With September being National Preparedness Month, there’s no better time to ensure you and your family are properly prepared to deal with whatever emergency situation might arise. Though you can’t prevent a disaster from happening, you can plan ahead to minimize the potential impact. You not only want to consider your physical safety but also your financial security, which should involve talking to your insurance company to make sure you’re adequately protected. Below are a few steps you can take for emergency preparedness.

What You Should Do to Make Sure You’re Prepared if Disaster Strikes 

Put Together an Emergency Kit 

It’s imperative to have an emergency kit ready for unexpected events. It’s best to keep one in each family vehicle and the house. Some essentials to include are batteries, a flashlight, bottled water, non-perishable food items, blankets, a change of clothes, jumper cables, and extra power cords. 

Have an Evacuation Plan

Everyone in your family should know the escape routes from your home in case of a fire or another emergency, and you should have an evacuation plan in place for getting out of your neighborhood. It’s also vital to be aware of local evacuation routes for when there are road closures and to pick out a specific meeting point where you can reunite with family members who get separated.     

Know What to Do With Your Pets 

Don’t forget that your pets will also need to be cared for in an emergency. Have a plan set up for where they can be boarded or kept safe after a disaster. Not all shelters allow pets in and leaving them behind is likely to put their life in jeopardy. Make sure the information on their collars is up to date and consider microchipping them in case they can’t be found as you’re rushing to evacuate. 

Review Your Insurance Policies 

The best time to talk to your insurance company is before you’re facing an emergency. Once a disaster occurs, there will be restrictions placed in high-risk areas preventing policyholders from making changes to their coverage. Know exactly what the inclusions and exclusions are in your policy and ask your insurance company to clarify anything you don’t understand. 

If you are concerned there may be gaps in your insurance coverage, the professionals at Somers Agency LLC in Lorain County, OH can help explore all your options to make sure you have what you need for every type of risk you’re vulnerable to. They will also take care of all the legwork involved in comparing policies and prices. Each insurance company they work with provides high-quality products, so you can rest assured you will be sufficiently protected should disaster strike. Call (440) 324-3447 to set up an appointment or visit their website to request a quote.