AAA urges homeowners to plan ahead, stock Emergency Kit

The wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles and New Jersey may seem extreme and unlikely examples of loss, but according to the U.S. Census Bureau, fires, tornados and other natural disasters force more than two million people from their homes each year.

With spring storms expected to roll across the state this week, AAA reminds homeowners to plan and prepare for any possibility. According to the National Weather Season, April through June is the most active time for tornados, but one can strike at any time.

“The most important aspect of any plan, is first and foremost to ensure everyone’s safety,” says Dan Scroggins, VP, Personal Lines Insurance, at The Insurance Agency at AAA. “Having a readily available grab-and-go emergency kit that includes critical documents can make both the evacuation and recovery process more manageable.”

AAA recommends homeowners follow five steps in preparation for a natural disaster:

1. Make a Plan – Develop a family emergency plan including ways to contact each other, alternative meeting locations, and an out-of-town contact. Identify a safe room or safest areas in your home. Research your evacuation route. Be sure to include plans for your pets.
2. Take Inventory – Update your home inventory by walking through your home with a video camera or smart phone. Keep a record of large purchases, including the cost of the item, date purchased, and model and serial numbers if available.
3. Check Your Vehicle – There are a record number of older vehicles on U.S. roadways. Basic maintenance is critical to ensuring that your vehicle will be ready to go when you need it.
4. Protect Your Property – Review your homeowner’s insurance coverage with your advisor to determine if you have adequate protection. Discuss your deductibles. Be aware that flood insurance is not typically covered under your homeowner’s policy. Flooding to your vehicle, however, may be covered. Again, consult your advisor to ensure adequate coverage.
5. Stock a Grab-and-Go Home Emergency Kit – Consider the critical items you might need if:

• Disaster destroys your home leaving it uninhabitable.
• Disaster damages your home resulting in significant losses
• Disaster knocks out electricity, internet and/or cell service to your home for a prolonged period

“Homeowners should always have on hand a three-day supply of non-perishable foods, water and medications, including for your pets,” Scroggins adds.

Additionally, here are 10 items your Home Emergency Kit should include:

1. Hard copies or electronic records of important documents, such as birth certificates, social security cards, driver’s licenses, passports, insurance cards and medical documents. Best to store these items in a waterproof, grab-and-go carrier
2. Multipurpose tool or can opener for access to those non-perishable foods 
3. Flashlight, extra batteries
4. Cell phone with chargers (consider a solar charger and car charger)
5. Prescriptions, first-aid kit 
6. Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
7. Moist towelettes
8. Garbage bags and plastic ties
9. Travel-size personal hygiene products, including toothbrush, toothpaste and hand sanitizer 
10. Sleeping bags

Your Home Emergency Kit should be checked every six months to ensure all items are in working order and stored food, water and medications have not expired.

For more information visit CSAA.com.