Katrina Most Expensive US Disaster
Hurricane Katrina was the greatest disaster ever recorded for the United States in terms of property damage, which is estimated to be $75 billion dollars. However, it is not the deadliest U.S. hurricane on record.
Other major storms are the 1928 Okeechobee Hurricane, which killed at least 4,075 people and caused around $100 million in damage ($800 million in 2005 terms, adjusting for inflation). Hurricane Andrew caused $26 billion ($45 billion in 2005 terms) in damages (mostly in south Florida) and is the second most expensive hurricane in American history after Katrina. However, only 65 people died during Hurricane Andrew.
America's deadliest storm occurred on Friday 8 September and Saturday 9 September 1900 when a hurricane followed by rising sea levels hit Galveston Island (Texas) in the Gulf of Mexico. Estimates of the dead range from 4,000 to 8,000, but most sources accept the higher statistic of more than 8,000 casualties (6,000 on the island and 2,000 around Galveston bay). In contrast, though hurricane Katrina was a much larger storm, it resulted in only 1,422 confirmed fatalities.
The difference in casualties between the Galveston storm and Hurricane Katrina can be attributed largely to modern weather forecasting. Based on satellite data and computer models broadcast via TV and radio, combined with modern means of transportation to evacuate the area in time, most residents left before the storm arrived, and those who remained had advance notice that enabled them to make at least some preparations. Only impoverished residents without cars, and some institutional patients who could be moved only with difficulty, remained behind despite official warnings.
On August 28, the National Weather Service issued a bulletin predicting "devastating" damage, and mandatory evacuation orders were issued for large areas of the Gulf Coast. Most infrastructure along the Gulf coast was shut down in anticipation of the storm, including railways and the Waterford Nuclear Generation Station.
Hurricane Katrina was the eleventh named storm of the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season . It was the third most powerful storm of the season, and the sixth-strongest Atlantic hurricane ever recorded. The storm formed over the Bahamas on August, and crossed southern Florida at Category 1 intensity before strengthening rapidly into a Category 5 hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico, becoming, at that time, the strongest hurricane ever recorded in the Gulf. The storm diminished to an extremely large Category 3 storm on the morning of August 29 along the Central Gulf Coast of Louisiana.
The storm surge from Katrina caused catastrophic damage along the coastlines of Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. The wide extent of the storm caused damage many miles from the eye of the hurricane. Katrina is likely the largest hurricane of its strength to strike the United States in recorded history.
The flooding caused by the 30-foot storm surge was greatly exacerbated by the geography of the area. New Orleans, which was at or just below sea level when it was first built, is now an average of 8 feet below sea level, and continuing to sink gradually as the underlying aquifer is pumped out. Levees up to 18 feet high north and south of the city hold back the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain. An intricate system of pumping stations and canals is required to keep the land dry, even after heavy rainfall.
Levees separating Lake Ponchartrain from New Orleans were breached by the surge, resulting in flooding of 80% of the city and many surrounding areas. Wind damage was reported far inland, impeding relief efforts.
The excellent pre-flood warning system was not, unfortunately, matched by equally excellent emergency relief once the storm had passed. Rescue efforts were slow and uncoordinated, and public outcry eventually forced the ouster of FEMA chief Michael Brown, an Arabian horse breeder who had been given his job as a patronage appointment rather than for any skills at handling civic emergencies.
Some scientists blame the strength and size of the hurricane on global warming, as rapid intensification of the storm occurred during its first 24 hours after entering the Gulf, due in part to the storm's movement over the warm sea surface temperature of Loop Current. This link cannot be proven without a doubt; statistically, however, hurricanes have increased in both size and numbers in recent years, and 2005 saw so many of these storms that they exceeded the prepared alphabetic name list for that year, causing meteorologists to name the last storms of the season Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon and Zeta.
Tropical Storm Zeta became the final storm of the 2005 season when it formed on December 30, six hours short of tying the record of the 1954 Hurricane Alice as the latest-forming named storm in a season. Zeta dissipated on January 6, 2006, ending the longest tropical storm season in the history of the Atlantic basin.
On March 21, 2006, New Orleans Mayor Nagin issued a press release stating that any residents wishing to rebuild their ruined homes on the flood plain would not be prevented from doing so, a statement born more out of politics than practicality.
Hurricane Katrina was the greatest disaster ever recorded for the United States in terms of property damage, which is estimated to be $75 billion dollars. However, it is not the deadliest U.S. hurricane on record.
Other major storms are the 1928 Okeechobee Hurricane, which killed at least 4,075 people and caused around $100 million in damage ($800 million in 2005 terms, adjusting for inflation). Hurricane Andrew caused $26 billion ($45 billion in 2005 terms) in damages (mostly in south Florida) and is the second most expensive hurricane in American history after Katrina. However, only 65 people died during Hurricane Andrew.
America's deadliest storm occurred on Friday 8 September and Saturday 9 September 1900 when a hurricane followed by rising sea levels hit Galveston Island (Texas) in the Gulf of Mexico. Estimates of the dead range from 4,000 to 8,000, but most sources accept the higher statistic of more than 8,000 casualties (6,000 on the island and 2,000 around Galveston bay). In contrast, though hurricane Katrina was a much larger storm, it resulted in only 1,422 confirmed fatalities.
The difference in casualties between the Galveston storm and Hurricane Katrina can be attributed largely to modern weather forecasting. Based on satellite data and computer models broadcast via TV and radio, combined with modern means of transportation to evacuate the area in time, most residents left before the storm arrived, and those who remained had advance notice that enabled them to make at least some preparations. Only impoverished residents without cars, and some institutional patients who could be moved only with difficulty, remained behind despite official warnings.
On August 28, the National Weather Service issued a bulletin predicting "devastating" damage, and mandatory evacuation orders were issued for large areas of the Gulf Coast. Most infrastructure along the Gulf coast was shut down in anticipation of the storm, including railways and the Waterford Nuclear Generation Station.
Hurricane Katrina was the eleventh named storm of the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season . It was the third most powerful storm of the season, and the sixth-strongest Atlantic hurricane ever recorded. The storm formed over the Bahamas on August, and crossed southern Florida at Category 1 intensity before strengthening rapidly into a Category 5 hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico, becoming, at that time, the strongest hurricane ever recorded in the Gulf. The storm diminished to an extremely large Category 3 storm on the morning of August 29 along the Central Gulf Coast of Louisiana.
The storm surge from Katrina caused catastrophic damage along the coastlines of Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. The wide extent of the storm caused damage many miles from the eye of the hurricane. Katrina is likely the largest hurricane of its strength to strike the United States in recorded history.
The flooding caused by the 30-foot storm surge was greatly exacerbated by the geography of the area. New Orleans, which was at or just below sea level when it was first built, is now an average of 8 feet below sea level, and continuing to sink gradually as the underlying aquifer is pumped out. Levees up to 18 feet high north and south of the city hold back the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain. An intricate system of pumping stations and canals is required to keep the land dry, even after heavy rainfall.
Levees separating Lake Ponchartrain from New Orleans were breached by the surge, resulting in flooding of 80% of the city and many surrounding areas. Wind damage was reported far inland, impeding relief efforts.
The excellent pre-flood warning system was not, unfortunately, matched by equally excellent emergency relief once the storm had passed. Rescue efforts were slow and uncoordinated, and public outcry eventually forced the ouster of FEMA chief Michael Brown, an Arabian horse breeder who had been given his job as a patronage appointment rather than for any skills at handling civic emergencies.
Some scientists blame the strength and size of the hurricane on global warming, as rapid intensification of the storm occurred during its first 24 hours after entering the Gulf, due in part to the storm's movement over the warm sea surface temperature of Loop Current. This link cannot be proven without a doubt; statistically, however, hurricanes have increased in both size and numbers in recent years, and 2005 saw so many of these storms that they exceeded the prepared alphabetic name list for that year, causing meteorologists to name the last storms of the season Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon and Zeta.
Tropical Storm Zeta became the final storm of the 2005 season when it formed on December 30, six hours short of tying the record of the 1954 Hurricane Alice as the latest-forming named storm in a season. Zeta dissipated on January 6, 2006, ending the longest tropical storm season in the history of the Atlantic basin.
On March 21, 2006, New Orleans Mayor Nagin issued a press release stating that any residents wishing to rebuild their ruined homes on the flood plain would not be prevented from doing so, a statement born more out of politics than practicality.
Author:
J Schipper: J Schipper is very concerned about Katrina http://www.katrina-faqs.info http://www.911-faqs.info http://www.global-warming-now.info http://www.iran-bush.com
Terms:Articles may be reprinted provided content is not edited and links are kept live
Source: www.articledepot.co.uk
Know Your Earthquakes
An earthquake is characterised by vibrations generated in the crust of the Earth during the sudden rupture of rocks that accumulated elastic strain and then rebounds. The vibrations produced can vary from hardly perceptible to appallingly damaging. Earthquakes have the potential of releasing energy more than a thousand times greater than the world's first atomic bomb.
There are three general types of earthquakes being recognised: volcanic, tectonic, and artificially produced. Among the three, the tectonic type is by far the most destructive, and this same type of earthquake establish specific intricacies for scientists attempting to build on methods of predicting them
Earthquakes bring about several aspects of concern to the people residing in these so-called seismically active areas. This natural calamity can produce immense loss of life by annihilating structures like bridges, buildings, dams, and other infrastructures and it can even start devastating landslides.
Another fatal result of earthquakes is the creation, oftentimes by undersea vibrations, of so-called tidal waves. Since such waves are not related to the tides, they are more appropriately called as seismic sea waves or tsunamis. These high rising walls of water have smacked inhabited coastal areas with such fierce rage that whole towns have been damaged.
Seismologists, the scientists who study earthquakes, have created two measurement scales that would enable them to categorise earthquakes quantitatively. First is the Richter scale, which was coined in honor of the American seismologist Charles Francis Richter. It gauges the energy given off at the focus of a quake. Its scale ranges from 1 to 9. One being the weakest and 9 as the most destructive.
The other scale is the Mercalli scale that was introduced during the start of the 20th century by the Italian seismologist Giuseppe Mercalli. It measures the intensity of shaking with gradations from I to XII. The Mercalli rating depends on the site where the measurement was taken since the seismic surface effects decrease with distance from the focus of the quake. Intensity I on the Mercalli scale is described as an earthquake perceived by very few people, while intensity XII is designated to a disastrous occurrence that brings about full-blown devastation.
Efforts on forecasting the time and place earthquakes will take place have had some positive accomplishments in recent times. At the moment, countries like Russia, Japan, China, and the United States are the nations putting in significant efforts to support earthquake research. Several predicted occurrences of earthquakes date back in 1975 when the Chinese forecasted a 7.3 Richter scale magnitude quake at Haicheng, that made them evacuate less than a hundred thousand inhabitants only a couple of days before the quake actually happened which damaged or destroyed 90 per cent of the city's buildings. Low-magnitude vibrations or tremors or foreshocks are some indicators of an incoming earthquake. Some other possible hints being inspected are bulging or titling of land surfaces and modifications in the magnetic field of the earth, in the depth of wells, and even in behaviour of animals.
An earthquake is characterised by vibrations generated in the crust of the Earth during the sudden rupture of rocks that accumulated elastic strain and then rebounds. The vibrations produced can vary from hardly perceptible to appallingly damaging. Earthquakes have the potential of releasing energy more than a thousand times greater than the world's first atomic bomb.
There are three general types of earthquakes being recognised: volcanic, tectonic, and artificially produced. Among the three, the tectonic type is by far the most destructive, and this same type of earthquake establish specific intricacies for scientists attempting to build on methods of predicting them
Earthquakes bring about several aspects of concern to the people residing in these so-called seismically active areas. This natural calamity can produce immense loss of life by annihilating structures like bridges, buildings, dams, and other infrastructures and it can even start devastating landslides.
Another fatal result of earthquakes is the creation, oftentimes by undersea vibrations, of so-called tidal waves. Since such waves are not related to the tides, they are more appropriately called as seismic sea waves or tsunamis. These high rising walls of water have smacked inhabited coastal areas with such fierce rage that whole towns have been damaged.
Seismologists, the scientists who study earthquakes, have created two measurement scales that would enable them to categorise earthquakes quantitatively. First is the Richter scale, which was coined in honor of the American seismologist Charles Francis Richter. It gauges the energy given off at the focus of a quake. Its scale ranges from 1 to 9. One being the weakest and 9 as the most destructive.
The other scale is the Mercalli scale that was introduced during the start of the 20th century by the Italian seismologist Giuseppe Mercalli. It measures the intensity of shaking with gradations from I to XII. The Mercalli rating depends on the site where the measurement was taken since the seismic surface effects decrease with distance from the focus of the quake. Intensity I on the Mercalli scale is described as an earthquake perceived by very few people, while intensity XII is designated to a disastrous occurrence that brings about full-blown devastation.
Efforts on forecasting the time and place earthquakes will take place have had some positive accomplishments in recent times. At the moment, countries like Russia, Japan, China, and the United States are the nations putting in significant efforts to support earthquake research. Several predicted occurrences of earthquakes date back in 1975 when the Chinese forecasted a 7.3 Richter scale magnitude quake at Haicheng, that made them evacuate less than a hundred thousand inhabitants only a couple of days before the quake actually happened which damaged or destroyed 90 per cent of the city's buildings. Low-magnitude vibrations or tremors or foreshocks are some indicators of an incoming earthquake. Some other possible hints being inspected are bulging or titling of land surfaces and modifications in the magnetic field of the earth, in the depth of wells, and even in behaviour of animals.
Author:
Danny Wirken owns and runs http://www.earthquakeonline.info which is part of the 1000 strong online Community of http://www.444.net that critically reviews and rates millions of products in 11 countries and services for the benefit of other consumers. Available free of charge to consumers in local-language versions in major western European markets, more than 1.5 million consumers visit the 444 Network every month, making it one of the largest Blog Portals in Europe. The 444 Network also has far reaching charitable outlets from educating underprivileged children in South America to Disaster Relief in South East Asia. EarthquakeOnline.info is an example of an online forum doing its best in making the world a slightly better place.
Terms:Articles may be reprinted provided content is not edited and links are kept live
Source: www.articledepot.co.uk
Successfully Surviving a Natural Disaster
Almost everyone in one way or another has experienced some sort of natural disaster. It may have been a tornado, hurricane, tsunami, earthquake, or any other form of a life threatening event created by nature.
We can almost assume that no one is really prepared for such events especially if we are caught off guard by them. The basic premise for surviving such events comes down to keeping your composure. Remember that the only thing to fear is fear itself. You may be thinking, that’s easier said then done. In fact, it is easier said then done. If panic sets in during a natural disaster it could be detrimental to your survival and maybe to others around you as well.
It's hard to be prepared for any disaster if you did all your disaster planning with the notion that you will be in one particular place during such an event. Chances are you could be away from home when disaster strikes. Don’t put all your eggs into one basket. Taking survival items with you on your travels is recommended especially if you’re headed to a place known to be a hazardous area.
A successful way of being prepared for any disaster is to become familiar with the event itself. There are a lot of articles and news stories both on the internet and the television. A really good example is to watch the Discovery Channel or The Weather Channel on Cable or Satellite TV. Imagine yourself being in imbedded in the same situations. Think about what you would do. If you can’t think about how you would handle theses kinds of situations here’s a few pointers that may offer some help.
Mental Preparation
This is probably the most important thing you will need to help survive a disaster.
First get the idea out of your head that it can’t, or never will happen to you. If you live in a particular area that is prone to certain natural events such as tornados for instance then do as much research as you can on this topic. Read stories about people who survived a tornado. Don’t read about people who did not survive one as its counter productive. Watch The Discovery Channel or The Weather Channel when there is a show on tornados.
Expect that you may not be at home when one strikes. Maybe you’re visiting with a relative or neighbor. Ask your relative, or neighbor what they have planned in case such events were to happen. If you ever have the chance to actually see a tornado from a safe distance I would recommend doing so. This may help in overcoming some fears you may have of them.
Developing your common sense is critical. Your common sense is what you’re going to have to rely on. Common sense is derived from knowledge, beliefs, and experience you have. Getting the knowledge is easy. Acquiring the experience is not. That’s why you will need to read, or view stories about people who have survived a disaster. Then imagine yourself in their place. Doing what they did to survive. This will help to develop your common sense. You will need to do this a few times on a regular basis till it’s imbedded into your subconscious mind. Your beliefs should change from thinking that you’re going to die to believing that you will survive.
Physical Preparation
This comes in three parts. The first part is being physically prepared yourself. Being healthy is very important. Get exercise such as jogging, swimming, or riding a bike. Eat healthy food, and try to lose weight if you’re overweight. If you’re weak, can’t run or unable to lift heavy objects then you need to get in better shape. Of course some people can’t do these things because of disabilities or age. If you fit into one of those categories then make sure someone who can do those things can come to your help if needed.
Take a course in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). There are many places which give this training for free. If you have several members of your family living with you, have them take the training also.
The second most important thing is to keep within reach items that can assist in helping you during an emergency. A cell phone, 2 way radio, flashlight, and first aid kit are good examples. If you’re away from home keeping these items in your car would be beneficial. If you don’t have a car, or are a good distance from it, consider a small backpack, or purse that can hold these items.
Third, stay informed of current and pending weather conditions before you do any traveling, even short distances. Do a quick look on the internet, or The Weather Channel. It will only take a few minutes of your time.
Prepare a written plan and make sure your family is aware of it. Within this plan include a place where everyone can meet incase they get separated from each other. A primary location and a secondary location would be a good idea. If the natural disaster is large, where a whole State is affected, then created a location in another State where everyone can meet.
Conclusion
Remember that you are only helpless if you believe you’re helpless. Successful preparation is a key to surviving any disaster. Stay Informed.
By Brian Swiecicki
http://www.millionserved.com
Almost everyone in one way or another has experienced some sort of natural disaster. It may have been a tornado, hurricane, tsunami, earthquake, or any other form of a life threatening event created by nature.
We can almost assume that no one is really prepared for such events especially if we are caught off guard by them. The basic premise for surviving such events comes down to keeping your composure. Remember that the only thing to fear is fear itself. You may be thinking, that’s easier said then done. In fact, it is easier said then done. If panic sets in during a natural disaster it could be detrimental to your survival and maybe to others around you as well.
It's hard to be prepared for any disaster if you did all your disaster planning with the notion that you will be in one particular place during such an event. Chances are you could be away from home when disaster strikes. Don’t put all your eggs into one basket. Taking survival items with you on your travels is recommended especially if you’re headed to a place known to be a hazardous area.
A successful way of being prepared for any disaster is to become familiar with the event itself. There are a lot of articles and news stories both on the internet and the television. A really good example is to watch the Discovery Channel or The Weather Channel on Cable or Satellite TV. Imagine yourself being in imbedded in the same situations. Think about what you would do. If you can’t think about how you would handle theses kinds of situations here’s a few pointers that may offer some help.
Mental Preparation
This is probably the most important thing you will need to help survive a disaster.
First get the idea out of your head that it can’t, or never will happen to you. If you live in a particular area that is prone to certain natural events such as tornados for instance then do as much research as you can on this topic. Read stories about people who survived a tornado. Don’t read about people who did not survive one as its counter productive. Watch The Discovery Channel or The Weather Channel when there is a show on tornados.
Expect that you may not be at home when one strikes. Maybe you’re visiting with a relative or neighbor. Ask your relative, or neighbor what they have planned in case such events were to happen. If you ever have the chance to actually see a tornado from a safe distance I would recommend doing so. This may help in overcoming some fears you may have of them.
Developing your common sense is critical. Your common sense is what you’re going to have to rely on. Common sense is derived from knowledge, beliefs, and experience you have. Getting the knowledge is easy. Acquiring the experience is not. That’s why you will need to read, or view stories about people who have survived a disaster. Then imagine yourself in their place. Doing what they did to survive. This will help to develop your common sense. You will need to do this a few times on a regular basis till it’s imbedded into your subconscious mind. Your beliefs should change from thinking that you’re going to die to believing that you will survive.
Physical Preparation
This comes in three parts. The first part is being physically prepared yourself. Being healthy is very important. Get exercise such as jogging, swimming, or riding a bike. Eat healthy food, and try to lose weight if you’re overweight. If you’re weak, can’t run or unable to lift heavy objects then you need to get in better shape. Of course some people can’t do these things because of disabilities or age. If you fit into one of those categories then make sure someone who can do those things can come to your help if needed.
Take a course in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). There are many places which give this training for free. If you have several members of your family living with you, have them take the training also.
The second most important thing is to keep within reach items that can assist in helping you during an emergency. A cell phone, 2 way radio, flashlight, and first aid kit are good examples. If you’re away from home keeping these items in your car would be beneficial. If you don’t have a car, or are a good distance from it, consider a small backpack, or purse that can hold these items.
Third, stay informed of current and pending weather conditions before you do any traveling, even short distances. Do a quick look on the internet, or The Weather Channel. It will only take a few minutes of your time.
Prepare a written plan and make sure your family is aware of it. Within this plan include a place where everyone can meet incase they get separated from each other. A primary location and a secondary location would be a good idea. If the natural disaster is large, where a whole State is affected, then created a location in another State where everyone can meet.
Conclusion
Remember that you are only helpless if you believe you’re helpless. Successful preparation is a key to surviving any disaster. Stay Informed.
By Brian Swiecicki
http://www.millionserved.com
Author:
Almost everyone in one way or another has experienced some sort of natural disaster. It may have been a tornado, hurricane, tsunami, earthquake, or any other form of a life threatening event created by nature.
Terms:Articles may be reprinted provided content is not edited and links are kept live
Source: www.articledepot.co.uk
Five Top Tips for Disaster Planning For Your Family and Your Business - Everyone Needs to Know
Hurricane Katrina, one of the most powerful hurricanes in our nations history, Hurricane Wilma and Hurricane Rita’s left behind catastrophic damage. Families were displaced, homes destroyed, and now comes the task of trying to put the puzzle together. This task remains difficult even today. For those who aren’t in the effected areas, you have no idea how hard the day-to-day struggles are. You long for life to return to normal, but everyday brings new challenges of the devastation caused by these disasters. And it’s not just hurricanes that can cause this damage. The mideast recently got hit with record number of tornados, over 100 in one day. The nation has experienced floods, mudslides, wildfires, and then the constant threat of a pending terrorist attack. Are you ready?
Diana Ennen, co-author of Home Office Recovery Plan: The Disaster Preparedness Guide for Your Home Business, http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com was hit by 8 hurricanes since last August. Hurricane Wilma left catastrophic damage in her city of Margate and her home suffered tremendous damage. Without power for two weeks and facing the stress of trying to run a family and business, she advises, "Being prepared for a hurricane or any natural disaster takes away the stress and anxiety. When timing is critical, I want to focus on the safety of my family, not on taking an inventory of my business, or deciding where I need to go. I also need to know that my family members will know how to find me after the disaster.”
Dr. Paulo J. Reyes, a First Responder in California and author of the fiction thriller Sledgehammer http://www.pauloreyes.com has firsthand disaster recovery experience and participated in various disaster relief efforts in California including the Air Mexicana crash in 1986, the last major earthquake in L.A. in 1994, and the influenza epidemic 1997-1998. He advised, "Loss of lives can be greatly reduced if everyone has a complete plan of action prior to the event. Not only with the reduction of heart attacks and stress related illnesses, but people tend to get to safety quicker if they have already planned ahead and know what they are going to do.”
Here are some steps you can take to prepare:
Step One -- If you do not already have flood and windstorm insurance, you should consider getting it. Keep in mind that windstorm insurance policies are not sold when a storm threatens, so you need to think far enough ahead. You can find out about the National Flood Insurance Program through your local insurance agent or emergency management office. Homeowners polices do not cover damage from the flooding that accompanies a hurricane. Find out everything you can about your coverage now. Ask questions. You need to know this information now, before it’s too late and you discover you aren’t covered when you thought you were.
Step Two - Identify a safe place for everyone to meet. This pre-determined place should be discussed with family members prior to an emergency. Depending on the type of emergency you are planning, you might want to consider establishing a second location in case the first is inaccessible. Tell out-of-state family members where this meeting place is.
Step Three - Have a safe place in the home that you can go. During Hurricane Wilma we found firsthand how critical this was. One room of our house was badly damaged and winds of 110 mps were blowing through. Under the extreme stress we faced at that time, our pre-planning allowed us to be safe and secure in a room with no windows and all the essentials we needed. With the kids screaming, I knew at the time that I had done everything I could to ensure the safety of my family. That advance planning is priceless.
Step Four - In addition to a safe place, each person should have a list of phone numbers for your immediate neighbors and family members not living with you. We suggest using 3X5 index cards and laminating them. If my family were to be displaced, I want relatives and friends to be able to contact them immediately.
Step Five -- For businesses – You should have client contact phone numbers and email addresses in a safe place so that you can notify them immediately of the situation. Also, prepare a disaster recovery plan and have someone you trust keep a copy of it. This should include vital information including medical information, family and friend’s names, your complete contact information, where valuable information such as wills and trusts and legal documents are kept, serial numbers for equipment and names of equipment and household and business supplies, and a disaster escape route in the event you need to evacuate. Make sure you have back-up all data and keep off site. This would be beneficial even if you home suffered a theft. Get a generator if possible. If you are without power, that can greatly affect the livelihood of your business.
To prepare your home and business now is the time to write a Disaster Recovery Plan. Additional information is available at our site. Prepare now for the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ve done everything you can to protect your home and business.
Hurricane Katrina, one of the most powerful hurricanes in our nations history, Hurricane Wilma and Hurricane Rita’s left behind catastrophic damage. Families were displaced, homes destroyed, and now comes the task of trying to put the puzzle together. This task remains difficult even today. For those who aren’t in the effected areas, you have no idea how hard the day-to-day struggles are. You long for life to return to normal, but everyday brings new challenges of the devastation caused by these disasters. And it’s not just hurricanes that can cause this damage. The mideast recently got hit with record number of tornados, over 100 in one day. The nation has experienced floods, mudslides, wildfires, and then the constant threat of a pending terrorist attack. Are you ready?
Diana Ennen, co-author of Home Office Recovery Plan: The Disaster Preparedness Guide for Your Home Business, http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com was hit by 8 hurricanes since last August. Hurricane Wilma left catastrophic damage in her city of Margate and her home suffered tremendous damage. Without power for two weeks and facing the stress of trying to run a family and business, she advises, "Being prepared for a hurricane or any natural disaster takes away the stress and anxiety. When timing is critical, I want to focus on the safety of my family, not on taking an inventory of my business, or deciding where I need to go. I also need to know that my family members will know how to find me after the disaster.”
Dr. Paulo J. Reyes, a First Responder in California and author of the fiction thriller Sledgehammer http://www.pauloreyes.com has firsthand disaster recovery experience and participated in various disaster relief efforts in California including the Air Mexicana crash in 1986, the last major earthquake in L.A. in 1994, and the influenza epidemic 1997-1998. He advised, "Loss of lives can be greatly reduced if everyone has a complete plan of action prior to the event. Not only with the reduction of heart attacks and stress related illnesses, but people tend to get to safety quicker if they have already planned ahead and know what they are going to do.”
Here are some steps you can take to prepare:
Step One -- If you do not already have flood and windstorm insurance, you should consider getting it. Keep in mind that windstorm insurance policies are not sold when a storm threatens, so you need to think far enough ahead. You can find out about the National Flood Insurance Program through your local insurance agent or emergency management office. Homeowners polices do not cover damage from the flooding that accompanies a hurricane. Find out everything you can about your coverage now. Ask questions. You need to know this information now, before it’s too late and you discover you aren’t covered when you thought you were.
Step Two - Identify a safe place for everyone to meet. This pre-determined place should be discussed with family members prior to an emergency. Depending on the type of emergency you are planning, you might want to consider establishing a second location in case the first is inaccessible. Tell out-of-state family members where this meeting place is.
Step Three - Have a safe place in the home that you can go. During Hurricane Wilma we found firsthand how critical this was. One room of our house was badly damaged and winds of 110 mps were blowing through. Under the extreme stress we faced at that time, our pre-planning allowed us to be safe and secure in a room with no windows and all the essentials we needed. With the kids screaming, I knew at the time that I had done everything I could to ensure the safety of my family. That advance planning is priceless.
Step Four - In addition to a safe place, each person should have a list of phone numbers for your immediate neighbors and family members not living with you. We suggest using 3X5 index cards and laminating them. If my family were to be displaced, I want relatives and friends to be able to contact them immediately.
Step Five -- For businesses – You should have client contact phone numbers and email addresses in a safe place so that you can notify them immediately of the situation. Also, prepare a disaster recovery plan and have someone you trust keep a copy of it. This should include vital information including medical information, family and friend’s names, your complete contact information, where valuable information such as wills and trusts and legal documents are kept, serial numbers for equipment and names of equipment and household and business supplies, and a disaster escape route in the event you need to evacuate. Make sure you have back-up all data and keep off site. This would be beneficial even if you home suffered a theft. Get a generator if possible. If you are without power, that can greatly affect the livelihood of your business.
To prepare your home and business now is the time to write a Disaster Recovery Plan. Additional information is available at our site. Prepare now for the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ve done everything you can to protect your home and business.
Author:
*** Diana Ennen is the author of numerous books including Virtual Assistant -The Series: Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA, Words From Home, Start, Run and Profit from a Home-Based Word Processing Business and the Home Office Recovery Plan (http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com). She also is the publisher of the science fiction thriller, Sledgehammer, http://www.pauloreyes.com/. Free to reprint article as long as author’s bio remains intact.
Terms:Articles may be reprinted provided content is not edited and links are kept live
Source: www.articledepot.co.uk
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