50% Are Not Prepared For A Natural Disaster

9/29/2016 (Permalink)

We've got the staff and equipment to handle any natural disaster.

Based on a survey of 1,050 AskTheBuilder.com newsletter subscribers, more than 50 percent of U.S. adults are not prepared to take care of themselves for a few days in the event of a major disaster. When asked why they weren’t prepared, 30 percent said they don’t know how to prepare; 20 percent believed they don’t need to prepare; and 32 percent wrote a specific reason for not being prepared for a natural disaster.

The editor who conducted the survey, Tim Carter, said people who aren’t prepared offered a number of reasons. Among the most frequent were:
    “I’m too busy”
    “My fire department and utility company will save me”
    “I don’t think I will be affected by a natural disaster”
 
In the September 4, 2016 Hartford Courant article on the survey Tim says, “A big disaster is going to strike where you live.” He recommends not relying on the fire department or utility company to save you. When a natural disaster strikes the fire department and utility company will be overwhelmed with needs. They will probably be busy working to get large community assets like the hospital, government buildings, schools, and retirement homes back up and running.  

Get prepared for any natural disaster. Call Ralph at 860-216-2785.

So what should you do? You might think about how you would prepare to go camping where there are no utility hookups. Put together all the equipment and supplies you’d need for that trip. And focus on the basics.

Water And Food
One huge basic is water. You can get by without a shower or bath but you’d be surprised how much water you need to drink, to wash up, and to prepare food. The Red Cross recommends one gallon of water per person per day.

Another basic is food. Have a storage of  non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items ( at least a 3 day supply for an evacuation). You may need a camp stove and fuel to cook with. Tim mentions inflatable solar camp LED lanterns for light at night.

Shelter And Critical Papers
Think about shelter, too. After a natural disaster you may be able to stay in your home or maybe not. Is there a large shed, detached garage, or other shelter on your property that you could use for a few days in an emergency?

Have your critical papers protected and together in one place. Many (like wills, contracts, insurance policies, and irreplaceable pictures) you may store on a thumb drive or on a remote server. And how about your contact list or address book? You probably have them on your computer or smart phone but what happens if the computer or phone gets lost or destroyed or you can’t power them up? Some people keep a spare set of their critical papers and contact lists with a relative or friend who lives in a different community but is still close by.

Your Go-Bag
One more essential is a go-bag or an emergency supply kit. It’s a small day pack with the minimal things you need to survive for a day or two. See SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield’s Your Emergency Supply Kit Checklist or check out others online. The Red Cross has more good information on how to be prepared.        

Call Noemi and SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield
We’ve helped businesses and families prepare for natural disasters. They tell us that three main reasons they choose SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield are:
1. We respond immediately and work quickly
2. We are experienced and have the solutions for virtually any natural disaster issue
3. We answer all questions and will help with insurance claims  

Help Is Here
The team at SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield also has specialized training and experience in water damage restoration services, fire damage restoration services, and natural disaster cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield (860.216.2785) anytime, 24/7.

We've served clients in Avon, Agawam, Bloomfield, Coventry, East Hartford, East Longmeadow, Ellington, Enfield, Farmington, Hartford, Manchester, Newington, Simsbury, South Windsor, Springfield, West Hartford, and beyond.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Franchise Owner
Call 860.216.2785 anytime