by being too hasty with clean-up and repair. Wait until the insurance adjuster has assessed the damage.”
More information on family disaster plans and emergency supply kits is available from the MU Extension Web site: http://extension.missouri.edu.
Sources:
Eric Evans, 573-999-4207;
Brenda Procter, 573-882-3820
Last update: Thursday, May 10, 2007
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