Motivate

M = Motivate county residents to plan and prepare for        all emergencies

Safety Skills

It is important that family members know how to administer first aid and CPR and how to use a fire extinguisher.

Learn First Aid and CPR
Take a first aid and CPR class. Local American Red Cross chapters can provide information about this type of training. Official certification by the American Red Cross provides, under the “good Samaritan” law, protection for those giving first aid.

Learn How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
Read about fire extinguisher selection, location and use. Be sure everyone knows how to use your fire extinguisher(s) and where it is kept. You should have, at a minimum, an ABC type fire extinguisher.

Insurance

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Washington Emergency Management Division (WEMD) remind people that with a home inventory list, an insurance agent can provide owners and renters with a policy that matches their needs. In addition, after a disaster, an inventory can help provide proof of personal property loss.

Government and industry officials also recommend taking photos of the outside of a home as well as all contents, and to store these photos together with the inventory list in a safe place away from the house.

"The complete inventory, including photos, may be one of the most valuable investments for peace of mind we will ever make for ourselves and our families," said Gail Haubrich, FEMA individual assistance housing supervisor. "If a catastrophic event disrupts our homes and surroundings, a home inventory will eliminate the need to piece that information together in the aftermath of the event."

Property owners and renters should schedule an appointment with an insurance agent to discuss the best way to protect their property.

Property owners may be required to have both hazard and flood insurance, each available commercially. Renters should also consider insurance to protect personal belongings. Standard hazard policies may require additional riders for items such as collectibles, jewelry and/or damage from sewage backup. Disaster assistance from FEMA and other agencies cannot provide the extensive protection individuals can get from insurance. FEMA assistance is limited and designed primarily to get disaster victims on the road to recovery.

• Insurance Checklist and Video Guidelines – See Document Lounge for brochure download; also The Insurance Information Institute has developed a tool for individuals to use in compiling a home inventory. On its website, www.knowyourstuff.org are also videos describing the steps of a home inventory, as well as free software to assist in beginning and updating the list.
• Updating Your Insurance Coverage – Homeowners and Flood – see Document Lounge for brochure download
• National Flood Insurance Program  http://www.fema.gov/business/nfip/
• Flood Insurance Rate Maps – View Existing Ones or Create a Personalized One - http://www.msc.fema.gov/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/FemaWelcome
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