Jim Winsett of the BBB. Q. The month of September has been National Preparedness Month. What advice did BBB issue regarding this recognition?
A. National Preparedness Month evolved from the event and disaster of 9/11. This September was the 15-year anniversary. When any emergency or disaster occurs, knowing what to do before and after can be a lifesaver for you, your family and/or your business.
Emergencies come in many forms, and that's why it is important to acknowledge National Preparedness Month; making us aware, educated and knowing how to respond.
BBB offers these tips as basic protective actions:
- Plan to leave. Depending on the specific emergency, you and your family should have plans for sheltering or evacuating your home. Developing a family communication plan and making an emergency supply kit are great first steps. Ready.gov has resources to get you started.
- Contact: Discuss with family, friends and co-workers where you would meet in case of an emergency. Discuss how you plan to communicate.
- Create and maintain an inventory of your personal possessions. Use a camera to take pictures or video of both the interior and exterior of your home, as well as your property, including items stored on your property such as vehicles or lawn and farm equipment. Keep receipts for all major items. This documentation should be saved in a safe place outside your home, such as in a safe deposit box at your bank or an online cloud-storage service. This is important when dealing with insurance post-disaster.
- Keep your insurance policies organized and in an easily accessible spot. Review your coverage each year to make sure it is adequate should you have storm damage to your business, home, vehicle or property. Discuss with your insurance agent what liabilities you might incur should your personal property cause damage to neighboring homes during a storm. Be advised that flooding and earthquake insurance might not be covered in your homeowner's policy. If renting, consider getting renter's insurance, as your personal belongings are not typically covered under the landlord's policy.
- Designate an alternate location to run a business in case of an emergency.
- Revisit your plan. Once a year review and revise as required. Discuss with family, friends and employees.
- Be proactive and volunteer. Inquire and know emergency plans at work, school, day care, etc. If no plans exist, volunteer, lead and take action to develop emergency plans.
Additional information is available at www.bbb.org or www.ready.gov/school-and-workplace.
Jim Winsett is president of the Better Business Bureau in Chattanooga.