LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – September is National Emergency Preparedness Month and the Michigan State Police (MSP) are encouraging residents to take steps to secure their household’s plans.
Disasters and emergencies happen when we least expect them. High winds, tornados, snow storms, and flooding from rain and snow melt can mean property damage, power outages, or getting stuck at home for extended periods.
First Lieutenant Gabriel Covey with the MSP Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division explained that the easiest way to plan is by remembering the three pillars of emergency preparedness: Staying informed, making a plan and communicating it with your household, and creating an emergency kit for your home and vehicle.
“We’re just encouraging people to start the conversation here in our state. Are you informed of certain potential hazards in your area or inclement weather that’s coming in? Do you talk to your kids about the plan? Where is the rendezvous point? Where is the emergency preparedness kit?” Lt. Covey said. “Say the power goes out, there’s inclement weather, or you’re unable to get some of the resources that you’re used to getting. You almost can’t have enough stuff, right? Who knows, can you survive for a few days before things are restored, or help finally arrives?”
Covey said that finding ways to stay informed about potential hazards can make a huge difference, giving you some time to prepare and put your plan in place.
The second pillar is all about making those plans and making sure everyone in the household knows them. Whether it’s for something like a fire, a power outage, or a snowstorm.
Having an emergency preparedness kit is the last pillar. You can prepare to be stuck at home or in your vehicle by collecting the resources you’ll need in advance. Things like extra food and water, blankets, a flashlight, or candles and matches can all be good items to include. For vehicles, make sure you keep your gas tank full and have good snow tires and regular pressure checks.
The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is also working with people during Emergency Preparedness Month. DIFS recommends that Michiganders review their insurance policies and create a plan to pay policy deductibles in the event of an emergency to ensure they can take advantage of their insurance coverage.
In addition to having a plan to pay your insurance deductible, DIFS said National Preparedness Month is a good time for Michiganders to:
- Review insurance policies to understand coverage and responsibilities. Flood damage is not covered by standard homeowners and renters insurance policies. There are certain insurance policies, including federal flood insurance, that homeowners would need to purchase to have coverage for flooding or water and sewer back-up resulting from storms or other natural disasters.
- Prepare a detailed inventory of personal property with photographs or videos of each room in the home and a detailed list of other valuables and equipment that do not appear in the photos or videos. these materials should be stored in a safe place, such as a safe deposit box, with a relative, or online.
- Make a list of important telephone numbers, including family members, insurance agents, and insurance companies.
- Store copies of all insurance policy declaration pages and insurance cards in a safe place, such as a safe deposit box or online in the cloud, in case the originals are destroyed or lost.
Lt. Covey said taking the extra time to think through a plan as a household may seem small but could save a life.
