Hurricane Preparedness

Are You Hurricane Ready?

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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.