Preparation for an Emergency
How should I prepare for a natural disaster?
The best way to prepare for a natural disaster is to plan ahead and follow guidance from local emergency officials.
Your first responsibility is to keep yourself and your household safe. Before an emergency, please make sure you:
• Stay informed: Follow alerts and guidance from local city, county, state, and emergency agencies.
• Create a communication plan: Make sure your household knows how to contact one another and where to go if you are separated.
• Prepare an emergency kit: Keep enough bottled water, food, medications, hygiene items, and basic supplies for at least three days.
• Plan for power outages: Have a way to charge your phone, and prepare an alternate power source if you rely on electricity for medical equipment.
• Know your home’s shutoffs: Know where and how to turn off the main gas line, water supply, and electricity if needed.
• Secure important documents: Keep identification, renter’s insurance, flood insurance, and other important documents in a safe location.
What is my responsibility during a natural disaster?
Your first responsibility is to keep yourself and your household safe. Depending on the type of natural disaster, you may need to leave the home and move to a safe location.
When it is safe to do so, residents are also responsible for taking reasonable steps to help protect the home and personal belongings.
This may include:
• Knowing your emergency shutoffs: Know where and how to turn off the home’s main gas line, water supply, and electricity if needed.
• Securing outdoor items: Bring inside or tie down exterior personal property that could cause damage or injury if it becomes unsecured.
• Preparing for freezing weather: Insulate external water pipes to help prevent freezing when extreme cold is expected.
• Conserving heat during winter storms: Lower the thermostat, close off unused rooms, cover windows at night, and block drafts under doors where possible.
• Planning for power outages: Keep a phone charging option available and consider backup heat sources, extra blankets, sleeping bags, and warm clothing.
• Protecting food when possible: Fill containers with water and place them in the freezer to help keep food cold during a power outage.
• Staying informed: Follow local city, state, and county emergency alerts, and watch for Tricon communications with any home- or community-specific instructions.
Depending on the type of natural disaster, Tricon may provide additional information to help support your safety and protect the home.
During an Emergency
What should I do during a natural disaster?
Your safety comes first. If local officials tell you to evacuate or shelter in place, please follow their instructions.
Depending on the situation, you may need to:
• Leave the home and move yourself, your household, and pets to a safe location
• Turn off the home’s main gas line, water supply, or electricity if it is safe to do so
• Bring inside or secure outdoor personal items that could cause damage or injury
• Follow local emergency alerts and Tricon communications for updates
Do not stay in the home if it is unsafe or if emergency officials tell you to leave.
After an Emergency
What should I do if my home is damaged by a natural disaster?
If there is a fire, downed electrical line, gas line issue, or immediate safety concern, call 911 right away. Please leave the home and move yourself, your household, and pets to a safe location.
After immediate safety concerns are addressed:
• Alert Tricon: Our team will need information about the damage and may need access to the home for repairs or insurance review.
• Contact your renter’s insurance provider: Notify your insurance company as required by your policy.
Where can I find emergency or disaster recovery resources?
For emergency assistance, call 911.
For local disaster support and community resources, you can visit 211.org or dial 211 to connect with local help. Depending on your area, 211 may provide information about food, shelter, utilities, medical support, and other local resources.
Additional emergency and disaster resources include:
• National Weather Service: Weather alerts and local forecasts
• Ready.gov: Emergency planning guidance
• American Red Cross: Post-disaster support and shelter resources
• FEMA Disaster Assistance: Disasterassistance.gov or 800-621-FEMA (3362)