The White House recognizes the month of September as National Preparedness Month, and it gives us all an opportunity to understand warning signs, take proper precautions and protect ourselves and our families should a natural disaster occur. The month of September is usually hurricane season in the Southeast U.S., with the storms themselves causing much damage to homes and sometimes-unfortunate injuries and even deaths. The aftermath of these vicious hurricanes often no better, even sometimes worse, with flooding causing irreversible damage to properties. The Southeast is not the only area of the U.S. that experiences natural disasters. From wildfires and occasional earthquakes out on the West Coast to tornadoes in Middle America, and winter blizzards in northern climates, Mother Nature can wreak havoc on people and properties - especially if they aren’t careful.

What You Can Do to Protect Your Family from Natural Disasters

Unfortunately, it is far too often of an occurrence that the first people to take action are the first responders on the scene after a natural disaster hits. One of the first things you can do to prepare yourself and protect your family from natural disasters is to brush up on your lifesaving skills. If you aren’t certified in first aid or CPR, it won't hurt to get your certification. Classes are offered year round, and there is likely to be one located near you. If you are certified but it has expired, take some action and get it renewed. If you’re unsure as to what parts of your property will be covered with your insurance policies, it’s a good idea to check in the months before the possibility of a natural disaster could occur in your area. Floods can sweep away even the sturdiest of vehicles, so getting an auto insurance policy that includes protection from such damage is a good idea. The same thing goes for homeowners insurance. Business owners insurance usually differs from homeowners, so be sure to understand the policy you have at your office or storefront in the event of a natural disaster. Give your provider a call to make sure you’re covered. Another thing you can do to protect yourself from damage in the event of a natural disaster is to understand how the water and gas lines work to your home, and how to shut them off. Struggling to figure these things out during the eye of a storm is the last thing you should be doing at that time. Natural disasters are devastating to many people all over the world, not just here in the U.S. But by taking a few of these cautionary steps, you can minimize the risk of catastrophic danger occurring to your family, home, or business.

Take Time to Recognize Their Hard Work

All over the country and the world, there are a number of selflessly hardworking men and women who take an immense personal risk to make rescues, secure property and rebuild in the event. These heroes work tirelessly to restore our lives to as close as they can be before the natural disaster. Take time to recognize them this month, and consider donating to charitable organizations such as the Red Cross as well.