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How You Can Help Hurricane Harvey Relief

Wednesday, August 30, 2017
by The Hat Team

The devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey is far reaching and rebuilding after a disaster of this magnitude is a daunting task.  People have lost their homes, belongings, vehicles and businesses.  There are many ways to help the victims of Hurricane Harvey, but it is important that you make sure that if you make donations, they are going to legitimate programs.  Charity Navigator can help you find reputable organizations that are accepting donations for relief.  If you would like to donate specifically to groups located in the areas affected, please consider the following:

Houston Food Bank

Food Bank of Corpus Christi

Houston Humane Society

San Antonio Humane Society

You can also donate directly to Hurricane Harvey Relief through the following organizations:

Salvation Army Hurricane Harvey Relief

Red Cross Hurricane Harvey Relief

A 2014 article in the online Realtor magazine, realtormag.realtor.org, addresses what real estate business owners have gone through after natural disasters.  While After the Storm tells stories of loss and grief, it also offers hopeful stories of rebuilding and success.

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How You Can Prepare for a Natural Disaster

Wednesday, August 30, 2017
by The Hat Team

In light of the recent event in Texas, you may be asking yourself if you are prepared for a natural disaster.  Victims often feel helpless, hopeless and overwhelmed in the days following a catastrophic event like Hurricane Harvey. While you can’t control nature, there are some things you can do to prepare that might make things a little easier for you if disaster strikes.

  1. Educate yourself about what might be coming.  Check out this natural disaster risk map to find out what types of severe weather events that might happen in your area.  Prioritize your preparations by what has the highest odds of happening and go from there. You will also want to familiarize yourself with your insurance policies so that you will know what is and isn’t covered.
  2. Make home improvements that specifically reduce the risk of damage to your home during a natural disaster. For example, if hurricanes are possible where you live, install storm shutters and invest in hurricane straps to help keep your roof in place during fierce winds.
  3. Create an emergency kit that includes the following:
  • Water - one gallon per person per day, for at least three days.
  • Food - a three-day supply of non-perishables (don’t forget a can opener).
  • Battery-powered (or hand-cranked) radio with extra batteries.
  • Flashlights and extra batteries.
  • First aid kit.
  • Whistle - to signal for help.
  • Cellphone with chargers (or a solar charger).
  • Cash
    If flooding may be an issue, consider adding the following:
  • Life jackets, rain boots, rain gear.

    Supplement as needed with items for any special needs, such as children, pets or any medical conditions. Also, have a "go bag" ready that you can quickly grab should you have to evacuate.
  1. Keep an inventory of your belongings.  Taking a home inventory may seem like a daunting task, but during a time of loss and grief, you will be hard pressed to remember all the contents of your home if they are lost to you.  Having an accurate inventory will not only help ensure that you receive fair reimbursement from insurance, it will also make the recovery process easier.
  2. Make sure your family has an emergency plan and that you have gone over it together. Address things like how you will communicate, where you will go if you have to evacuate, where you will meet if you’re not together etc.

Don’t wait until you start hearing warnings about a severe weather event to start his process.  Get prepared while you are in a calm state of mind and have time to focus on what you are doing without feeling rushed or fighting crowds of people grabbing the last of the water and batteries. You may never have to make use of any of your disaster preparations, but it is always better to be safe than sorry!

Learn more about Hurricane Harvey Relief!

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