Hurricane / Emergency Preparedness

Be Informed
Learn about the different threats, such as:
Severe Weather
Fire
Hazardous Materials
Nuclear
Discuss the different hazards with your family, and monitor TV, radio, or trusted internet sites for information.
Make a Plan
Think ahead and create a family emergency plan. Discuss with your family what you will do if you must evacuate, how you will get there, and where you will find each other. Practice these plans and always keep a contact list. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly, and learn how to turn off gas, electric, water and heater systems using the main breaker switch.
Learn first-aid and CPR, along with basic safety rules. Make sure your children know what to do if they are home alone, and remember to make plans for your children, pets, and elderly ones.
1.Collect– Create a paper copy of the contact information for your family and other important people and offices, such as medical facilities, doctors, schools, or service providers.
2.Share– Make sure everyone carries a copy in his or her backpack, purse, or wallet. If you complete your Family Emergency Communication Plan online atready.gov/make-a-plan, you can print it onto a wallet-sized card. You should also post a copy in a central location in your home, such as your refrigerator or family bulletin board.
3.Practice– Have regular household meetings to review and practice your plan. You can alsocreate wallet-sized cardsthat include contact information and emergency meeting places.
Have an Emergency Kit
Always be sure to have two emergency kits ready in case of a disaster; one large kit with 3 days of supplies, and a smaller, portable kit in case you must evacuate the area. Kits should include:
One gallon of water per person per day. You should have at least enough water for three days.
Canned and dried food that does not require refrigeration
Manual can opener
Sleeping bags or cots
flashlight or lantern with batteries
First-Aid kit
Bathroom supplies
Medicines
Prescription Drugs
Emergency Contact List
Soap and Hand Sanitizer
Face Masks
Battery Powered Radio
Credit cards and cash
Duct tape
Heavy garbage bags or tarps
Important documents
Waterproof container
Fire extinguisher
Whistle
Tools
Pet supplies
Special Needs, such as infant supplies, hearing aid batteries, diabetic supplies or glasses
Possible Grocery List
Bread, crackers
peanut butter/jelly
cookies
snacks
applesauce
canned fruit
canned meat & fish
apples, bananas, oranges & other fruit
raisins & other dried fruit
canned/boxed beverages
fruit drinks
shelf-stable milk
plastic forks, paper plates and napkins
baby food, diapers and formula, sterile water
bottled water
ice & charcoal
toilet paper
paper towels
pre-moistened towelettes
pet foods
If you evacuate you also should take
Pillows, blankets, sleeping bags or air mattresses
Extra clothing, shoes, eyeglasses, etc.
Folding chairs, lawn chairs or cots
Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.)
Quiet games, books, playing cards and favorite toys for children
Important papers (driver's license, special medical information, insurance policies and property inventories)
Note: If the storm does not hit, save your supplies for the next storm. Once hurricane season is over, you can eat your canned foods or donate them to a holiday food drive. Most canned foods have a shelf life of 1-2 years, so it is a good idea to replenish yearly.Pets
If you have to evacuate to a public shelter because of a disaster, keep in mind that animals may not be allowed inside.
With proper planning, you can help ensure your pet’s safety if you have to separate. Just follow tips from the Ready Campaign, including:
· Assemble a pet disaster supply kit;
· Talk with your pet’s veterinarian about emergency planning;
· Plan with friends, neighbors, or relatives to make sure someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so; and
· Look for a boarding facility such as a kennel or veterinarian hospital that is near an evacuation facility or your family’s meeting place.
Remember to stay calm, have plans ready, and listen for instructions from local officials.