Developing a Plan During National Preparedness Month

National Preparedness Month is an observance each September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time. Plan today. Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area. Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find. If you have any questions, contact our office at 413.475.7283 or Complete our online quote form today!

Step 1: Put a plan together by discussing the questions below with your family, friends or household to start your emergency plan.

How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
What is my shelter plan?
What is my evacuation route?
What is my family/household communication plan?
Do I need to update my emergency preparedness kit?

Step 2: Consider specific needs in your household. As you prepare your plan tailor your plans and supplies to your specific daily living needs and responsibilities. Discuss your needs and responsibilities and how people in the network can assist each other with communication, care of children, business, pets or specific needs like operating medical equipment. Create your own personal network for specific areas where you need assistance. Keep in mind some these factors when developing your plan:

Different ages of members within your household
Responsibilities for assisting others
Locations frequented
Dietary needs
Medical needs including prescriptions and equipment
Disabilities or access and functional needs including devices and equipment
Languages spoken
Cultural and religious considerations
Pets or service animals
Households with school-aged children

Step 3: Create a Family Emergency Plan quickly and easily with this fillable form made available by ready.gov.

Step 4: Practice your plan with your family/household.

Step 5: Review your insurance and coverage. Most damage to a structure and its contents caused by water (not flooding), hail, wind/tornado, lightning, fire, and explosions are generally covered by a standard property insurance policy after certain policyholder deductible payments are met. Contact an Encharter insurance agent to make sure you have adequate coverage amounts. We can provide coverage from many insurance carriers so you receive the insurance for your budget and needs! You can reach us at (888) 754-8299 or online at www.encharter.com.