Emergency Supplies (Getty)
September is National Preparedness Month, and BBB wants you to have the resources you need to prepare for natural disasters in your area. BBB has resources that include tips and suggestions to make wise decisions and guard against scams.
Make a plan
Be prepared by thinking ahead.
Think about preparing your home to prevent disasters from happening.
Do you need to make any repairs? Find a handyman near you.
Shore up your roof? Find a roofing contractor near you.
Waterproof your basement? Find a waterproofing contractor near you
Buy a home warranty? Find home warranty companies.
Build a kit
In addition to creating an emergency supply kit, avoid scams when purchasing items for a potential disaster.
Some sellers will try to jack up the price of necessities. Avoid price gouging.
Prepare for Disasters
In the case of a hurricane, think in advance of what could happen and try to avoid it.
Check on your insurance coverage. Find insurance companies near you
Do you need a sump pump for your basement? Find a plumber near you.
Need a contractor? Find a general contractor near you.
Is there a tree too close to your house? Find a tree service near you.
Teach youth about preparedness
Talk to kids about being prepared for emergencies.
Teach them to be aware of “Storm Chasers” and door-to-door contractors that may come knocking after a storm.
Other resources from BBB:
BBB Tip: Charitable Giving After a Natural Disaster or Tragedy
Search BBB.org for businesses that can help.
Find the BBB office near you.
Resources for the United States:
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Department of Homeland Security
National Weather Service - NOAA Weather Radio
National Organization on Disability
Resources for Canada:
Government of Canada Storm Resources
National and Provincial emergency contact numbers
Look to businesses that adhere to the BBB Standards for Trust. Read more about BBB's Accreditation Standards.