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How to
Prepare for the Next Hurricane - Early Preparation
(ARA)
– Images of communities devastated last year by extreme weather may
have you wondering how you can protect your family in the face of
Mother Nature’s wrath. The best defense is to be prepared before a
storm or hurricane is headed towards your home.. Always be ready to
get your loved ones to a safe place or evacuate if required.
Storms can bring winds of 100 mph or faster, and can push tons of
rainwater ahead of them. All storms can bring danger and damage when
they hit, so be ready and safe. Here is what to do to prepare for a
storm -- more may be required for each family depending on the
circumstance, but start with some basics. Remember, utilities and
basic services could be unavailable for days or even weeks.
1. Pick a safe place for the family. This may be a location in your
home -- consider a windowless room on the bottom floor. It could be a
relative’s home or other location if your home doesn't have a safe
area. You should know the locations of at least two emergency shelters
near your home. People with special medical needs should contact the
county agencies in advance to make prior arrangements for
transportation to a safe spot.
2. Have a family communications plan. Family can become separated
before or after a storm. Have a prearranged meeting place and time if
all else fails. Designate a prime family contact person. Be sure
everyone in the family knows who the contact person is and all members
carry phone numbers in their wallet or purse.
3. Get your home ready. Close the hurricane shutters, if you have
them; use extra screws and washers to secure. Sheets of plywood,
precut to fit your windows, will also work well. Cover all the windows
if you can. Remove everything loose from your yard and store it in the
garage. Do not wait until the rain starts. Watch the news when a storm
is approaching and protect your home.
4. Keep your cars and other vehicles full of gasoline. Keep your car
filled with at least half a tank of fuel throughout hurricane season.
Use a fuel stabilizer and a water remover like Sta-Bil and HEET in the
tank at all times. You may have to evacuate if the situation warrants.
5. Those with a back-up generator or a chain saw should have Sta-Bil
Fuel Stabilizer and at least an extra couple of proper gasoline cans
filled and stabilized for safe refueling when needed. When a storm
approaches, lines at the gas station will get long . Many gas stations
will run out of gas before the storm hits. You need to have enough gas
to safely refuel emergency equipment. Sta-Bil brand Fuel Stabilizer
helps keep all fuel fresh, and equipment ready to go at all times
especially during uncertain times, like in the event of supply
problems during a hurricane. A hurricane recently caused a dramatic
drop in the supply of gasoline by affecting the distribution service
stations system and pipelines.
6. Stock up on food and water. You should have enough nonperishable
food and water in your home to last the family for at least a few
weeks. Buy and rotate fresh supplies to replace old, purchase new
canned goods every few years and rotate the rest through your pantry.
Bottled water should be replaced every year.
7. Prepare other disaster supplies. You'll need to stock up on
batteries, flashlights, rope, tarps, plastic bags, bad-weather
clothing and other essentials enough to carry your family through the
aftermath of the storm.
Emergency supplies that you will need: (not in any order)
* Drinking water - at least 2 to 3 quarts per person per day. This
includes wash water in case you don’t have running water.)
* Nonperishable food (cans and a can opener, pots or cooking pans)
MRE’s energy bars
* Extra batteries for flashlights and radios
* First aid kit
* Medication for all family members
* 1 gallon of liquid chlorine bleach
* Flashlights
* Battery-operated radio
* Cash
* Toiletries and toilet paper
* Clothing and rain gear
* Extra gasoline in approved storage can
* Enough fuel for a generator or a chain saw
* Plastic trash bags and duct tape. Cut a hole in the bottom and arm
holes in the sides for rain gear. They also work for weather proofing
your stuff.
Keep important documents (insurance policies, etc.) with you and check
your insurance coverage. Write down all the contact information and
policy numbers and put this into a waterproof resealable plastic bag.
Do a room-by-room inventory with any serial numbers for insurance
purposes.
Remember, a few hours of preparation can spare you a lot of grief, and
help protect your loved ones.
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