New Year, New Disaster Plan!

​Emergencies happen. 

Having an effective a disaster plan can help families stay safe during an emergency! Ready.gov shares some useful information for families on how planning for potential disasters can be life-saving. https://www.ready.gov/plan

General Tips:

• Choose a safe place to meet, learn evacuation routes, and establish an out-of-town contact.
• Get to know your neighbor and invite them to be a part of your emergency plan.
• Snap photos of important documents and save them in a secure place or online.
• Set up group text lists so you can communicate with friends and family during emergencies.
• Take a class in CPR and first aid.
• Keep and update emergency supplies; remember to include cash.
• Have back-up power sources available to charge devices in case of a power outage.
• Snap pictures of your property for insurance purposes.
• Check your insurance for coverage on disasters like floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes.
• Sign up for alerts and warnings. Download the FEMA app to get real-time alerts, safety tips, and locate open shelters.
• Save for a rainy day! Start and grow your emergency fund.
• Financially prepare for the New Year. Find out how with the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit.
• Spend within your means. Use a personal budgeting worksheet to help plan for holiday expenses and beyond.
• Build up your savings. Put a small amount in your account the first of every month beginning January 1.

Preparedness Tips:

• Include cash in your emergency supply kit. During an extended power outage, ATMs and credit card machines may not work.
• Check-in with neighbors to see how you can help each other out before and after a storm.
• Pick an out-of-town person for everyone to contact during an emergency.
• Preparing your family for an emergency is as simple as having a conversation over dinner. Make a plan tonight.
• As part of your family’s emergency supply kit, include games and toys to keep children entertained.
• Get prepared by having an emergency supply kit already stored. www.ready.gov/kit
• Snap pictures of your property and make an inventory for insurance purposes.
• 30: The number of days it takes for flood insurance to begin. The time to buy is when it’s dry.
• If you rely on public transportation, contact your local emergency management agency about evacuation procedures before a hurricane.
• Make a list of the things you would need or want to take with you if you had to leave your home quickly.
• Prepare your car for winter: keep your gas tank near full to help avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
• Make a plan to check on neighbors if extreme cold or winter weather knocks out your power.
• Learn how to shut off the utilities where you live, including water, electricity, and gas.
• Take a first aid and CPR class. 
• Plan how you will leave and where you will go if you are advised to evacuate.
• Assemble supplies for a “go-bag” you can carry if you need to evacuate.
• Make a portable emergency kit for your car.
• Save. Save. Save. Your emergency savings can help you get life saving items like food, shelter, and water in an emergency. Saving tips: www.ready.gov/financial-preparedness

Planning with Pets:

• Take a current photo of you and your pet together in case you get separated during a disaster. 
• Search online today for local pet-friendly evacuation locations in case you need to evacuate.
• Update your pet’s microchip registration info so you can be contacted if your pet gets lost in a disaster. 
• Put your name and contact information on your pet’s ID tag in case you’re separated in an emergency. 
• Remember to include your pets in your family's emergency plans.

Visit https://www.ready.gov/plan to get started today. 

​​McGovern Agency is here for all your insurance needs.
Please feel free to contact us to discuss any questions you may have.
(586) 464-2400 ~ Inquiry@TheMcGovernAgency.com