(NAPSA)—In 2019alone, there have been at least six weather and climate disaster events with losses exceeding $1 billion each—but you can be prepared for anything with the expert assistance of a NAPOProfessional Member. What To Do Here are seven tips to help you be prepared: 1.Sign up for local alerts and warnings from school, work or the government. 2. Pick a safe and familiar place whereyourfamily can go for protection orto reunite, and practice meeting there. 3. Knowthe evacuationroutesout of town. 4. Keep a written list of important phone numbers. If your phone isn't fully charged or you lose it, you won't haveto try to rememberanyone's phone number. 5. Identify one person wholives outside the state whom youcan contact to share updates aboutyou and yourloved Disaster preparedness means keeping your household ready for such emergencies asfire, terrorist attack, earthquake, tornado, hurricane, flood, stormsor drought. life-changing and extremely stressful events. When disaster strikes, you generally won't have time to think aboutall the items you needto bring with you just for survival,let alone anyirreplace- able items such as copies ofinsurance policies, identification, bank account records, andpersonal memorabilia. You ones. Keep this person's information on handandprovide him or her with a written list of your most important contacts and their phone numbers. homeagain. homesthat have an emergency evacuation kit prepared.In a waterproof con- items to include in your disaster kit, how to back up your most important 6. Join the 51.5 percent of U.S. may have 20 minutesorless to prepare for the possibility of never seeing your Fortunately, professional organizers can help with expert advice on which tainer, pack first-aid supplies includ- information electronically and where ing antibiotic cream, bandages, alcohol to keep your kit, depending on your swabs and pain relievers; a flashlight uniquesituation. They can help take andbatteries; a three-day supply of the stress out ofan incredibly stressful water and nonperishable foods (and a can opener); a battery-powered radio; a whistle to signal for help; and spare clothesor blankets. 7. Once the coastis clear and you are allowed to return to your home, you mayfind it in complete disarray, damaged or even destroyed. You'll need to know whomto contact, your situation. Morethan 3,400 members of NAPO, the NationalAssociation of Productivity & Organizing Professionals www.napo. net, are ready to provide their expert, hands-on assistance for disaster pre- paredness, disaster recovery and hundredsofotherlife situations. Where To Learn More policy numbers, your account logForfurtherfacts andtips andto find ins and passwords and so on. With a professional nearby, visit www.napo. the assistance of a professional orga- nizer, you'll be better prepared for netand searchthe onlineFinda Professionaldirectory.
