IBHS Advises Home and Business Owners to Prepare for Disaster during National Preparedness Month

Tampa – September 2, 2014 – (RealEstateRama) — The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) joins with the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Ready Campaign to encourage home and business owners to take time during National Preparedness Month to reduce risk and be ready before natural disasters strike.

“This year’s theme: “Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare,” zeroes in on the importance of planning in advance of a natural disaster – whether it is a tornado, hurricane, earthquake or wildfire,” said Julie Rochman, IBHS CEO and president. “Being prepared can mean the difference between a quick recovery and being displaced indefinitely from a home or business. Take measures today to create a plan and share it with family and employees.”

Now in its 11th year, National Preparedness Month is a nationwide effort to increase awareness and encourage individuals and communities to prepare for emergencies. Before making a plan, it’s important to know which natural disasters and severe weather events affect certain areas of the country. Use IBHS’ easy-to-use ZIP code tool at DisasterSafety.org to learn which areas are at risk for tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfire, floods, or hailstorms. The ZIP code tool also offers links to free disaster preparedness resources for those specific risks.

Next, create a plan using free resources from the Ready Campaign. Owners of iPhone, iPad, or iTouch, can use the Know Your Plan app to create customized checklists and share them with family and friends.

Lastly, sign up for severe weather alerts and to stay informed during an emergency through the local government’s emergency management department.

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About The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS)

IBHS is an independent, nonprofit, scientific research and communications organization supported by the property insurance industry. The organization works to reduce the social and economic effects of natural disasters and other risks on residential and commercial property by conducting building science research and advocating improved construction, maintenance and preparedness practices.

Contact:
Kenya Woodard
Public Affairs Manager
(813) 675-1053 (o) (813) 442-2845 (c)

Twitter: @disastersafety