ASSIGN A FAMILY CONTACT AND ASSEMBLE ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS BEFORE HURRICANE HITS

With Hurricane Irene expected to cause major flooding and wind damage in Delaware's three counties, it is important to designate a family contact and assemble essential documents that may be required in the storm's aftermath.

EMERGENCY CONTACT

Ask several relatives or friends who live outside your immediate area (approximately 100 miles away) to act as a clearinghouse for information about you and your family after a quake. It is often easier to place an out-of-state long distance call from a disaster area, than to call within the area. Do not depend solely on cell phones. All family members should know to call the contact person to report their location and condition. Once contact is made, have the contact person relay messages to your other friends and relatives outside the disaster area. This will help to reduce calling into and out of the affected area once the phones are working.

EMERGENCY DOCUMENTS

The following list includes important information typically needed after a disaster:

• Specifications for adaptive equipment, in case it needs to be replaced.
• Proof of ownership or lease of your residence. This is important when applying for disaster assistance.
• Social security numbers of family members.
• Birth, marriage, death certificates.
• Vehicle, boats, etc. maker, identification and license numbers.
• Charge and bank account numbers.
• Insurance policy numbers.
• Securities, deeds and loan numbers including company name, address and telephone numbers.
• Will/living trust and letter of instructions.
• Photos or video of all valuables for documentation of insurance claim.
• Style and serial numbers of medical devices such as pacemakers.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.