|
1. Discuss the type of hazards that could affect your family. Know your home's vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind.
2.
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.
3.
Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet. These should be measured in tens of miles rather than hundreds of miles.
4. Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact, so all your family members have a single point of contact.
5.
Make a plan now for what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate.
6.
Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call 911.
7. Check your insurance coverage - flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance.
|
8. Have a battery powered radio with extra batteries.
9.Take First Aid, CPR and disaster preparedness classes.
10. Have 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 / juices — foods for infants or the elderly — snack foods — non-electric can opener — cooking tools / fuel — paper plates / 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. Flashlight / Batteries. Radio - Battery operated radio. Cash (with some small bills) - Banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods. Keys. Toys, Books and
Games. Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight
resealable 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.
One of the best ways to protect a home from damage in wind storms is to install impact-resistant shutters over all large windows and glass doors. Not only do they protect doors and windows from wind-borne objects, but they can reduce damage caused by sudden pressure changes when a window or door is broken. Laminated window systems (plastic bonded to glass) are another option. The easiest designs are those that simply cover the opening with a structural panel such as plywood. If you have a wood-frame house, use adequate fasteners to attach the panels over the openings when a hurricane approaches. Have these temporary shutters stored and ready to use since building supply stores generally sell out of these materials quickly during a hurricane warning. If your home is made with concrete blocks, however, you will have to install anchoring. |
