What to Do When Disaster Strikes

A disaster or emergency situation is never really expected. And no matter how much you plan or practice what you would do, you're never really truly prepared when the worst does happen.

So how do you handle a disaster such as a flood or a tornado? Most times there is simply no time to really do any more than just get yourself and your family out as quickly as possible. And that is the most important thing to remember. Material things can be replaced; life cannot be. Don't take chances trying to save things at the expense of yours or someone else's life. Even things like pictures or treasured articles are not worth dying for. Life is the only thing that matters in an emergency situation.

That said, having some ideas and set rules of what to do in an emergency can save lives. That's why it is important to sit down with your family and map out certain guidelines and rules of what to do if a disaster or emergency happens. Simple things such as making sure children understand that they are to get out of a house during a fire, but seek shelter during a tornado. And of course, everyone should know where the designated meeting spot is after a disaster. Those are the kinds of things you should discuss with your family often enough that they know the drill.

But what about after the actual emergency or disaster is over? How do you handle the aftermath and all the details and things that have to be done? That's when it makes a very difficult situation a little easier to handle if you are prepared, at least with the paperwork.

There are some simple things that can be done before any emergency or disaster ever happens to make the recovery process a lot easier.

For example, having copies of all your important papers, such as insurance policies, birth certificates, and lists of any necessary medicines stored in a different location, can make life a lot simpler after a disaster. After all, if your home is destroyed by a tornado, fire or flood, you won't be able to access these important documents. By having copies stored somewhere else, say at a relative's home or in a safe deposit box, you will have these things if you need them. True, you could get these documents re-issued, but that takes time. It's much easier if you have copies. And it's a very simple and easy thing to do.

Another suggestion, one most people have heard, but most simply do not bother to do, is to keep some supplies on hand for those times when we may not have all the luxuries we are accustomed to. Small things, such as keeping several gallons of water, a first aid kit, blankets, changes of clothing, canned food, a flashlight, radio, and flares are something we can box up, store, and know it is there if we need it. Again, this is a simple and easy preparation.

One last suggestion is to prepare your automobile for the event that it might temporarily become your home. Keep some supplies in the trunk for those "just in case" situations. A few blankets, emergency flares, a first aid kit, and some bottled water along with a few tools and always a flashlight.

Remember, while you may never be truly prepared for a disaster or emergency, the more you have tried to prepare, the better you will be able to cope with it.