Are You Hurricane Ready?
With Hurricane Florence quickly approaching the Southeastern states, it’s important to prepare yourself in the event of a disaster. This means having your emergency kits packed, planning an evacuation route if necessary, and knowing what to do in its aftermath. We’ve assembled a checklist of helpful Hurricane Preparedness Tips for you:
Pack a kit of basic supplies:
Remember to include at least a 3 day water supply per person and for pets, too.
- Water – one gallon of water per person per day for at least 3 days, for drinking and sanitation
- Food – at least a 3 day supply of non-perishable food & a manual can opener
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- Baby items (if applicable) – food, diapers, formula, wipes, medications if needed, extra clothing
- Pet supplies (if applicable) – food, medications if needed, cage, leash, collar, tags, medical records
- Flashlight & extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Cash
- Phone numbers and medical contacts
- Paper products – toilet paper, cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
- Prescription & non-prescription medications
- Glasses and contact lense solution
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
- Extra clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
- Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper to disinfect water
- Fire extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Toiletries & personal hygiene items
Evacuations:
If you need to evacuate, make an action plan in advance. If you have any pets, make sure to find hotels that will accept them beforehand.
After the storm:
In the aftermath of a hurricane, remember these important safety rules:
- Do NOT run a generator indoors – Carbon monoxide emissions are deadly.
- Do NOT use a charcoal or gas grill indoors – Carbon monoxide and fire risks are too great.
- Do NOT walk in flooded waters – Limit contact with flood water. Alligators, snakes, downed power lines and sewage could be in the water.
- Do NOT forget about your pets – They are part of your family.
Be ready before disaster strikes. Stay safe out there.