WHAT A DISASTER PLAN LOOKS LIKE

Safety experts and government organizations advise households to have a sure plan of action for a handling a disaster.

Disasters like flash floods or even heavy thunderstorms have the potential to damage homes and cost a family everything.

However having a plan of action is the first step in safeguarding yourself from harm's way.

Particularly in the event of flooding, it is vital for there to be communication between family members about what to do when the time comes.

Personal contact may not be available during an emergency situation; therefore each family member should know his or her roles in the event of an emergency.

What Could Happen

The first step in forming a disaster plan is to understand what could happen. Not just what's likely to happen, but even something a little out of the ordinary. If your or apartment is inside of a flood zone then the family should be told of this very real possibility.



They should also be informed as to what the aftermath holds in a disaster. They must understand that this may involve evacuating the house indefinitely since cleaning could take several months. Travel may be restricted and hospitals overloaded, depending on the gravity of the flood.

Devising a personal action plan is a good idea because it gives all family members the chance to think events through, as to what they would do in an actual emergency. Every family member should be aware of emergency contact numbers and informational resources.

Decide Where To Meet

In case the home becomes flooded, family members should decide beforehand on a safe place to meet. Make sure it is a location that everyone can arrive to easily, including any address information needed. In the case of small children, then the house of a trusted friend seems to be a safe option, rather than any random community location.

Be Cautious And Always Think "Worst Case Scenario"

While this might not be a good attitude to hold in life, in a disaster it is crucial not to be naive or assume anything. Be careful about using electricity after a flood, or using candles in a room that may have a gas leak.

If possible, teach your family members how to turn off water, gas and electricity to minimize damages. Last but not least, remember the pets! Pets can get scared too and if left unattended they could die or even bite a stranger in confusion.

Remember to include all the members of your family in the disaster plan and review it every so often so that the surprise flooding is not too surprising to overcome.