CHICAGO – Sunday, March 14, marks an hour of lost sleep, but starts the long-awaited days of more sunlight ahead. Take the time this weekend to adjust your clocks and consider taking three key safety steps to protect against possible risks you and your family might face.
“Spring is a time of renewal and a good reminder to reassess our disaster readiness,” said Kevin M. Sligh, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “As we recommit to doing our part to stop the spread of COVID-19, let’s also ensure our families know what to do in an emergency and verify our homes are as resilient as possible to all hazards.”
- Verify your carbon monoxide and smoke detector work. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for testing the equipment to ensure it is functioning appropriately. Invest in new detectors if they’re near or past the manufacturer’s recommended replacement age.
- Help stop the pandemic by getting vaccinated. Studies show that COVID-19 vaccines are effective at keeping you from getting COVID-19. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine will also help keep you from getting seriously ill even if you do get the virus. Be sure to continue taking precautions in public places as well, including wearing a mask, staying six feet apart from others, avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces, and washing your hands often. To learn more, visit www.cdc.gov.
- Confirm your insurance coverage & home inventory list are up-to-date. Review your insurance policies and meet with your agent to ensure you’re fully covered for the hazards that most threaten your area. Keep an up-to-date record of your household items and valuable belongings. Take photos and videos of appliances, fixtures, and the interior and exterior structure of your property. Have jewelry and artwork appraised. These documents are important when filing insurance claims.
To learn more about how to prepare before, during and after disasters, visit www.Ready.gov.
FEMA's mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.