EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Before the storm . . .
Listed below is a suggested supply list, however it is not all inclusive. Consider the special needs of your family including elders, young children, and pets. If you require special assistance contact your local emergency management office for details.

Click here for the CNA EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GUIDE

Fill up your vehicles.

Protect your home and personal property,

• Bring in any furniture, plants or other objects that could become air-born.  
• Take pictures or a video of each room in your home to document your personal property.
• Don't forget to take pictures of the inside of closets & cabinets.  Move valuables to upper floors if possible.
• Board up windows and wedge sliding glass doors to prevent their lifting from their tracks. Close storm shutters.
• Trim back dead wood from trees
• Check drainage areas to clear debris, such as gutters & down spouts.
• Fill containers and/or bathtub with water. Set refrigerator to coldest setting and don't open unless necessary.  Turn off gas & disconnect oil tanks.
• Garage cars, recreational vehicles and/or boats.
• Notify family of your evacuation destination.
• Leave food and plenty of water for pets and secure in safe area. (Shelters do not allow pets.)
• Before leaving your home, verify evacuation routes.  Lock all doors and windows.

During a storm . . .
Stay indoors on the downwind side of your home in a small, enclosed room, such as a hallway, bathroom or closet.  Say away from windows & doors.  Keep in mind if you are in a surge area, a higher safe area is better.

Do not venture out of your secured area until the ALL CLEAR is given.

After the storm . . .
There will be many hazards to be cautious of:

• Electrical wires
• Undetermined roads
• Low flooded spots
• Unsafe structures
• Poisonous snakes
• Gas leaks

Make only those repairs necessary to protect your home from further damage. Keep all receipts for those temporary repairs. Cover broken windows, damaged roof and walls with plywood, canvas or other waterproof material.

Personal property should be removed from any area or hazard that would invite further damage.  Valuables should be protected from looting by moving to a safe place.  Do not get rid of items until you have discussed specifics with your adjuster. Start preparing a list of your damaged items.

If your home is uninhabitable and/or the surrounding area badly damaged, make a sign including your insurance company, policy number and your property address, and attach the sign to your home where it is most visible.

Contact your insurance agent as quickly as possible. Local radio may have claim assistant numbers. The agent will need a general description of the loss and where you can be contacted temporarily, should your home be uninhabitable. Remember to keep receipts for lodging, meals and other expenses due to the temporary relocation.

After a major storm or catastrophe, claims are typically handled on a most severe case basis first. Your understanding is greatly appreciated. Once your claim is reported a qualified adjuster will call you as soon as possible.  If yours is a serious case please indicate the matter when reporting the loss to your agent.