Business : Creating a Family Emergency Plan

Creating a Family Emergency Plan Mother Nature is unpredictable, and this time of year often creates threatening weather. Because we can’t foresee when the next flood, tornado or fire may occur, it’s a good idea to have an emergency plan in place. Here are some tips for preparing for the unexpected. Develop a family communication plan Your family may not be together when a disaster occurs, so plan in advance how you’ll contact one another in different situations. Designate a long-distance friend or relative for each family member to contact in the event of an emergency, as it may be easier for that person to communicate among separated family members. Be sure each person knows the phone number of the emergency contact. Plan and practice escape routes In the event of a fire, immediate escape is essential. It takes only minutes for a house to fill with smoke and become engulfed in flames. The U.S. Fire Administration recommends planning two ways out of each room in your home, and regularly practicing escape plans. Make sure each family member knows the safest route out of the house, and that young children are able to open windows and doors. Once out of the house, meet in a designated location and wait for help to arrive. Take inventory of your belongings Create a list of valuable items in your home, such as electronics, appliances, furnishings and collectibles. In the event of a disaster, remembering the contents of your home and their value will be important in determining your total loss. While it’s not possible to predict or prevent all natural disasters, being prepared can help you weather the storm, and make filing a claim a much smoother process. Source: Federal Citizen Information Center documents “Your Family Disaster Supplies Kit” and “Preparing Makes Sense. Get Ready Now.” www.pueblo.gsa.gov, visited March 11, 2008. “Get Out Safely,” U.S. Fire Administration, www.usfa.dhs.gov, visited March 11, 2008. Tips brought to you by Farm Bureau Financial Services. For more information about products and services, call Randy R. Stein CLU, ChFC, LUTCF at (319) 472-5231 or stop by the office located at 1105 West 9th Street in Vinton. Securities & services offered through EquiTrust Marketing Services, LLC+, 5400 University Ave., West Des Moines, IA 50266, 877/860-2904, Member SIPC. Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company+*, Western Agricultural Insurance Company+*, Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company+*/West Des Moines, IA. +Affiliates *Company providers of Farm Bureau Financial Services