National Preparedness Month: How to Prepare for the Unexpected

9/24/2024 (Permalink)

National Preparedness Month: How to Prepare for the Unexpected

Every September, FEMA designates National Preparedness Month as a time to focus on building and reviewing your emergency plans. While disasters can happen anytime, this month reminds us of the importance of taking proactive steps to protect our families, homes, and businesses from unexpected crises. As SERVPRO of East Greenville, we understand first hand the devastation disasters can cause and the difference that preparedness makes in reducing long-term damage.

But preparedness isn’t just about having a first aid kit. It’s about creating comprehensive, actionable plans that ensure safety during and after disasters, whether they’re natural, man- made, or health-related. This year, as we observe National Preparedness Month, we encourage you to take stock of your family’s or business’s emergency plans to ensure you’re ready to act when disaster strikes.

The Importance of Preparedness:

Being prepared for a disaster is crucial, whether you’re safeguarding your home or keeping your business operational. Statistics from FEMA show that 40% of companies do not reopen after a disaster, and even fewer businesses have an emergency plan in place. The same concept applies to families: having an emergency plan is not only about survival but also about managing the aftermath in the most efficient way possible.

Preparedness also provides a psychological advantage. Families and businesses with concrete emergency plans tend to recover faster because they’ve mitigated risks in advance. This not only saves time and money but also reduces stress and fear when faced with the unknown.

Types of Disasters to Prepare For:

Disasters come in many forms, from severe weather events to unforeseen man-made hazards.

While each region faces different threats, the Upstate of South Carolina, including Greenville, has its own set of potential disasters.

• Natural Disasters: Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, wildfires, and earthquakes are all threats. Although we may not face hurricanes directly, the effects of such storms, like heavy flooding, can severely impact the region. Flash floods in Greenville or nearby areas can cause significant property damage.

• Man-Made Disasters: Fires, chemical spills, and power outages are common risks. Electrical fires or industrial accidents can disrupt communities and businesses without warning.

• Pandemics: While not traditionally discussed in disaster planning, health emergencies such as pandemics, as seen with COVID-19, must be considered. These types of disasters affect both families and businesses, requiring special attention to health and wellness preparedness. 

Key Elements of an Emergency Plan:

Developing an emergency plan involves much more than having a few supplies. It's about ensuring that your family or business has clear, step-by-step instructions for how to act when faced with different types of emergencies. A solid plan reduces confusion, speeds up response time, and can help minimize damage. Whether you're preparing for a flood, fire, or another type of disaster, here are the essential components to include:

• Communication Plan: Knowing how to reach your loved ones or employees during an emergency is critical. Designate a central contact person who lives outside the disaster area and ensure all parties know how to communicate through text, email, or phone.

• Evacuation Routes: Whether you’re at home or at your business, identify multiple evacuation routes. This is particularly important for homes or offices in flood-prone areas or near forests prone to wildfires.

• Disaster Kit: Every household or business should have a well-stocked disaster kit. This should include water, non-perishable food, medications, first-aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, and power backups. For businesses, this may also include critical records and data backups stored off-site or in the cloud.

• Shelter Plans: Depending on the disaster, you may need to shelter in place. Ensure you have supplies that will last at least 72 hours and understand the different types of shelter plans, whether staying at home or heading to a designated safe location.

• Disaster Preparation Tips:

For both families and businesses, preparation starts long before disaster strikes. Here are some practical steps to take today:

• For Families: Teach children how to dial emergency numbers, where to go during different types of disasters (e.g., tornadoes, floods), and ensure that important family documents are easily accessible and protected. Simple tasks like securing loose items outside can prevent damage during storms.

• For Businesses: Consider conducting an annual disaster drill with employees. Evaluate your insurance policies to ensure they cover all potential disasters. Also, review your business continuity plan, ensuring you have backup systems for power and data in place. SERVPRO of East Greenville can assist in creating a business emergency plan to reduce downtime and loss.

Managing the Aftermath of a Disaster: 

The first 24 hours after a disaster are critical. Immediate action will determine the extent of the long-term damage and how quickly you can recover.

• For Families: Focus on safety first. Once the immediate threat is gone, assess the damage, ensure your loved ones are safe, and reach out to emergency services if needed.

• For Businesses: Business recovery is crucial in reducing financial losses. Securing the property, retrieving important data, and communicating with employees and customers are all key steps to getting back on track. This is where SERVPRO® steps in with restoration services, including fire damage cleanup, water damage restoration, mold remediation, and more.

SERVPRO’s Emergency Ready Profile (ERP):

For businesses in the Greenville area, SERVPRO of East Greenville offers an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP). This comprehensive plan helps businesses minimize downtime after a disaster by preparing ahead of time. The ERP includes critical information such as emergency contacts, utility shut-off locations, and insurance details. Having this profile in place means businesses can act quickly to reduce damage and restore operations.

National Preparedness Month serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of being prepared for the unexpected. Whether you're protecting your family or your business, taking the time to plan now can save lives, reduce damage, and ensure a faster recovery. SERVPRO of East Greenville is Here to Help® you through the process, offering expert advice and emergency services when you need them most.

This September, take action. Review your emergency plans, create a disaster kit, and let SERVPRO of East Greenville guide you in protecting what matters most.