After a long, hard winter, aren’t you ready for spring? Baseball, bike rides, barbecuing…but spring also carries with it the risk of severe weather, including dangerous storms, flooding and tornadoes. Here are some tips to help you prepare for a spring weather emergency.
Organize your finances. When it comes to weather emergencies, financial readiness is as important as a flashlight with fully charged batteries. Having your financial documents up-to-date, in one place, and portable can make a big difference. During a weather emergency, your personal documents can wash or blow away. But if you put your important documents in a waterproof bag inside a file box or safe, you can take them with you in an evacuation.
Check your insurance. Will your home, health, or other insurance policies pay for temporary shelter, replacement clothing, furniture, or other items if you are affected by a weather event?
Floodproof your home. If you live on low ground, or where storms are likely, your home may be flooded. You might consider doing some floodproofing now, writing a flood response plan and thinking about flood insurance. Visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for more information.
Plan for your pets. For many, pets are important members of the household – and they’re also affected by disasters. A little planning today can help you and your pets be ready for an emergency like a fire, flood, or tornado.
Bookmark the FTC’s weather emergencies site. If a disaster affects you, come back to this site for tips on recovery and information about your rights.
Wishing you a happy and safe spring.
