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Monday, October 29, 2012

Hurricane Survival Tips

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With Hurricane Sandy on its way with impressive strength towards over 60 million people according to CNN, our thoughts and prayers turn all who are in its path.  Red Cross reports that over 3,200 people evacuated their homes and spent the night at Red Cross shelters last night.

We thought we could provide a comprehensive list of information from different sources with  hopes that it might help even a few in the east coast.  Our thoughts are prayers are with you!

Photo credit: Trodel / Foter / CC BY-SA




What to do BEFORE a hurricane comes (Information from redcross.org)

A hurricane is on its way.  What do I do?

  • Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio for critical information from the national Weather Service (NWS).
  • Check your disaster supplies.  Replace or restock as needed.
  • Bring in anything that can be picked up by the wind (bicycle, lawn furniture)
  • Close your windows, doors and hurricane shutters.  If you do not have hurricane shutters, close and board up all windows and doors with plywood.
  • Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting.  Keep them closed as much as possible so that food will last longer if the power goes out. 
  • Turn off propane tank.
  • Unplug small appliances. 
  • Fill your car's gas tank.
  • Create an evacuation plan with members of your household.  Planning and practicing your evacuation plan minimizes confusion and fear during the event. 
  • Find out about your community's hurricane response plan.  Plan routes to local shelters, register family membesr with special medical needs and make plans for your pets to be cared for.
  • Obey evacuation orders.  Avoid flooded roads and washed out bridges. 
 
Standard homeownders insurance doesn't cover flooding.  It's important to have protection from the floods associated with hurricanes, tropical storms, heavy rains and other conditions that impact the U.S.  For more information on flood insurance, please visit the National Flood Insurance Program Web site at www.FloodSmart.gov.
 
What to do DURING the storm (information from redcross.org)
Supplies to prepare
  • Water---at least a 3-day supply; one gallon per person per day
  • Food---at least a 3-day supply of non-perishiable, easy-to-prepare food
  • Flashlight
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
  • Extra batteries
  • First Aid Kit
  • Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra battries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc.)
  • Multi-purpose tool
  • Sanitation and personal hygiene items
  • Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
  • Cell phone with chargers
  • Family and emergency contact information
  • Extra cash
  • Emergency blanket
  • Map(s) of the area
  • Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
  • Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
  • Tools/supplies for securing your home
  • Extra set of car keys and house keys
  • Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes
  • Rain gear
  • Insect repellent and sunscreen
  • Camera for photos of damage

What to take to a shelter
According to redcross.org more than 3,200 people have evacuated their homes last night to spend the night at Red Cross Shelters in nine different states.  Here are some things you would want to bring to a shelter when evacuating a home (information provided by Red Cross).

The Red Cross encourages those who plan to stay in a Red Cross evacuation shelter to bring the following items for each member of their family: 
  • prescription and emergency medication
  • extra clothing
  • pillows
  • blankets
  • hygiene supplies
  • flashlight with extra batteries
  • small board games
  • books for entertainment
  • speciality snacks and juices for those with dietary restrictions
  • basic snacks
  • baby food and formula
  • diapers
  • beach chair or camp chair
  • identification - including license and FPL or other utility bill
  • insurance papers
  • other comfort items
Additionally, special items for children and infants, such as diapers, formulas and toys, should be brought, along with other items for family members who are elderly or disabled.

You may not bring illegal drugs, alcoholic beverages, any weapons or pets into the shelter.  For information on Pet Shelters contact 211.

Live Coverage of Hurricane Sandy

1 comment:

  1. Thanks for sharing the tips. Survival from hurricane can be tough. So be prepared and make all the protection strategies before the hurricane. Impact windows and hurricane shutters can be few of the best ways to keep your home and offices safe.

    ReplyDelete