By Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready
September is National Preparedness Month! Established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), this initiative empowers Americans to plan for disasters. Preparing for emergencies can help you weather any storm, so this month, I want to share our Road Map to Ready, a simple blueprint you can follow to get ready.
Step 1: Create an Emergency Communication Plan
Your emergency communication plan should contain three sets of contacts: emergency contacts, key contacts and out-of-state contacts. Your emergency contacts should include family members or close friends with whom you must remain in contact during and after a disaster. Medical facilities, doctors and other critical service providers are key contacts. Lastly, you need at least one out-of-state contact who can provide information in case of local communication disruptions. Make copies of this list for everyone in your household.
Step 2: Build an Emergency Kit
You need to have essentials available during and after disasters, so having a go-bag on standby is essential. This is a bag that you can quickly grab on your way to safety. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) has a list of items you might want to include. To summarize, pack nonperishable food, water, medication, important documents like identification and insurance information and a change of clothes.
Step 3: Make an Evacuation and Shelter Plan
Knowing evacuation routes or where to take shelter can be lifesaving in a disaster. Make an evacuation or shelter plan for different scenarios. Ensure your household knows where and how to take shelter. In case of evacuation, plan multiple ways to leave your home quickly and choose a place to meet up. Locate nearby places for safety, like a friend’s house or a community center.
Step 4: Address Unique or Special Needs
Be mindful of special or unique needs you must address in the aftermath of a disaster. For example, if you or a family member relies on medication or medical equipment, you will want to include these items in your plans. If you have pets, add their supplies to your go-bag and have their carriers ready to go in case of evacuation or seeking shelter.
Step 5: Stay Informed
Updates will help you remain safe and know when to act. Monitor emergency alerts through radio, TV or smartphone apps. Enable emergency notifications on your cell phone. Receiving weather updates is especially important in Oklahoma, so consider downloading a weather forecast app, visiting weather.gov or keeping a battery-powered radio handy.
Step 6: Practice and Review
Conduct emergency drills to practice your plan. Remember to review and update your plans as needs change. This way, you and your family will always be ready for emergencies.
Don’t wait for the next disaster to have a plan. Prepare today! To find our Road Map to Ready and other preparedness resources, visit www.oid.ok.gov/getready. If you have insurance questions or concerns, please contact OID at 800-522-0071 or visit www.oid.ok.gov.
