Hurricane Season – Getting Ready
Are you ready?
Prevention and preparation are the best way to deal with any emergency situation and those of us that live in the “line of fire” of a hurricane know that well. Hurricane season is right around the corner, beginning June 1, and is expected to be a very active season. There is no time like the present to get your plan in place. A good preparedness plan can make all the difference. Here are some helpful tips to make your plan a great one:
- Put together an emergency kit that includes non-perishable food for up to three days. Don’t forget a manual can opener. In the event of power loss, the electric ones will not work.
- Drinking water. Have a minimum of one gallon of drinking water per person per day. Juice boxes and soft drinks may be a welcome change.
- Protect your home. Check the roof for loose shingles or those in need of repair. Protect exterior windows and secure all loose items around your home. Trim back trees and bushes to avoid home destruction.
- Make sure to have an ample amount of personal medications and prescriptions.
- Cash on hand. Have some cash on hand because you will not be able to access ATM’s in the event of a power outage.
- Radios and batters. Have flashlights and a battery-powered radio to get regular updates on the storm and recovery efforts. Make sure to have enough batteries on hand.
- What will you do in the event of an evacuation? Where will you go? Make sure to let relatives and friends know if you are leaving and where you can be reached.
- Pets Shelters and some hotels do not take pets. If you have to evacuate, have a plan in place for your pets and remember to take supplies with you for them. Food, water, toys and medications.
- Family members. Designate one person, who lives out-of-town that all family members must check in with after a storm. We may not all be in the same home when the storm occurs, so you want to make sure that everyone is accounted for.
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” – Benjamin Franklin