Preparedness: Your Personal Insurance Policy for Home, Work, and Play
When disaster strikes, will you be covered? Not by a traditional insurance policy—but by
your own preparedness. Having a solid emergency plan and the right supplies is like carrying an insurance policy that doesn’t come with a premium but pays out in safety and resilience. Now is the time to review your coverage and make sure you’re ready, no matter where you are—at home, at work, or out enjoying life.
Home: The Foundation of Your Coverage
Your home is your safe haven, but is it truly ready for an emergency? Take a moment to
assess your preparedness:
Emergency Kit: Do you have at least three days’ worth of food, water, medications, and essential supplies? If not, now is the time to build or refresh your kit.
Backup Power: If the power goes out, do you have a generator, battery backups, or alternative heat and cooking sources?
Communication Plan: Do all family members know how to reach each other if phone lines or internet services are down?
Severe Weather Shelter: Have you identified a safe space in your home for tornadoes, high winds, or winter storms?
Fire Safety: Are your smoke detectors working? Do you have fire extinguishers and a family escape plan?
Just like a home insurance policy, your preparedness plan should be updated regularly to ensure you are covered for every scenario.
Work: Protection Where You Spend Most of Your Day
Emergencies don’t wait for you to be home. You spend a significant portion of your day
at work—so how does your preparedness policy extend there?
Know the Plan: Does your workplace have an emergency action plan? If not, consider working with your employer to develop one.
Personal Emergency Kit: A small kit with water, snacks, a flashlight, and a first-aid kit can be a lifesaver if you are stuck at work for an extended period.
Evacuation Routes & Shelter Areas: Take a moment to familiarize yourself with emergency exits and designated shelter locations.
Workplace Communications: If an emergency occurs, do you know how to receive alerts from your employer? Are there systems in place to account for all employees?
Being prepared at work ensures you’re not left scrambling in a crisis. If your workplace doesn’t have a solid preparedness plan, be the voice that encourages one to be put in place.
Play: Readying Yourself for the Unexpected
Emergencies can happen anywhere—even when you’re out enjoying life. Whether
you're traveling, camping, or just running errands, a little preparedness goes a long way.
Vehicle Preparedness: Keep an emergency kit in your car, including a first-aid kit, flashlight, jumper cables, blankets, and extra food and water.
Travel Awareness: Before heading out on a trip, check the weather, road conditions, and emergency contact information for the area you’re visiting.
Public Spaces & Events: When attending large gatherings, take a mental note of exits, potential shelter locations, and emergency procedures.
Basic First Aid & CPR: Being trained in basic first aid could make all the difference in an unexpected situation.
Just as you wouldn’t drive without car insurance, you shouldn’t travel or spend time outdoors without your personal preparedness plan in place.
Your Coverage, Your Responsibility
Unlike traditional insurance policies, preparedness doesn’t come with an agent checking in on you—it’s your responsibility to keep your plan up to date. Take time this month to review your preparedness "policy" and make any necessary updates. If you find gaps, start filling them now before an emergency forces you to learn the hard way.
At home, at work, or at play—being prepared is your best coverage against the unexpected. Clinton County EMA is here to help with resources, training, and guidance. Make preparedness your priority today!
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