ARE YOU PREPARED

Are you prepared? No one ever expects disaster to hit them. Even if a warning has been issued we still hope for the best. But disaster does happen.

 

According to a WalletHub  Mississippi is the most impacted by natural disasters.  Texas ranks third.  Fires, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, freezes and even droughts create devastating results. Billions of dollars have been lost to these disasters.

 
Worst Natural Disasters in Mississippi By Cost (Since 2000)
  1. Hurricane Katrina 2005: $190 billion
  2. Hurricane Harvey 2017: $151.3 billion
  3. Hurricane Ida 2021: $80.2 billion
  4. 2012 Drought and Heat Wave: $39.3 billion
  5. Hurricane Ivan 2004: $32.2 billion

 

Stats on Texas disasters can be found at KXAN (Austin).

Damage Cost in Texas: $950 B

Deaths in U.S.: 16,111

Deaths in Texas: 6,890

 

Sadly it’s likely that you too will experience some kind of damage in MS and TX from one or more of these disasters.


You could be anywhere – at work, at school or in the car.
How will you find each other?
Will you know if your children are safe?

Emergencies and disasters can strike quickly and without warning. You could be forced out of your home or worse not be able to leave your home. Agree on a location to meet with family that may be at work or not with you in your home when an evacuation happens. Make a plan if phones don’t work.

It’s best to have your important papers and belongings in one place for an easy grab.

What would you do if basic services water, gas, electricity or telephones were cut off?

A back up generator is pricey but if you can afford one they are great when service is disrupted. Have drinking water stored for emergencies as well as food.

For insurance purposes have photos of all your contents. Make a written list of everything you own including clothes. If you have children include their items also including toys. This will aide in getting insurance payments quickly.


Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away. You can cope with disaster by preparing in advance and by working with your family as a team.

Summary:

  1. Stay informed.
  2. Make a plan
  3. Assemble a kit (papers water, food,  meds)
  4. Go over your plan with family once a month. Make sure your emergency kit is stocked and ready to go.

Knowing what to do is your best protection and your responsibility.

To Top