Being prepared isn't just about having a plan; it's about having the right resources and information at your disposal. Here are our top tips.

September is National Preparedness Month, sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which means it’s the perfect time to ensure your home and family are ready for any unexpected events. Here are Rockingham Insurance’s top 6 tips to help you prepare for an emergency situation at home:

Create a Family Disaster Escape Plan:

In the event of a disaster, such as a fire, every second counts. Map out the quickest routes to safety from each room in your house and practice. For more on how to create your own Family Escape Plan, check out our previous blog post here.

Stock Up on Non-Perishable Food Items:

Natural disasters can sometimes leave us without access to grocery stores for a few days. Ensure you have a supply of non-perishable food items and essential supplies to tide you over. Additionally, it’s a good idea to store some bottles or gallons of clean drinking water, as the water supply, or even your home’s plumbing, could be affected by a disaster.

Regularly Check Smoke Alarms and Fire Extinguishers:

Ensure your smoke alarms are working and your fire extinguishers are in good condition. These can be lifesavers in the event of a disaster.

Review Your Insurance Coverage:

Reach out to your local Rockingham Insurance agent to discuss your current coverage. It’s always a good idea to review your insurance policies periodically, especially in light of changing circumstances. Plus, with Rockingham Insurance, you can benefit from multi-policy discounts and the convenience of having all your policies accessible in one place with the same trusted local agent.

Prepare an Emergency Kit:

An emergency kit with essentials like a first-aid kit, flashlights, batteries, and important documents can be a lifesaver during a disaster. Make it easily accessible and known to all family members. Don’t forget to prepare for your furry friends too.

Help Older Adults Prepare:

This year, FEMA’s theme for National Preparedness Month is “Helping Older Adults Prepare for Disaster.” Older adults can face greater risks during emergencies, especially if they live alone, have a disability, or live in rural areas. Consider their unique needs when preparing your home and family for potential disasters. For more resources on how to help older adults prepare, visit ready.gov/older-adults or Ready.gov/es/adultos-mayores.

Remember, being prepared isn’t just about having a plan; it’s about having the right resources and information at your disposal. So, this National Preparedness Month, let’s all take steps to ensure our families and homes are ready for anything.