GS Jones has compiled a list of tips to help you and your family prepare for a disaster in Pittsburgh.
Knowing Pittsburgh
A major part of disaster preparation is knowing what kind of disasters your area might face and know how to handle each situation. Pittsburgh has been known for harsh snow falls, flooding and tornadoes. If you are unable to list the possibilities of natural disaster in your location visit your local Red Cross. Red Cross keeps a handy list of natural disasters per location.
Have an Evacuation Plan
Trying to figure out the correct evacuation route during a disaster is not the best strategy. Knowing the details of your local evacuation plan can save you and your family a lot of stress and could possible save your lives.
Take time and sit down with your family to create an evacuation plan that works for you. Key factors to think about when planning an evacuation:
- Do you have an emergency kit prepared?
- Do you know where to meet if a disaster happens when you are not all in the same place?
- Do you have a list of emergency contacts?
- Does your family know how to safely exit your home during a disaster?
- Do you know where your local emergency facilities and shelters are located?
Stay In Touch
When a disaster strikes you never know if you will continue to have cell service or access to the internet. Take time to think about how you will contact your family or friends to let them know you are alright. At GS Jones we recommend that you have an out of the area emergency contact.
You should memorize or keep a list of emergency contact on you at all times. If you plan on keeping your emergency contacts on your cell phone make sure you memorize a few of them just in case your cell phone is damaged or has no power during an emergency.
Get Informed
In this day and age you can sign up for emergency alerts. Most cell phones with texting capabilities can receive these alerts. You can also tune into your local radio or tv station to stay informed of any disasters headed your way.
Out of Home Plan
Disasters don’t always strike when you are at home. If an emergency happens while you are at work, at school our out and about town you should be prepared to properly react in each situation. Know the evacuation routes you can take from each location.
Create a Kit
Create an emergency kit that has the basic essentials. Your emergency kit should include food, water, first aid supplies, a flash light and spare batteries, extra clothing, emergency contacts and your evacuation plan. Make sure everything is in working order and your kit is easily accessible.
If your Pittsburgh home has suffered from a disaster such as water damage, fire or smoke damage or storm damage contact GS Jones today! We can safely and quickly remove and repair all natural disaster damages in Pittsburgh.