Hurricane Preparedness

Hurricane Season is here and now is the time to prepare your family and home so that you are prepared ahead of the storm season. By starting the process of preparing early you’ll avoid the rush at your local grocery stores, home supply stores and other spots that will become quickly crowded if hurricane watches and or warnings are issued in your area.

Basic Preparedness Tips:

Your home should be stocked with basic supplies that every person should have that live in hurricane prone areas. The items are: food, water, first aid supplies, clothing/ bedding, tools/ emergency supplies and special items. We suggest that you keep these items in easy to carry containers such as a large plastic tote with lid, trash can with lid or a duffle type bag.

Food:

It is suggested that you have at least a 3 day supply of non-perishable food per person. Food that requires no refrigeration, prep work or cooking is best. Food items that are compact and lightweight will make it easier to store and carry if needed. We have listed a sample list of food items that you may want to consider as you prepare.

• High energy foods
• Ready to eat canned foods such as meats, fruits and veggies
• Canned juices
• High energy foods
• Staples such as salt, pepper, sugar and spices
• Vitamins

Water:

It is recommended to have at least one gallon of water per person per day on hand. A three day supply is recommended as well for both drinking water and water to use for food preparation and sanitation.

Store your water supply in plastic containers and avoid using containers that will decompose such as milk cartons or glass bottles. A normal active person needs to drink at least two quarts of drinking water each day and more if you are active or in a warm environment. If you will be active or located in a warm environment we recommend doubling the amount of water rations per person. Also, children, nursing mothers and ill persons will need more water rations per day as well.

First Aid Supplies:

It is recommended that you have a first aid kit for both your vehicles and your home. Here is a list of first aid supplies that you will need. Add additional content for a larger family or if you are preparing your workplace for hurricane season.

• (20) Adhesive bandages, various sizes
• 5″ x 9″ sterile dressing
• roll gauze bandage
• Triangular bandages
• 3 x 3 sterile gauze pads
• 4 x 4 sterile gauze pads
• Roll 3″ cohesive bandage
• Germicidal hand wipes or waterless alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• (6) Antiseptic wipes
• (2) Pair large medical grade non-latex gloves
• Adhesive tape
• Triple Antibiotic Ointment
• Alcohol Wipes
• Instant Ice pack
• First Aid Scissors
• Tweezers
• CPR breathing barrier, such as a face shield

Non- Prescription Drugs and Vitamins are recommended to help in case illness occurs during the storm. Some recommended items are:

• Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
• Anti-diarrhea medication
• Antacid (for stomach upset)
• Laxative
• Activated charcoal (use if advised by the American Association of Poison Control Centers)

Tools and Supplies

We recommend that you also prepare some tools and supplies that you may need before, during and especially after a hurricane leaves your area and as you begin cleanup or rescue efforts after the storm. Here is a list of tools and supplies that you may consider adding to your hurricane preparedness kit.

• Eating utensils such as paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils
• Emergency preparedness manual
• Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Cash or traveler’s checks, change
• Non-electric can opener, utility knife
• Fire extinguisher: small canister ABC type
• Tube tent
• Pliers
• Tape
• Compass
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Aluminum foil
• Plastic storage containers
• Signal flare
• Paper, pencil
• Needles, thread
• Medicine dropper
• Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water
• Whistle
• Plastic sheeting
• Map of the area (for locating shelters)

Sanitation, Clothing and Bedding

You will need to prepare for bodily functions as well during the hurricane and afterwards as water; sanitation and electric service may not be available for quite some time. Here is a list of recommended items:

Sanitation:

• Toilet paper, wet wipes
• Soap, liquid detergent
• Feminine supplies
• Personal hygiene items
• Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)
• Plastic bucket with tight lid
• Disinfectant
• Household chlorine bleach
• Clothing and Bedding:
• Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person.
• Sturdy shoes or work boots
• Rain gear
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Hat and gloves
• Thermal underwear
• Sunglasses
• Special Considerations:
• There are special items needed for special people such as infants/ babies; elderly or disabled adults and pets:
• Infants/ Babies
• Formula
• Diapers
• Bottles
• Powdered milk
• Medications

Adults that may be elderly or disabled:

• Heart and high blood pressure medication
• Insulin
• Prescription drugs
• Denture needs
• Contact lenses and supplies
• Extra eye glasses

Pets:

• Do not leave your pets behind.
• Securely fasten a current identification tag to your pet’s collar and carry a photograph of your pet. It’s important to include the phone number of a friend or family member on the tag so anyone who may find your pet is able to reach someone who knows you.
• Transport pets in secure pet carriers and keep pets on leashes or harnesses.
• Call hotels in a safe/host location and ask if you can bring your pets. Ask the manager if a no-pet policy can be lifted during the disaster. Most emergency shelters do not admit pets.
• Call friends, family members, veterinarians or boarding kennels in a safe/host location to arrange foster care if you and your pets cannot stay together.
• Pack a week’s supply of food, water and other provisions, such as medication or cat litter.
• Do not wait until the last minute to evacuate. Rescue officials may not allow you to take your pets if you need to be rescued.
• Keep a list of emergency phone numbers (veterinarian, local animal control, animal shelters, Red Cross, etc.).

Important Documents:

Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container:

• Will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds
• Passports, social security cards, immunization records
• Bank account numbers
• Credit card account numbers and companies
• Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers
• Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)
• Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members. Keep a smaller version of the supplies kit in the trunk of your car.
• Keep items in airtight plastic bags. Change your stored water supply every six months so it stays fresh. Replace your stored food every six months. Re-think your kit and family needs at least once a year. Replace batteries, update clothes, etc.
• Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications.

Entertainment

• Even though a hurricane may be scary to experience it will be helpful to provide some form of entertainment for children and even for adults as there will not be any electricity for a while and board games will go a long way in passing the time along.
• Here are a few suggestions:
• Board games and other games that don’t require batteries or electricity
• Books for adult readers and for children
• Deck of Cards