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"June, too soon." So goes the common wisdom on
hurricanes -- in England!
But in these waters, matey, May is the month to make sure you and your family
are prepared for rough weather. In fact, May 23 - 29 is National Hurricane
Preparedness Week.
The first step is to know the type of hazards that could affect
your location. Determine your home's vulnerability to storm surge, flooding,
and wind. Once you know what effects you might face, figure out the safest area
in your home for each potential hazard or an alternative refuge elsewhere in
your community.
If it seems nowhere is safe enough in your immediate vicinity,
you need to determine escape routes from your home to someplace that will be.
The routes should be measured in tens of miles rather than hundreds of miles.
An out-of-state friend or relative can serve as a family
contact, so all your family members have a single point of contact to share
information about location and safety. That number should be the first one
saved in every family member's mobile phone.
Make a plan now for what to do with your pets if you need to
evacuate. And if you'll be seeking shelter in a public site, be sure you know
what their rules are regarding pets.
Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure
your children know how and when to call 911.
Stock at least three days of non-perishable emergency supplies
for each person. This includes a gallon of water to drink and another gallon
for hygienic use and cooking each day. Food items can include:
- ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables;
- canned juices, milk, soups;
- peanut butter, granola bars, trail mix;
- powdered coffee or tea;
- dried fruit and nuts;
- bread and crackers;
- sugar, salt, pepper, seasonings;
- cookies, hard candy, lollipops.
Along with your food supply, it is necessary to collect all the
items that are necessary for food storage, cooking, eating, and cleaning. Make
sure to have can openers!
Don't forget special food for babies or folks on special diets,
as well as vitamins and medications. Pet food is important if you have pets. Remember to replace your food and water supplies every six
months to ensure freshness. A good way to remember when to replace your foods
is by doing so at the same time when you change your clocks for Daylight
Savings. Have a well-stocked Disaster Supply Kit with the following: - Battery-powered radio or
television;
- Flashlight(s);
- Extra batteries for radio,
television, and flashlights;
- First Aid Kit and first aid
manual ;
- 3 changes of clothing and
sturdy pairs of shoes for each person in the household;
- 3 Pillows and 3
blankets/sleeping bags for each person in the household;
- Feminine supplies, if
necessary;
- Diapers, if necessary;
- Fire extinguisher;
- Manual can openers;
- Disinfectant;
- Household bleach;
- Credit card and cash;
- Personal identification;
- An extra set of car keys;
- Matches or lighter in a
waterproof container;
- Wrench or pliers to turn off
utilities (household gas and water) and other hand tools;
- Whistle or signal flare to
signal for help;
- Map of your local area.
Get a NOAA weather radio. Remember to replace its battery every
6 months, as you do with your smoke detectors. Check your insurance coverage -- flood damage is not usually
covered by homeowners' insurance. A good home inventory can be invaluable for
insurance purposes, if disaster hits. Take First Aid, CPR and disaster preparedness classes. Get a cash reserve in case debit and credit cards are not
useable. Of course all of this is just the minimum. For help making your
disaster plan and for additional advice and information check out the Florida
Division of Emergency Management at http://www.floridadisaster.org/ and the National Weather Service
at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/disaster_prevention.shtml Remember - Being prepared gives you the best chance of handling
any emergency.
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