The Hurricane Preparedness Handbook for Families

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Index of pages

 

1.     Cover

2.     Index

3.     The Family Disaster Plan, Supplies

4.     Non-prescription Drugs, Tools

5.     Sanitation, Clothing, Bedding, Special items

6.     Special items

7.     Important Documents, Suggestions, Reminders, Create a plan, Checklist and update

8.     Prepare for evacuation, Web sites

9.     When a Hurricane watch is issued

10.            When a Hurricane warning is issued

11.            Evacuation

12.            Safety tips for travel, Floods and Tornados

13.            If trapped by a storm

14.            After the Hurricane

15.            When it is necessary to stay at home

16.            Recovery

17.            Severe weather terms and definitions

18.            Cont.

19.            Shelters

20.            Shelters (pets)

21.            Cont.

 

 

 

THE FAMILY DISASTER PLAN

Create a Family Disaster Supplies Kit

One of the first steps towards preparedness is to create a family disaster supplies kit. This kit should contain all the essential items needed during the period immediately following a disaster, such as water, food, tools, medical supplies, clothing, bedding, and other special items like important documents. It often becomes necessary after a disaster to seek refuge in a public shelter. These shelters may not have some of the basic necessities. A disaster supplies kit can make a stay in a public shelter more comfortable.

Your Family Disaster Supplies Kit

After a disaster, local officials and relief workers will be on the scene, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours, or it may take days. Once a disaster hits, you won’t have time to shop or search for supplies.

SUPPLIES

WATER - Store water in plastic containers. Store one gallon per person per day (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for food preparation/sanitation. More suggested due to hot environment and possible intense physical activity. Keep at least three-day supply per person in household.

 

FOOD - Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable foods. Select foods that requires no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno or charcoal and lighter fluid. Select food items that are compact and lightweight. Ready to eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables. Canned juices, milk and soup (if powered, store extra water).

Staples - Sugar, salt and pepper. High-energy foods - peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix, and Vitamins. Food for infants, elderly persons or persons on special diets and Comfort/Stress-foods - Cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals, lollipops, instant coffee and tea bags.

FIRST AID KIT  

Assemble a first aid kit for your home and car. A first aid kit should include:

·        Sterile Adhesive Bandages in assorted sizes

·        2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)

·        4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)

·        Hypoallergenic adhesive tape

·        Triangular bandages (3)

·        2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)

·        3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)

·         Scissors

·         Tweezers

·         Needle

·        Moistened towelettes

·        Antiseptic

·        Thermometer

·        Tongue blades

·        Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant

·        Assorted sizes of safety pins

·        Cleaning agent/soap

·         Latex gloves (2 pair)

·         Sunscreen

NON-PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

·         Aspirin

·         Anti-diarrhea medication

·         Antacid (for upset stomach)

·         Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center)

·         Laxative

·         Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)

TOOLS AND SUPPLIES

·        Mess kit or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils

·        Emergency preparedness manual

·        Battery operated TV, radio, clock and extra batteries

·        Flashlight and extra batteries

·        Cash, traveler’s checks and change

·        Non-electric can opener, utility knife

·        Fire extinguisher; small canister, ABC type

·        Tube tent

·        Pliers

·        Tape

·        Compass

·        Matches

·        Aluminum Foil

·        Plastic storage containers

·        Signal flare

·        Paper, pencil

·        Needles and thread

·        Medicine dropper

·        Whistle

·        Plastic sheeting

·        Map of area (for locating shelters)

·        Ice chest and ice

·        Manual can opener

·        Water purification tablets

SANITATION

·        Toilet paper, towelettes

·        Soap, liquid detergent

·        Feminine supplies

·        Personal Hygiene items

·        Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)

·        Plastic bucket with tight lid

·        Disinfectant

·        Household Chlorine bleach

CLOTHING AND BEDDING

·    Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person

·    Sturdy shoes or work boots

·    Hat and gloves

·        Rain gear

·        Thermal underwear

·        Blankets or sleeping bags

·        Sunglasses

SPECIAL ITEMS

·    Remember family members with special needs, such as infants elderly or disabled persons.

·         Heart and high blood pressure medication

·         Insulin

·         Prescription drugs

·         Denture needs

·         Contact lenses and supplies

·         Extra Eyeglasses

·         Entertainment - games and books

·         Formula

·         Diapers

·         Bottles

·         Powered Milk

·         Medications

IMPORTANT FAMILY DOCUMENTS

·        Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container.

·        Will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds

·        Passports, social security cards, immunization records

·        Bank account numbers

·        Credit card account numbers and companies

·        Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers

·        Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)

SUGGESTIONS AND REMINDERS

·        Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members. Keep a Smaller version of the Disaster Supplies Kit in the trunk of your car.

·        Keep items in airtight plastic bags

·        Change your stored water supply every six months so it stays fresh

·        Rotate your food supplies every six months

·        Re-think your kit and family needs at least once a year. Replace batteries, update clothes, etc.

·        Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications.

CREATE A FAMILY DISASTER PLAN

·     As you begin to prepare for disasters, discuss the danger of hurricanes, tornadoes, fire, and other emergencies.  Develop a plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team.

·        Establish meeting places inside and outside of residence

·        Decide best escape routes from residence

·        Plan to care for Pets and needed supplies

·        Select a friend or relative to be an out-of town contact.  All family members should know name and number.

·        Learn evacuation routes advised to evacuate

·        Determine locations and phone numbers of area shelters

MAKE A CHECKLIST AND PERIODICALLY UPDATE IT

·        Post Emergency telephone numbers by phones (fire, police, etc)

·        Teach children how and when to call 911 or local EMS number for help

·        Show each family member how to turn off water, gas and electricity at the main valve or switches.  (check with local utility company for instructions)

·        Teach each family member how to use a fire extinguisher and keep it in a central location. Check it each year.

·        Install smoke detectors on each level of the home, especially near bedrooms.

·        Conduct a home hazard hunt.

·        Stock emergency supplies and assemble a disaster supplies kit.

·        Learn basic first aid.

·        Identify safe places in the home to go for each type of potential disaster.

·        Check to make sure there is adequate insurance coverage.

PREPARE FOR EVACUATION –

Advance planning will make evacuation procedures easier. First, have the family disaster supplies kit and plan ready. Additional steps that can aid preparedness include:

·        Learn potential maximum storm surge by category of hurricane. Information about the potential for inland flooding and storm surge is available through the nearest weather station office.

·        Plan to relocate during a hurricane emergency when living near the seashore.

·        Review possible evacuation procedures with the family. Find out where children will be sent if they are in school when an evacuation is announced.

·        Plan now where to go if forced to evacuate. Consider the homes of friends or relatives who live nearby, but outside the area of potential danger. Know the location of the nearest shelter. Emergency Management or Red Cross personnel can give the location of the shelter nearest the home and explain what to bring to the shelter. Know how to contact family members should the need arise.

·        Contact the local emergency management office for information on shelters and community evacuation plans.

·        Plan an escape route early. Check with emergency management personnel for low points and flooding history of the route. Check the number of hours it could take to evacuate to a safe area during peak evacuation traffic.

·        Have the car checked. This includes: ignition system, battery, lights, tires, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, brakes, wiper blades and windshield washer fluid, coolant or anti-freeze, oil and lubricants. Keep vehicles fueled at all times during hurricane season.

·        Those without vehicles should make transportation plans with friends, relatives, neighbors, or local emergency management office.

·        Inventory property and take photographs or video of belongings.

·        Take important papers and documents with you in waterproof containers or store in safety deposit box.

·        Check insurance coverage prior to any emergency.

·        Track hurricane information online at the following websites:

WWW.volusia.org/emergency WWW.weather.com http://www.daytonaredcross.org/ http://www.floridadisaster.org/

WHEN A HURRICANE WATCH IS ISSUED

Make plans early and inform family members of hurricane watch. Listen constantly to radio or TV broadcasts. Monitor storm reports and keep a log of hurricane positions. Remember that evacuation routes sometimes can be closed up to 20 hours before landfall by wind gusting or storm surge flooding.

 

If considering moving to a shelter, refill needed prescriptions and make arrangements for

Pets. Pets usually are not allowed in shelters.

 

If evacuation has not already been recommended, consider leaving the area early enough to avoid long hours on limited evacuation routes.

CHECK SUPPLIES

·         Have a transistor radio with fresh batteries (minimum 3 batteries)

·         Flashlights, lamps, candles and matches. Store matches in waterproof container. Have lantern fuel for several days and know how to use it safely. Use caution with candles and lanterns due to potential fire hazards.

·         Fill vehicles gas tank. Never have less than ½ tank of gas. Gas stations may be closed due to storm and if power fails the pumps will not work.

·         Canned goods and non-perishable foods.

·         Containers of drinking water. The city’s supply will probably be interrupted or contaminated. At least 7 gallons per person is suggested.

·         Materials for emergency repairs. Keep all receipts for insurance and income tax preparation.

·         Fill bathtubs with water. May be needed for bathing and flushing of toilets if city water service is interrupted.

·         Turn refrigerator and freezer to highest (coldest) setting. Ice in freezer will assist keeping foods from spoiling. Power may be lost due to storm.

·         Have currency (small bills and change) available. Banks may not be open and businesses may not accept credit cards or have the ability to make change for purchases.

 

WHEN A HURRICANE WARNING IS ISSUED

·         Put emergency plan into action and notify family members of hurricane warning.

·         Continue listening to radio or TV broadcasts.

·         Prepare for high winds.