Surviving natural disasters in the Northwest requires advance preparation

SEATTLE - As more survivors are pulled from the carnage caused by last week's deadly storm, Northwest residents are reminded that now is the time to prepare for the next earthquake, wildfire, flood or other natural disaster.

Though natural disasters are hard to predict, developing a disaster preparedness plan can increase your chances of saving your family and property from a catastrophic loss.

"We have a wide variety of potential natural disasters in the Northwest," said Karl Newman, NW Insurance Council president. "Fortunately, you don't need a completely separate plan for each disaster. Put together a comprehensive plan that takes into account your risk of earthquake, wildfire, flood, windstorm, landslides, tsunamis and freezing weather."

The NW Insurance Council offers the following tips to help you develop an effective disaster preparedness plan for surviving the next disaster:

• Review your insurance policies to be sure you have the right coverage to meet your needs. Find out what your insurance will cover. Standard homeowners insurance does not cover damage caused by flood, earthquake, landslides or tsunamis.
• Flood insurance may be purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program. You may purchase earthquake coverage separately through your homeowners insurance company.
• Develop a home inventory of your personal property. A complete inventory of personal property will help in obtaining insurance settlements and/or tax deductions for losses. Don't trust your memory. List descriptions and take pictures and include receipts if possible. Store your home inventory and insurance papers in waterproof containers offsite in a safety deposit box or with a friend.
• Become familiar with your community's disaster preparedness plans.
• Develop an emergency kit that includes a three-day supply of drinking water and food you don't have to refrigerate or cook. The kit should also contain first aid supplies, a weather radio, batteries, clothing, blankets, medicine, copies of your insurance policies and some basic tools. More disaster planning resources are available at http//www.redcross.org. ¨
• Plan an escape route in the event you have to evacuate your home.
• Check with city or county officials for low points in the event of a flood.
• Be sure your vehicle has a full tank of gas.
• Determine the location of the nearest official shelter. The Red Cross can locate the shelter nearest your home and explain what you should bring with you.

Free downloadable home inventory software is available from the NW Insurance Council at www.NW Insurance Councilonline.org or you can request a free home inventory booklet by calling (800) 664-4942 or via e-mail at info@NW Insurance Councilonline.org.

The NW Insurance Council is a nonprofit, public education organization funded by member insurance companies.

###