Preventing the loss of life and minimizing the damage to property from hurricanes and disasters are responsibilities that are shared by all.
The season starts on June 1st each year and goes through November. Make sure you are prepared.
Disaster Prevention should include:
- Creating a Disaster Supply Kit
- Developing a Family Plan
- Having a Place to Go
- Securing your Home
- Having a Pet Plan
Employee Emergency Contact List Entry Form
Family Disaster Planning
Discuss the type of hazards that could affect your family. Know your home’s vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind. Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home for each hurricane hazard. In certain circumstances the safest areas may not be your home but within your community.
Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet. These should be measured in tens of miles rather than hundreds of miles. Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact, so all your family members have a single point of contact. Make a plan now for what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate. Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call 911.
Check your insurance coverage – flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance. Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and a disaster supply kit. Use a NOAA weather radio. Remember to replace its battery every 6 months, as you do with your smoke detectors. Take First Aid, CPR and disaster preparedness classes.
Disaster Supply Kit:
- Water– at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
- Food – at least enough for 3 to 7 days
- Non-perishable packaged or canned food and juices
- Foods for infants or the elderly
- Snack foods
- Non-electric can opener
- Cooking tools and fuel
- Paper plates and plastic utensils
- Blankets, Pillows, etc…
- Clothing – seasonal, rain gear, sturdy shoes
- First Aid Kit, Medicines, prescription drugs
- Special Items – for babies and the elderly
- Toiletries, Hygiene items, Moisture Wipes
- Radio – battery operated NOAA weather radio
- Telephones – fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set
- Cash (with some small bills) & Credit Cards – banks and ATM’s may not be available for extended periods
- Keys
- Toys, Books, and Games
- Important Documents – in a waterproof container or watertight re-sealable plastic bag (Insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, social
security card, etc.) - Tools – keep a set with you during the storm
- Vehicle Fuel Tanks filled
- Pet Care Items
- Proper identification, immunization records, medications
- Ample supply of food and water
- A carrier or cage
- Muzzle and leash
Have a Place to Go
Develop a family hurricane preparedness plan before an actual storm threatens your area. If ordered to evacuate, do not wait or delay your departure. Select an evacuation destination that is nearest to your home, preferably in the same county, or at least minimize the distance over which you must travel in order to reach your intended shelter location. If you decide to evacuate to another county or region, be prepared to wait in traffic. If a hotel or motel is your final intended destination during an evacuation, make reservations before you leave. If you are unable to stay with friends or family and no hotel/motel rooms are available, then as a last resort go to a shelter. Make sure that you fill up your car with gas, before you leave.
Secure Your Home
Retrofitting Your Home – The most important precaution you can take to reduce damage to your home and property is to protect the areas where wind can enter. According to recent wind technology research, it’s important to strengthen the exterior of your house so wind and debris do not tear large openings in it. You can do this by protecting and reinforcing these five critical areas: roof, straps, shutters, doors and garage doors.
Pet Plan Before the Disaster
Make sure that your pets are current on their vaccinations. Pet shelters may require proof of vaccines. Have a current photograph. Keep a collar with identification on your pet and have a leash on hand to control your pet. Have a properly sized pet carrier for each animal – carriers should be large enough for the animal to stand and turn around. Plan your evacuation strategy and don’t forget your pet! Specialized pet shelters, animal control shelters, veterinary clinics and friends and relatives out of harm’s way are ALL potential refuges for your pet during a disaster. If you plan to shelter your pet – work it into your evacuation route planning.
Pet Plan During the Disaster
Animals brought to a pet shelter are required to have: proper identification, collar and rabies tag, proper identification on all belongings, a carrier or cage, a leash, an ample supply of food, water and food bowls, any necessary medications, specific care instructions and news papers or trash bags for clean-up. Bring pets indoor well in advance of a storm – reassure them and remain calm. Pet shelters will be filled on first come, first served basis. Call ahead and determine availability.
Pet Plan After the Disaster
Walk pets on a leash until they become re-oriented to their home – often familiar scents and landmarks may be altered and pets could easily be confused and become lost. Also, downed power lines, reptiles brought in with high water and debris can all pose a threat for animals after a disaster. If pets cannot be found after a disaster, contact the local animal control office to find out where lost animals can be recovered. Bring along a picture of your pet if possible. After a disaster animals can become aggressive or defensive – monitor their behavior. Don’t forget your pet when preparing a family disaster plan.
Pet Disaster Supply Kit
- Proper identification, immunization records, medications
- Ample supply of food and water
- Medications
- A carrier or cage
- Muzzle and leash