The First 72 Hours

Disaster Planning According to FEMA: A few years ago FEMA released a statement about disaster planning...

You can find it here.

If you don't want to read the entire statement, I will summarize what they recommend you have on hand the first 72 hours.

FEMA states that the first 72 hours after a disaster are the most critical as electricity, gas, water and phones may not be working or working properly. FEMA recommends people be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least three days following a disaster.

What does self-sufficient mean?

Able to live without running water, electricity/gas and telephones.

FEMA recommends keeping the following on hand:

• Food: plenty of NON-PERISHABLE food for each person for at least 72 hours
• Non-Perishable does not mean go out and buy milk and eggs.
• Non-perishable: crackers, peanut butter & fluff, possibly bread (this is perishable, but will usually hold for 1 week), ramen noodles, mac & cheese, rice, pasta & spaghetti sauce, granola bars, dried fruits & nuts, dry cereal, canned goods, chocolate, gatorade mix or bottled gatorade
• Water: each person should have AT LEAST a gallon a day for 72 hours, but if possible, a week. Buy iodine tablets or chlorine bleach to purify water if necessary (unless you purchased bottled water).
• First aid kit: well stocked w/bandages and disinfectants, baby wipes are good to have with this if you don't have running water
• Fire extinguisher: make sure everyone in the household knows how to use it
• Flashlight with extra batteries: keep one near your bed and a few other areas in your house. DO NOT use matches or candles unless you are POSITIVE there are no gas leaks.
• Weather Radios with battery backup. TVs & phones may not be working; the radio may be the only way to know what's going on
• Miscellaneous: blankets, clothes, shoes, CASH.
• Alternative cooking sources: grill or camping stove - will help cook food such as mac & cheese, ramen, etc
• Use crackers, marshmallows and chocolate to cook smores over a grill or camping stove - this will lighten everyone's mood! :)

What do you do if you own a business?

Well, planning & preparation BEFORE the storm is key.

Please see the below link about disaster recovery services offered by Agility Recovery Services.

Link: Agility Recovery Services

Murray & MacDonald Insurance Services has planned & prepared - we have contracted with ARS in the event of a disaster. The below link demonstrates how Agility Recovery Services was there for businesses and their clients during the disaster that was Hurricane Katrina five years ago.

We want our clients to know, we will be there if there is a disaster. People buy INSURANCE to protect their physical assets in the event of a catastrophe or disaster.
We will not close our doors, we will have internet and phone service, we will be here to service our clients.

Hurricane Earl...

You have heard the news... a Hurricane is coming...

 

What does that mean for Cape Codders? Tape the windows, stock up on water, batteries, lanterns, food and games...

 

Many Cape Codders remember Hurricane Bob and the damage he did. I was only 8 years old, but I remember driving around Falmouth with my dad after Bob hit to survey the damage. The Shining Sea Bike Path was destroyed, boats were washed up all over Falmouth, tidal surges flooded homes, houses were damaged, trees were down, power was out... In fact, according to wikipedia Hurricane Bob caused $1 billion in damages in Massachusetts!

 

Here are a few images from Hurricane Bob.

 

Vineyard Haven Flooding at the Five Corners, Martha's Vineyard, MA  

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Menauhant Road Bridge after Hurricane Bob

The beach eroded and sand covered the road.

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The path of Hurricane Bob

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View of Hurricane Bob from above

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Now these images are posted to educate...
It's been almost 20 years since a major storm hit Cape Cod. Many weather reporters and forecasters enjoy the hype of a pending storm, but it's important to heed when there's a hurricane warning. Better safe than sorry.

Red Cross puts out a Hurricane Safety Checklist. It can be found here.

A few tips taken from the checklist:

What to do?

• Fill up with gas
• Put away outdoor furniture
• Have an evacuation plan
• Know that your HOMEOWNER policy DOES NOT cover FLOOD

What to buy?

• Water
• Food
• Flashlight
• Batteries

 What happens after?

• Listen to the radio
• Drive only if necessary
• Keep away from power lines
• Inspect your home for damage

Homeowners INSURANCE Recommendations

• Before the storm, find a copy of your insurance policy and review it
• After the storm, survey the damage to your home
• Is your home liveable?
• Is the damage more than your windstorm/hurricane deductible (typically 1%, 2% or 5% of Coverage A)?
• Prevent further damage (board up a window, cover the roof with wood or a tarp, etc).
• Take pictures of the damage - this is especially helpful when there are many claims. Insurance adjusters won't be able to come right away if there are MANY claims due to a hurricane. Pictures with the date and time are invaluable.
• If the damage is MORE than your windstorm/hurricane deductible, you may need to submit a claim, however know that your local agent might be busy taking many claims. Your local agent may place claims in the order of NEED. If someone can't live in their home, that person will come before someone who wants to have their fence, swimming pool, garage or shed repaired.
• Have the necessary information handy when you call your agent:
• Copy of your policy
• Date damage happened
• Brief description of damage
• Best way an insurance adjuster can reach you (home phone, cell phone, email, etc)
• Offer to email pictures you took of the damage
• Be respectful: of course it is upsetting to have your home and belongings damaged, realize your insurance agent is working for you and is doing their best to take care of your needs as fast as possible.

 

I will end with an old saying about hurricanes...

 

June, too soon.

July, stand by.

August, if you must.

September, REMEMBER!

October, ALL OVER!