How to Cope After a Disaster Strikes

Coping with destruction after a tornado can be devastating but not life threatening if you remain calm and follow easy rules for your family safety and your pets.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Be calm and make sure all your family members know where to meet in a safe area of the house. Don't forget your pets too as they are part of the family also. Try to sing while in your safe place unt

1. 
    
   Document your damage with a picture

   Make sure you have a picture diary of all of your furniture, collectibles, etc. in case your home is destroyed or partially destroyed. This will help with your insurance claim.

2. 
    
   Saving as many contents as possible to a dry place

   Take every precaution to secure your furniture and belongings to a drier place in the house. The mess you have will eventually be taken care of when repairs are done.

3. 
    
   Flying debris from neighboring street

   Try and remain positive if not only for yourself but your whole family, pets included. Have a contest with family members what to name the cleanup project and reward them with a trip to McDonald's or a game of miniature golf. Keeping the family together in a calm manner will make repairs more bearable. Life DOES GET BETTER, BELIEVE ME!! I went through it and now it is just a memory.

4. 
    
   Water damage caused by debris and tornadic winds ripped part of the roof up

   If you need some rooms repainted make sure that you get the paint bonder put down first which will assure you that any water marks will not bleed through. Home Depot and Lowe's both carry this product. Your insurance company will pay you to paint your rooms so remember this will help in lowering your deductible considerably.

Tips & Warnings

• When your repairs are complete and now it is time to have a family party. You can call it something like "The Adams Family Tornado Survival Pizza Party" and invite your friends over with some small house warming gift. Remember to thank God that you are all safe and a house is a house but a home is a home where love grows with a disaster and brings everyone together.
• DO NOT think that just because there is a warning that you may not be affected!!! Always take the side of precaution and take your family to your safe place. DON'T FORGET YOUR PETS. Even our fish!!

[kickkstandjohnn]

on 8/10/2009 OMG!!!! Your pictures are incredible and I found your article not only interesting but very informative. Thank you for your article. John