Hurricane Preparedness Tips #1

admin on May 25th, 2008

“Hurricane hazards come in many forms: storm surge, high winds, tornadoes, and flooding. This means it is important for your family to have a plan that includes all of these hazards”

http://www.wunderground.com/blog/Patrap/comment.html?entrynum=116&tstamp=200805

As June 1st approaches we are heading into the official 2008 Hurricane season and the time of year to review our hurricane preparedness. Living in Florida and having been through the numerous storms of 2004, I guess I can officially say that I’ve learned a few important things. Since no one knows what type of season it is going to be, there are things that you should do to prepare now so that you are ready at any time. Hurricane preparedness is not just for hurricanes. These things are simple and should be done in order to be ready for any type of emergency.

Photos and Videos
Take photos of your home, both interior and exterior including photos of valuables. It is also a good idea to take a video of your home from room to room with narrating to point out special things or features. Keep these and all photos or memorabilia in a plastic, waterproof container. These will be needed in case of an insurance claim.

Important Documents
Place all important documents such as insurance papers, titles, deeds, diplomas, bank papers, birth certificates, social security papers, tax papers, auto documents, marriage or divorce papers, etc. all in a plastic, waterproof container. Include important telephone numbers and addresses. Some of these papers can be difficult to replace.

Supplies
Always have available batteries, flashlights, battery operated radio or television, non-perishable food, bottled water, manual can opener, cooler, first aid kit, candles, fire extinguisher. Some of these items can always be kept together in one place for easy access.

Always on a daily basis keep a supply of necessary over the counter and prescription medications in one easily accessible area.

If you have young children, make sure you keep a supply of diapers, baby wipes, baby food and formula. Keep boards games, coloring books, crayons, puzzles in one place for easy access.

If you have pets, make sure to always keep a supply of food and meds.

This is a general list of things that we can do to prepare in advance for any type of emergency. There may be more things that you have to add to this list. More important is strategically placing these items in an area, such as a hall closet, that is easy to get to. If they are all in one place, it will eliminate the need to be searching all over the house for something that is necessary. Since the hurricanes of 2004, we use a closet near our entry way for these items. They are packed in boxes and on the floor. In case of an emergency, everything is right there where we can just grab it and run. Of course I can’t keep everything on this list in the closet (food and meds just won’t do) but I’ve learned to become much more organized and keep these items together (one shelf just for meds) so that with a scoop of the hand, they are all in a bag.

Part of hurricane preparedness is becoming more organized so that you are prepared for all emergencies. Now is a good time to take a look at your plan of action in case something happens. Being always ready for hurricane season or any emergency is something everyone should do and reevaluate every year.

If you prepare for hurricanes or other emergencies, please let us know. Do you have your own plan to follow?

GRAB-and-GO 2 PERSON 3-DAY Emergency Kit