Massachusetts Residents: Create Your Disaster Plan Today

By berryinsurance on June 3, 2011

It’s hard to believe that I came home last night to this beautiful rainbow in the sky, especially after the devastating tornado activity we had in Massachusetts a few days ago!

As families and businesses continue the cleanup and rebuilding process, it’s hard to think that this could happen to us again. But unfortunately, it just might. And if you were like me, when the tornado came knocking, I wasn’t ready to answer the door. (You can read all about my experience when the severe tornado weather hit Massachusetts).   

So before another storm strikes, it’s time to get prepared! Here are a few tips (this list is definitely not exhaustive) to help you create your disaster plan:

  • As you’re watching the news reports of the devastation and damages in Massachusetts, make a list of all the things that could have happened to you, or maybe even did happen to you, during the storm. For example, did your power go out? What would you do if your car was damaged? Where would you go if you lost your home?
  • Once you’ve exhausted your list of “what ifs”, start to brainstorm solutions. Be sure to get your whole family involved!
  • Contact local and government officials to find out what kind of alert systems are available in your region. And be sure to post emergency phone numbers in a place where everyone can find them.
  • Make sure all your loved ones are accounted for. Don’t assume that your family will be together at the moment a disaster strikes. Be sure to talk with your workplace, daycare centers, etc. to incorporate their plans with your own.
  • Don’t forget about your non-human loved ones! News reports have been coming in about all the pets left homeless or abandoned as a result of the disaster. Make sure you outline how you will protect your pets.
  • Create an emergency supplies kit. First aid kits are great, but you may want to take it one step further by adding in blankets, spare clothes, flashlights, snacks, water, etc. And don’t forget to keep a kit in your car too!
  • Create an evacuation plan. Sometimes staying put isn’t the best idea!
  • Create a home inventory and keep it in a safe or secured location. This will help you with any insurance claims you may need to file. It’s also a good idea to make copies of vital documents, insurance policies and credit cards to keep in the safe as well.
  • Review your plan annually. Be sure to update it and incorporate any changes in your life.

Some additional resources to check out:

 

Good luck! And if you have any tips or suggestions, please comment below. We’d love to hear them and share them with the community!

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For more information about this topic, or to get some answers about your current Massachusetts home insurance situation, please visit our virtual insurance agency at www.berryinsurance.com, stop by one of our two locations, or give us a call at (800) 941-3317.

You can also find us on all your favorite social networking sites!

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Ice Safety Precautions from Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA)

By berryinsurance on December 20, 2010

As temperatures drop, and bodies of water throughout the area begin to freeze over, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has issued information regarding safety precautions to be taken on our frozen lakes, rivers and ponds. 

“Before we experience a tragedy that is unfortunately too common this time of year, it is important that we remind everyone, particularly children, of the dangers of unsafe ice,” said MEMA Acting Director Kurt Schwartz.  “As lakes, ponds, streams and rivers throughout the Commonwealth freeze over, ice conditions may be very uncertain.  People may be a bit impatient to venture out on the ice for skating, hockey, ice fishing and other winter sports. We highly recommend the use of recreational skating areas provided by the Commonwealth and your local communities.  It is very important to exercise precaution and common sense.”

Always check with your local police, fire or park department to ensure that safe ice conditions exist. However, due to the uncertainty and constant changing of ice conditions and the dangers presented, many departments will not endorse the safety of lakes, ponds, streams or rivers.  The strength and thickness of ice should be known before any activity takes place.

• Never go onto the ice alone.  A friend may be able to rescue you or go for help if you fall through the ice.

• Always keep your pets on a leash.  If a pet falls through the ice do not attempt to rescue your pet, call 9-1-1 or go for help.

• New ice is usually stronger than old ice.  As ice ages, the bond between the crystals decays, making it weaker, even if melting has not occurred.

• Beware of ice covered with snow.  Snow can insulate ice and keep it strong, but can also insulate it to keep it from freezing. Snow can also hide cracks, weak and open ice.

• Slush is a danger sign, indicating that ice is no longer freezing from the bottom and can be weak or deteriorating.

• Ice formed over flowing water (rivers or lakes containing a large number of springs) is generally 15% weaker.

• Ice seldom freezes or thaws at a uniform rate.  It can be one foot thick in one spot and be only a few inches thick 10 feet away.

• Reach-Throw-Go.  If a companion falls through the ice and you are unable to reach that person from shore, throw them something (rope, jumper cables, tree branch, etc.). If this does not work, go for help or call 9-1-1, before you also become a victim. Get medical assistance for the victim immediately.

• If you fall in, try not to panic. Turn toward the direction from which you came.  Place your hands and arms on the unbroken surface, working forward by kicking your feet.  Once out, remain lying on the ice (do not stand) and roll away from the hole. Crawl back to your tracks, keeping your weight distributed until you return to solid ice.

By following safety procedures, you can be safe and enjoy the many winter activities offered by the great outdoors.

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Hurricane and Other Natural Disaster Preparedness Tips for Massachusetts Residents: Plan for the Worst & Hope for the Best!

By berryinsurance on September 2, 2010

With hurricane season upon us here on the East coast, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) wants Massachusetts residents to understand what to do in case of a natural disaster. Usually when natural disasters hit, panic overwhelms communities because citizens are not prepared. Staying calm and having a plan when faced with a challenge is imperative. Being prepared with an emergency evacuation plan allows for proper/timely migration for you and your family from affected areas.

What do you have that you’d want to protect? Some of the most popular responses range from family, homes, businesses, boats, and even animals. Below are some tips to protect what’s yours in case of a hurricane.

In protecting your family, be sure to make an emergency action plan. An emergency action plan designates a specific safe area, where all family members will meet if separated. A contact person should also be established so that all members of a family understand what to do, where to go, and who to call in case of an emergency.

Protecting property, such as a home or business, begins with having recent pictures of the interior and exterior of your home or building. An inventory of your personal belongings is also recommended. Business owners should discuss an action plan with employees, so that panic does not occur. All loose items should be secured because of high wind speeds, and computer data should be backed-up in case of a power outage. During hurricanes electricity is often lost, which can cause a power surge. To avoid this, unplug all sensitive electric equipment.

Pets are often considered a part of the family, but in an emergency, they can often be the last thing on your mind. The State of Massachusetts Animal Response Team assists in getting animals to safety in emergency situations. Animals are often taken to nearby shelters to be taken care of if injured, or kept until their owners come to claim them. Having a tag on your animal is imperative during times of emergency, mostly because this is the only way that Massachusetts shelter employees know an animal is up to date on their shots, and to whom they belong. Also, knowing a few pet friendly hotels in the area could be very beneficial in case of an emergency. Planning ahead makes natural disasters more manageable!

 

For more information about this topic, or to get some answers about your current insurance situation, please visit our virtual insurance agency at www.berryinsurance.com, stop by one of our locations, or give us a call at (800) 941-3317.

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Planning for Emergency Situations: September is National Preparedness Month!

By berryinsurance on September 2, 2010

In 2009, President Obama first declared the month of September as National Preparedness Month. This year, with the wake of Hurricane Katrina only 5 years behind us, having our nation caught off guard during emergencies is something we never want to see happen again. Once again, the President has declared this month to be one focused on preparation. Being ready when disaster strikes is the main objective, as natural disasters are not going to be stopped, but they can be planned for.

With Hurricane Earl gearing up to sweep the East coast this weekend, hurricane tips are in high demand. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) wants residents of the Commonwealth to be prepared for the worst, but hope for the best! You can also check out more tips at Ready America.

First, all families should have a plan! Where is your family going to meet if getting split up? Planning before disaster strikes is half the battle, so be sure that each member of your family knows the plan and the contact person for their family. Second, be sure to familiarize yourself with the evacuation routes in your area, as well as having an emergency bag already packed and ready in case you must leave home in a hurry. Lastly, stay educated! Make sure you know the latest updates going on within your town and the surrounding communities!

It’s September and Berry Insurance wants all citizens to be prepared for the worst, so get your family emergency plan ready for this weekend’s hurricane! Prepare, Plan, & Stay Informed!

 

For more information about this topic, or to get some answers about your current insurance situation, please visit our virtual insurance agency at www.berryinsurance.com, stop by one of our locations, or give us a call at (800) 941-3317.

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