Prepare for the Unexpected

Life is unpredictable, and although we don’t know what the future holds, we can try to be prepared for the unexpected. Unfortunately, most of us don’t really think about it until after disaster strikes … and by that time it’s often too late.

Here are a few things you can do to get your family ready so that when disaster does strike, you’ll be able to weather the storm.

It’s hurricane season, which can lead to high winds, flying debris and flash flooding. Pennsylvania has seen a reported 170 tornadoes in the last 10 years. Other natural disasters that may affect our state are earthquakes and landslides. I’d like to offer some tips on how to protect yourself and your family in the event of an emergency in Pennsylvania.

Create an emergency plan. Your family may not be together when an emergency hits so it’s important to establish ahead of time where you’ll plan to meet. Discuss your plan with all family members and practice your plan at least twice a year.

Prepare an emergency kit. FEMA recommends keeping three days of supplies for each family member. Your kit should include:

• One gallon of water per person
• Non-perishable food
• A battery-powered or hand crank radio (and extra batteries)
• A flashlight
• A first aid kit
• A whistle to signal for help
• A can opener
• Blankets
• Pliers to turn off utilities

You should also consider packing prescription medications, glasses, important financial documents, copies of your insurance policies, birth certificates, social security cards and other identification in a portable waterproof container.

Listen to instructions. If the local authorities recommend evacuation, do so as quickly and safely as possible. However, if you no longer have time to evacuate, get to a safe place within your house (e.g., a basement or cellar during a tornado).

Earthquake Safety: Earthquakes happen without warning. When one occurs, get under a sturdy desk or table and hold on to it. If there’s no time to move, cover your face and head with your arms. Stay clear of windows and remain indoors. If you’re outside, position yourself away from power lines, trees and buildings that may fall while the ground’s shaking. Once the earthquake stops, determine whether you need to evacuate your current location and get to a safer spot.

Flood Safety: Listen to the television or radio for more information. If there’s a chance of flooding in your area, move to higher ground as soon as possible. Move outdoor furniture indoors and essential items upstairs. Disconnect utilities, unplug appliances and don’t walk through moving water. Avoid power lines and be alert for gas leaks. If you’re in your vehicle, don’t drive into flooded areas. Abandon your vehicle to move to higher ground if flood waters start to rise around your vehicle because it can be swept away in as little as two-feet of water.

Hurricane Safety: Close shutters and secure outdoor furniture or bring it inside. Turn off utilities if instructed to do so; otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep the door closed. Close windows, blinds and curtains and stay away from the windows. Close interior doors and brace and secure exterior doors. Fill the bathtub with water for sanitation purposes. Most importantly, remain indoors.

Mudslide Safety: There are often advance signs that a mudslide or landslide may happen, including new cracks in walls, foundations and sidewalks; doors or windows stick for the first time; stairs begin to pull away from the building; and fences, trees and utility poles that tilt or move. Consult with a professional for corrective measures if you notice any of these signs. If a mudslide occurs, move away from its path if possible; otherwise, curl into a tight ball and cover your head. Do not enter a slide area until instructed it’s safe to do so by authorities.

Tornado Safety: Watch for approaching storms on the horizon and be aware of the warning signs, including a dark, often green-hued sky, large hail, a funnel-shaped cloud and a loud roar similar to a freight train. Locate the safest place to take shelter like a basement, cellar or storm shelter. If these options aren’t available, go to the lowest floor of the building and stay away from windows.  If you are out on the road, climb to the highest point you can reach under a highway overpass.

If you’ve been affected by a natural disaster, Mercury Insurance recommends taking the following steps to help the claims process:

When filing a claim

• Contact your insurance provider immediately to report your loss.
• Be prepared to provide your policy number.
• Do not remove debris or damaged property that may be related to your claim.

Steps after filing a claim

• Prepare a detailed inventory of destroyed or damaged property.
• Offer photos or video tapes of your home and possessions to your adjuster, if these are available.
• Keep copies of communications between you and your adjuster.
• Keep records and receipts for additional living expenses that were incurred if you were forced to leave your home and provide copies to your adjuster.

Visit www.Ready.gov for more information about preparing for and responding to emergencies.