It's Hurricane Season - Do you have a Family Disaster Plan?
Posted 06-14-2014 at 09:12 PM by Sunshine Rules
Although August and September are typically the busy months of the hurricane season, it is not too soon to put together your family's disaster plan, hurricane supplies and evacuation kit.
Disaster Planning
Every household should sit down and discuss what you will do in case of a hurricane (or other disaster for that matter, as tornadoes and flooding often accompany hurricanes).
You should pick out a "safe room" within your home in which to gather, preferably a room without windows and located in the center part of your home.
Your family should also have a meet up location in case you can't get home or family members become separated.
Officials suggest you arrange with a friend or family member from out of state to act as your designated contact person in case of emergency, someone family members who are separated from the group can call to report their location.
Find out what evacuation zone your home is located in and determine where you would go should residents of your area be ordered to evacuate. You should know the locations of nearby hurricane shelters and, if you have pets or someone in your family has special needs, find out whether the shelters can accommodate your pets or other special requirements.
Have a plan, make sure everyone in your household knows the plan.
Preparation & Supplies
Most people know to have sufficient drinking water and food that does not require refrigeration or cooking on hand to take care of your family's needs for at least a week on hand.
Experts recommend having 1 gallon of drinking water per day per person.
A manual can opener, paper plates and plastic forks & spoons, plastic cups, paper towels, toilet paper, flashlights, batteries, portable radios, a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, heavy plastic & tarps, hammer and nails, heavy work gloves, plastic trash bags and cleaning supplies should also be on your supplies list. A BBQ grill, charcoal and lighter are needed.
If you had medications you need you should refill them before a storm approaches.
If you have small children, have sufficient baby diapers, wipes, etc on hand to last a week.
If you have pets, you'll need pet food and water for them.
Stock up on bags of ice. Even if our area does not suffer a direct hit, power lines can be knocked down by winds and electricity can be off for days.
If you depend on a cordless phone, get a corded one that doesn't require electricity as a back up option. If you don't have a land line and use only a cell phone, make sure you have an emergency charger.
Gas up your car before the storm hits, gas station pumps require electricity to work. It's also a good idea to have one of those tire sealers/fix a flats.
Get some emergency cash to keep at home, ATMs won't work either if the power is off.
Every home should have a first aid kit filled with supplies such as band-aids, antiseptic, compresses & tape, ace bandages, aspirin, anti-diarrhea medications, rubbing alcohol, etc. You will also need sunscreen, hand wipes and mosquito repellant.
Make up a household inventory of your valuables, appliances, furniture, etc. Take photos or video of your belongings. Scan or save receipts for major items in a watertight case.
Evacuation Kit
If you determine it is in your family's best interests to evacuate to a shelter, there are supplies the Red Cross recommends taking with you:
pillows, blankets, sleeping bags and/or air mattresses
extra clothing, eye glasses, shoes
folding chairs for sitting on during the day
personal hygiene items such as toothbrush, tooth paste, soap, deodorant (I would add washcloths and hand towels to that list)
books, card games or small toys for entertaining young family members
Important Papers
Important papers should be gathered ahead of time in a waterproof container - items such as passports, social security cards, bank & credit cards information, wills, insurance policies, inventory of your home for insurance purposes, marriage licenses, precious family photos, etc
Preparing Ahead of an Announced Storm System
NOAA and the local news stations will provide updates as the storm system approaches. Even if a hurricane is predicted to miss our immediate area, there are two things to keep in mind.
(1) Storms are unpredictable and can quickly change direction
and
(2) Hurricanes and major tropical storms typically have incredibly wide wind zones. A storm hitting another part of our state can still wreck havoc here.
So stay updated on the weather reports.
Now is the time to double check your food, water and other hurricane supplies, replentishing and/or replacing items as needed.
Before the storm hits, scrub and fill all bathtubs and sinks with water for additional supplies.
Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting in case of power outages.
Make sure your prescriptions are filled.
Store all lawn furniture, toys, garbage cans, potted plants, bicycles, wind chimes, bird houses, etc. Don't leave anything out that can become a missile in strong winds.
Trim tree branches touching or near your home or roof. Clean gutters of any debris.
If you have a swimming pool, they suggest leaving it filled and chlorinated but cover the filtration system.
Check your neighbors yards for loose items as well. You don't want your neighbor's trash can flying through your living room window during the storm.
Protect your windows and doors with hurricane shutters if you have them, heavy plywood is often used by homeowners who do not have shutters. Experts state placing duct tape on your windows is not a sufficient form of protection.
If you have electronics such as TVs, computers that you wish to protect from water damage, protect them with plastic.
If you live in a mobile home or on a barrier island, plan for evacuation and listen to local news stations for evacuation information.
If you do decide to voluntarily evacuate, keep in mind roads out of our area such as I-75, SR64 and SR70 will become congested with traffic. Plan to leave as early as possible.
When the Storm Hits
Move into your designated safe room and stay there until authorities give the all clear.
Stay put! Now is not the time to change your mind about evacuation.
If your home starts to flood, shut off the electric power at the panel.
If the electricity goes off, it is recommended to turn off major appliances and AC to reduce the chances of damage from a power serge when power is restored.
Listen to your NOAA weather radio or other radio for weather advisories and emergency information.
Once the storm has passed do not travel until authorities say it is safe to do so. There often is street flooding, downed trees and electrical wires in the streets. Don't allow children to play in storm water, it usually contains contaminants.
After the Storm
As those of us who have lived in FL for a number of years know, you may be without power for several days after a storm. Emergency services will be overwhelmed with calls so unless you have a serious emergency, plan on being self-reliant for several days.
When it's safe to do so, survey the outside of your home for damages. Check on your neighbors, see how they fared in the storm.
Call your out of state emergency contact person and let them know you are ok.
If your home was flooded do not turn the power back on (if it is available) until after you have had a licensed electrician check your wiring for damage.
If you have a gas powered generator or BBQ grill, use them in well ventilated areas.
Be aware that snakes, alligators and other wild animals may be driven to higher ground by flooding.
No one likes to think about a hurricane or major tropical storm hitting their area. We in the Sarasota - Bradenton area have been very fortunate in that regard in past years. That does not mean because our area has not been hit in the past that we will not suffer a hit in the future. So it makes sense to get prepared now, before a storm threatens.
Disaster Planning
Every household should sit down and discuss what you will do in case of a hurricane (or other disaster for that matter, as tornadoes and flooding often accompany hurricanes).
You should pick out a "safe room" within your home in which to gather, preferably a room without windows and located in the center part of your home.
Your family should also have a meet up location in case you can't get home or family members become separated.
Officials suggest you arrange with a friend or family member from out of state to act as your designated contact person in case of emergency, someone family members who are separated from the group can call to report their location.
Find out what evacuation zone your home is located in and determine where you would go should residents of your area be ordered to evacuate. You should know the locations of nearby hurricane shelters and, if you have pets or someone in your family has special needs, find out whether the shelters can accommodate your pets or other special requirements.
Have a plan, make sure everyone in your household knows the plan.
Preparation & Supplies
Most people know to have sufficient drinking water and food that does not require refrigeration or cooking on hand to take care of your family's needs for at least a week on hand.
Experts recommend having 1 gallon of drinking water per day per person.
A manual can opener, paper plates and plastic forks & spoons, plastic cups, paper towels, toilet paper, flashlights, batteries, portable radios, a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, heavy plastic & tarps, hammer and nails, heavy work gloves, plastic trash bags and cleaning supplies should also be on your supplies list. A BBQ grill, charcoal and lighter are needed.
If you had medications you need you should refill them before a storm approaches.
If you have small children, have sufficient baby diapers, wipes, etc on hand to last a week.
If you have pets, you'll need pet food and water for them.
Stock up on bags of ice. Even if our area does not suffer a direct hit, power lines can be knocked down by winds and electricity can be off for days.
If you depend on a cordless phone, get a corded one that doesn't require electricity as a back up option. If you don't have a land line and use only a cell phone, make sure you have an emergency charger.
Gas up your car before the storm hits, gas station pumps require electricity to work. It's also a good idea to have one of those tire sealers/fix a flats.
Get some emergency cash to keep at home, ATMs won't work either if the power is off.
Every home should have a first aid kit filled with supplies such as band-aids, antiseptic, compresses & tape, ace bandages, aspirin, anti-diarrhea medications, rubbing alcohol, etc. You will also need sunscreen, hand wipes and mosquito repellant.
Make up a household inventory of your valuables, appliances, furniture, etc. Take photos or video of your belongings. Scan or save receipts for major items in a watertight case.
Evacuation Kit
If you determine it is in your family's best interests to evacuate to a shelter, there are supplies the Red Cross recommends taking with you:
pillows, blankets, sleeping bags and/or air mattresses
extra clothing, eye glasses, shoes
folding chairs for sitting on during the day
personal hygiene items such as toothbrush, tooth paste, soap, deodorant (I would add washcloths and hand towels to that list)
books, card games or small toys for entertaining young family members
Important Papers
Important papers should be gathered ahead of time in a waterproof container - items such as passports, social security cards, bank & credit cards information, wills, insurance policies, inventory of your home for insurance purposes, marriage licenses, precious family photos, etc
Preparing Ahead of an Announced Storm System
NOAA and the local news stations will provide updates as the storm system approaches. Even if a hurricane is predicted to miss our immediate area, there are two things to keep in mind.
(1) Storms are unpredictable and can quickly change direction
and
(2) Hurricanes and major tropical storms typically have incredibly wide wind zones. A storm hitting another part of our state can still wreck havoc here.
So stay updated on the weather reports.
Now is the time to double check your food, water and other hurricane supplies, replentishing and/or replacing items as needed.
Before the storm hits, scrub and fill all bathtubs and sinks with water for additional supplies.
Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting in case of power outages.
Make sure your prescriptions are filled.
Store all lawn furniture, toys, garbage cans, potted plants, bicycles, wind chimes, bird houses, etc. Don't leave anything out that can become a missile in strong winds.
Trim tree branches touching or near your home or roof. Clean gutters of any debris.
If you have a swimming pool, they suggest leaving it filled and chlorinated but cover the filtration system.
Check your neighbors yards for loose items as well. You don't want your neighbor's trash can flying through your living room window during the storm.
Protect your windows and doors with hurricane shutters if you have them, heavy plywood is often used by homeowners who do not have shutters. Experts state placing duct tape on your windows is not a sufficient form of protection.
If you have electronics such as TVs, computers that you wish to protect from water damage, protect them with plastic.
If you live in a mobile home or on a barrier island, plan for evacuation and listen to local news stations for evacuation information.
If you do decide to voluntarily evacuate, keep in mind roads out of our area such as I-75, SR64 and SR70 will become congested with traffic. Plan to leave as early as possible.
When the Storm Hits
Move into your designated safe room and stay there until authorities give the all clear.
Stay put! Now is not the time to change your mind about evacuation.
If your home starts to flood, shut off the electric power at the panel.
If the electricity goes off, it is recommended to turn off major appliances and AC to reduce the chances of damage from a power serge when power is restored.
Listen to your NOAA weather radio or other radio for weather advisories and emergency information.
Once the storm has passed do not travel until authorities say it is safe to do so. There often is street flooding, downed trees and electrical wires in the streets. Don't allow children to play in storm water, it usually contains contaminants.
After the Storm
As those of us who have lived in FL for a number of years know, you may be without power for several days after a storm. Emergency services will be overwhelmed with calls so unless you have a serious emergency, plan on being self-reliant for several days.
When it's safe to do so, survey the outside of your home for damages. Check on your neighbors, see how they fared in the storm.
Call your out of state emergency contact person and let them know you are ok.
If your home was flooded do not turn the power back on (if it is available) until after you have had a licensed electrician check your wiring for damage.
If you have a gas powered generator or BBQ grill, use them in well ventilated areas.
Be aware that snakes, alligators and other wild animals may be driven to higher ground by flooding.
No one likes to think about a hurricane or major tropical storm hitting their area. We in the Sarasota - Bradenton area have been very fortunate in that regard in past years. That does not mean because our area has not been hit in the past that we will not suffer a hit in the future. So it makes sense to get prepared now, before a storm threatens.
Total Comments 0
