Hurricane Safety Tips (before)

Before a Hurricane

      1.       Make an Emergency Supply Kit: 

• Important Family Documents (eg: I.D., insurance, bank), 
• Water (1 gallon/person/day for min. 3 days), 
• Non-Perishable Food (for min. 3 days), Non-Electric Can Opener,
• Battery-Powered Radio, Flashlight, Extra Batteries, 
• Candles, Matches (in a waterproof container),
• First Aid Kit, Whistle (to signal for help), 
• Cell Phone(s) & Chargers (solar charger, if available), 
• Prescription Medication, Baby Formula & Diapers, 
• Extra Cash (banks & ATM’s may be temporarily unavailable), 
• Complete Change of Clothing (per person), 
• Feminine Supplies & Personal Hygiene Items, 
• Paper/Plastic Utensils (plates, cups, etc.), 
• Household Bleach (to disinfect & purify water), Garbage Bags, Insect Repellent,
• Fire Extinguisher,  Heavy Duty Gloves (for cleaning up & clearing debris),
• Multi-purpose Knife, Duct Tape, Rope, 
• Books/Games/Puzzles/Writing Utensils (to keep children busy).

      2.      Make a Plan/Prepare your family: 

• Identify an out-of-town contact (as a central link for separated family members); 
• Ensure every family member knows the central contact person & number; 
• Teach family members how to use text messaging/SMS (SMS’s are often more efficient when network(s) are having issues/disruptions); 
• Prepare to make an informed decision to stay at home or go to a shelter/hotel; 
• Make sure your car is filled with gas.

~ Note: You may also want to inquire about emergency plans at places where your family spends time: work, daycare and school. If no plans exist, consider volunteering to help create one. Talk to your neighbors about how you can work together in the event of an emergency. You will be better prepared to safely reunite your family and loved ones during an emergency if you think ahead and communicate with others in advance. ~

      3.      *Have a pet plan:
Not all shelters/hotels accept pets, so find one that does beforehand.

      4.      Prepare/Protect your property: 

• Check if insurance is up-to-date; 
• Ensure to have enough ply-wood to cover all windows (preferably cut to window-size); 
• Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans, and anything else that is not tied down; 
• Keep all trees & outdoor plants well trimmed (to protect from wind damage); 
• Turn refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting & keep its doors closed (if power-outage is imminent); 
• Fill the bathtub and/or other large containers with water (for sanitary purposes: cleaning & flushing toilets); 
• Store & use generator in a properly ventilated area (NOT indoors); 
• Take pictures of personal property (including furniture, clothing, valuables, and building); 
• Remove or take down TV antennas & satellite dishes; 
• Tape windows to reduce flying glass.

      5.      Be informed: 

• Get familiar with hurricane terms & warnings; 
• Know how to react once a hurricane watch/warning is issued.

 ~ Note: Hurricanes are classified into five categories based on their wind speed, central pressure, and damage potential. Category 3 and higher hurricanes are considered major hurricanes, though Categories 1 and 2 are still extremely dangerous and warrant your full attention. ~

      6.      Stay alert: 

• Be ready to put your plan & preparation into action; 
• Pay attention to local weather reports on radio/TV/other news media (eg: internet) for weather updates; 
• Listen to authorities for official instructions & procedures.