How To Weather A National Disaster During COVID
Preparing for a natural disaster takes careful planning under ordinary circumstances. Now, with the country still reeling from the impact of COVID-19, these preparations can seem nearly impossible. Is it safe to stay with friends during an evacuation? Can you shop for staples during a pandemic? Is it OK to accept donations of food and clothing from strangers?
So many questions, but we’ve got answers! Here’s all you need to know about weathering a natural disaster during COVID.
Here’s how:
Prepare your home
First, review your home insurance policy and consider additional protection if necessary. Next, check your alarms and other safety devices to ensure they are all working.
Next, check your home for loose shingles and weak supportive walls, and cover external air conditioning units with a secured tarp. Make sure there are no loose-hanging branches near your home, and consider boarding up your doors and windows. It’s also a good idea to clean your gutters, flue pipes, and awnings.
Finally, secure the objects that are inside your home. Fasten all shelves, store heavy items on low shelves, and remove pictures and mirrors from sitting and sleeping areas.
Stock up
Before the storm, stock your home with an adequate supply of non-perishable food, water, medicine, and other staples. If you must shop for these items in person, remember to follow basic COVID-19 guidelines, including masking up when in stores and keeping a 6-foot distance from other shoppers.
Review your emergency plan
You may need to make adjustments to your emergency plan during the pandemic. For example, an emergency evacuation kit during COVID-19 should have a supply of hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, and face coverings. You’ll also need to check if the public shelter in your area is open at this time or if it has moved to a new location. As always, follow guidance from local public health officials when determining when to evacuate and where to find shelter.
If evacuation becomes necessary, the CDC cautions evacuees to follow safety measures for travelers.
Staying safe while in a public shelter
If your evacuation plans include a stay in a public shelter, follow these guidelines from the CDC:
- Practice social distancing.
- Follow the CDC’s COVID-19 preventive actions, including washing your hands often and covering all coughs and sneezes.
- Follow shelter policies for wearing a face covering.
- If possible, avoid sharing food and drink with other evacuees.
- Avoid touching high-contact surfaces.
- Keep your living area in the shelter clean and disinfect high-touch objects often.
- If you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, alert the shelter staff.
Staying safe with family or friends
If your emergency plans include a stay with extended family or friends, the CDC recommends these measures:
- If either of your households has someone who is considered high-risk for COVID-19, make sure everyone in the home knows to take extra precautions to keep them safe.
- Be extra cautious about covering coughs and sneezes, and wash your hands often.
- Have a clear plan to follow in case someone in the household becomes infected with COVID-19.
We need to take every precaution we can during a pandemic. These tips will help you to know how to weather a national disaster during COVID. If you need help with your budget, we can help. Find more tips on our MoneySmart Tips Blog.
