How do I learn about natural disaster risk?
At Faura, we believe that homeowners should be informed about their risk, not only to help reduce your risk but also to prepare you for the worst case scenario. Losing your most valuable asset is something we don’t take lightly, and want to be more proactive about in every element of our work.
That’s why we’ve put together a few resources to help you not only better equip yourself with the tools necessary to defend your property, but also to make you more aware of things you may not have known about your property. For a more in-depth and personalized look at your risk factors, you can take our free assessment here.
1. Ready.gov
Ready.gov is a website and disaster preparedness organization that puts their emphasis on helping people in high-risk areas in various capacities. They have resources on everything from what to prioritize as a caregiver to packing a bag and how to create a sustainable plan of evacuation.
Our favorite part about ready.gov is that it takes into account all walks of life, from those with disabilities to elderly folks to pets and animals to businesses and how to manage all of them from up close or afar. As a baseline, the knowledge they provide is crucial in determining how ready you are for natural disasters, and any disaster for that matter!
Don’t forget, practice makes perfect. Drills, neighborhood watch, and other local resources can help you practice safely evacuating and promote better practices in the case of a real emergency.
2. Red Cross Disaster Preparedness
The Red Cross isn’t just a volunteer organization! They have hundreds of courses and certification programs that can help you and your family stay safer in times of stress. As a first step, head to their website for information about where to find local resources or contact your local Red Cross representative. Second, check out their checklists and make sure you’re able to adequately prepare your family. The Red Cross often has shelters and facilities that are made open to the public in case of an emergency, so understanding where those locations are can be crucial in having the most effective evacuation plan.
3. County-specific Disaster Resources
We went out of our way to list the most common resources or perhaps the most recognizable, but there are many many resources specific to your county that might be more helpful! Chances are, your county knows the area way better than any official looking from the outside in, so talk to your neighbors and friends about any groups you can join or take part in that might help aid in an evacuation or protection plan in the long run. For wildfire, there are Firesafe and Firewise communities that help prepare for intense seasons. For hurricane, there are programs that help teach tie downs and educate on when they’re most likely to impact certain neighborhoods.
Either way, familiarizing yourself with the resources closest and most available to you can always go a long way.
