Disasters happen on a daily basis whether they are weather related or simply a personal disaster. Being prepared for these types of events is important. The added stress of being unprepared coupled with the disaster happening around you can cause a rift in a family. As a working mother you have to take care of quite a few things including your career and family. There are some disasters that cannot be planned for so a proper response to them is imperative. The following are some disasters that you and your family might endure and how you should deal with them.
Flooding and Hurricanes
There are large portions of the country that have to worry about hurricanes and flooding. This had to be put in the same section because where there are hurricanes more than likely flooding will occur. Floods can be extremely dangerous and can even sweep an entire home away. Sitting water can destroy the foundation and walls of your home if it isn’t removed. Sometimes the best option is to find a company that does water extraction for emergency water damage to minimize the damage that is done. The most important thing you can do during a flood warning is move your family to safety. The worst case scenario is not evacuating with no help in sight which can be deadly. Homes in flood zones come with huge insurance rates in addition to the mortgage so keep this in mind when house hunting.
Fires
Fires come in all shape and sizes with some being minor while other ones can be life changing. These can be caused by natural causes or an old appliance with bad wiring sparking. Fires can claim the lives of your family and pets very quickly. Keeping all of your smoke detectors with fresh batteries is quite easy. Doing this every couple of months is sufficient and most detectors chirp with that annoying beep when the batteries are low. A fire extinguisher in every family member’s bedroom might seem like overkill but you would rather be prepared for the worst. Change out old appliances and unplug everything you can when leaving for an extended period of time.
Earthquakes
Earthquakes are more prevalent in some areas than other. If you live in a state such as California, and you are a homeowner, it is imperative that you get earthquake insurance. If there is major structural damage to your property, you could lose your entire investment if you don’t have a means to pay for the repairs. Taking preventative measure to insure your personal belongings are safe can mitigate the damage as well. For example, tie down any electronics that could easily fall and break and make sure your cabinet doors are secured shut.
Severe Injury to a Family Member
This can be a catastrophic event for a family whether it is a child or parent injured. This can have a huge impact on finances as well if the person injured made a large portion of the family income. The life adjustments that have to go along with a major injury are immense. There is a chance that you will have to make your home wheelchair accessible in the worst circumstances. The best thing that you can do is have a nest egg saved up as well as having great health insurance. Not having insurance not only will put the family into a financial hole but it could bankrupt the family in a matter of months. It is important to keep frustrations quiet as the injured family member will already have enough on their plate while adjusting to the changes the injury has caused.
Disasters are going to happen to a family but it is how you react that will dictate how the disaster is remembered. In the right circumstances these types of occurrences can pull a family together. In the wrong circumstances they can tear a family apart. Plan for the worst and hope for the best when it comes to disasters. When it comes to evacuating for a wild fire or flood, bite the bullet and go. Not adhering to a mandatory evacuation could cost your entire family too much.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
