Be Prepared - Who To Call For Recovery Assistance

You have just been the victim of a horrible disaster, and do not know what to do. If this is the case, be assured that you have many resources to turn to. The Red Cross, Department of Labor, and local shelters offer recovery assistance. If you are one of the blessed ones that have not been in a disaster, this is your chance to be prepared ahead of time in case of one. Part of that preparation is deciding where you will go, what you will take with you, and who to call for recovery assistance.

First, you should know where you would go if evacuation is required during a disaster. You have many places you could choose from to get the help you need. A family member or a friend may agree to let you stay with them. If you do not know anyone that lives nearby, then call your local shelters and register there. This should all be done even before the mention of a disaster in your area. You should plan who you would call to inform of your whereabouts. This will give your friends and family members a peace of mind. Also, they will know where you are in case they need to contact you.

Then, you should prepare yourself a disaster survival kit in case you have to take it with you. This kit would include important legal papers, identification papers such as social security cards, and drivers' licenses, or a safe with money or an extra credit card. You also would need an extra change of clothes, personal items, first aid supplies, and blankets and pillows. You will also need emergency contact information, such as phone numbers of friends, family, and disaster relief personnel. You will also need a phone list of fire, rescue, and police personnel. All this will speed up the evacuation process.

In addition to the above, you will need items such as diapers, formulas, and baby foods if you have an infant. If you are a senior citizen, you may need to take medical supplies such as a walker, can, wheelchair, or respiratory device. Plan your survival kit very carefully, and be sure to take only what you need and leave the rest behind.

After that, you should devise a defense plan to protect your home. It is best to do this before a disaster ever happens. This can be done in a variety of ways. You can join a neighborhood watch team, and you can work with them to organize a system of protection. This group can be a great support, and you can watch each other's back. Another form of protection would be to carry a small firearm at the scene of the disaster. Plan to get a license, and learn how to use this gun before a disaster strikes. If you choose to use a gun, you may want to send your family to the planned emergency destination first. You would most likely want to send your family to the planned emergency shelter destination as soon as possible. This will help to insure that no innocent people get hurt.

If you are in need of further help after the disaster ends, there are many places you can call. For example, the Red Cross administers emergency medical attention. They can also help you find food, clothing, shelter and other supplies. They are one of the best recovery assistants in time of large disasters. Also, the department of labor has resources to help victims of a disaster find a job. The government offers unemployment compensation to disaster victims. You can call your local unemployment office for more information. There also is a program provided by the national emergency grant services which will offer grants to dislocated workers.

Take advantage of all the information and resources offered to you by these organizations and others. Also, be sure to make a list of all the places you will call immediately after the disaster.

Knowing you have help available and places to go, setting up ahead of time will greatly reduce your anxiety level. Thus, you are more able to act quickly during a time of disaster, and increase your chance of survival. For more information on who can help with recovery assistance, call your local emergency personnel.