Disaster affects your life, your business and your personal property. An article by Erik J. Martin, originally featured in the February 2019 issue of Costco Connection provides some good advice:
Planning in advance
Even if you live in an area that’s less prone to large-scale disasters, you shouldn’t neglect preparing for one or even a small-scale event that can have the same effect on your life – like a house fire or a burst pipe that floods your home.
That’s why every family and business should create and rehearse an emergency plan, says Brad Kieserman, vice president of disaster operations and logistics for the American Red Cross.
- Identify responsibilities for each person, and determine how to best work together as a team.
- Identify escape routes and meet-up spots in case someone gets separated. And practice the plan by running an emergency evacuation drill with your family at least twice a year.
- Discuss how to prepare for and respond to the types of emergencies likely to happen in your area.
- Get adequate insurance to replace the contents of your home and/or business.
- Make a list of vetted local contractors, roofers and other service providers so you know who to call.
- Open a home equity line of credit in case you need to borrow money for repairs.
- Make copies of your home and business’s building plans, and get rebuilding estimates.
- Know where you’ll stay if your home is unlivable.
Backup power:
Batteries. “Batteries as well as flashlights, lanterns or headlamps are essential to have ready,” says Alfonso Arteaga, brand manager for Duracell.
- Store batteries in their original packaging in a dry place and at room temperature.
- To prolong their life span, remove batteries from any device you’re not going to use soon.
Power for cellphones and appliances
Portable power banks are available in a range of mAh-rated (milliampere hours) capacities. A 20,000-mAh unit can recharge your phone up to six times, says Jason Lemelson, CEO of Ubio Labs Inc.
A 500-watt-hour energy storage system (ESS) with AC and USB outputs can recharge a phone dozens of times and a laptop several times, run a small TV for a few hours and power a 5-watt emergency LED light for up to 100 hours. A 1,500-watt-hour ESS can recharge a phone over 60 times and a laptop over 12 times, run a small TV for 10-plus hours and may be able to run an electric portable heater.
A portable generator could run your refrigerator and/or a few lights and small appliance for up to 10 hours via gasoline, depending on the model and output.
A whole-house generator is a permanently installed system, fueled by natural gas or liquid propane, that starts automatically when the electricity is out and can power most of your devices and hard-wired appliances (furnace, well pump, etc.).
“Get a portable generator no smaller than 5,000 watts or a whole-house backup generator that’s at least 16 kilowatts,” says Ray Stanek, senior product manager for Generac Power Systems. He recommends keeping a generator outside and away from windows, doors, or other openings where carbon monoxide can enter. Be sure any extension cords used are in good condition. Avoid overloading the generator, which can damage it and anything it powers. “And have a whole-house generator installed by a licensed professional,” he says.
What happens afterward
It’s equally important to have a post-disaster strategy, as the recovery period can take days, months or even longer, Kieserman notes.
- Stay informed about changing conditions and heed the advice of local officials.
- Don’t return to your home until it’s been deemed safe.
- Watch out for fallen power lines, broken gas lines or other damage.
- If the power is out, use flashlights instead of candles, and unplug all unnecessary electronics.
- Avoid driving, for safety, and to keep the roads clear for rescue and emergency vehicles.
Essentials
The American Red Cross recommends stocking up on a number of necessities, including:
- Two-week supply of bottled water (1 gallon per person per day).
- Two-week supply of nonperishable, easy-to-prepare foods.
- Battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) weather radio.
- Seven-day supply of medications and medical items.
- Copies of medication and medical information, proof of address, deed or lease for your home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies, family and emergency contact info.
- Flashlights and batteries.
- Cellphone with chargers.
- Paper maps of the area.
- First-aid kit.
- Extra cash.