5 Tips to Get You Prepared for a Hurricane
As you may be aware, Hurricane Irma will soon have an impact on the area we serve. As we witnessed from previous hurricanes this season, it is important to have a plan of action and to be prepared for different scenarios. And it’s important to think about what you would need to carry out that plan, including a basic emergency supply kit.
Some items to consider for your emergency kit:
- Water (one gallon per person per day) and nonperishable food – enough to support each family member for up to three days (including pets)
- Battery-operated (or hand-crank) radio and batteries
- First aid kit
- Flashlight and batteries
- Manual can opener for food
- Maps
- Cash (bills and change)
- Simple tool kit including wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Comfortable clothing for each family member and at least one change of clothes
- Waterproof jackets/outerwear for each family member
- Blankets and/or sleeping bags for each family member
- Unique family needs like prescription medications, eye glasses, pet supplies and infant supplies
Having a plan of action laid out ahead of time can help you fulfill your responsibilities when inclement weather hits. Please consider the broad array of circumstances that could arise whenever weather is unpredictable. Take this opportunity to:
- Know where to go. If you are ordered to evacuate, know the local hurricane evacuation route(s) to take and have a plan for where you can stay. Contact your local emergency management agency for more information.
- Plan ahead for backup child care.
- If you are not in an area that is advised to evacuate and you decide to stay in your home, plan for adequate supplies in case you lose power and water for several days and you are not able to leave due to flooding or blocked roads.
- Make alternative transportation arrangements, such as borrowing a vehicle or hitching a ride to work.
- Many communities have text or email alerting systems for emergency notifications. To find out what alerts are available in your area, search the Internet with your town, city, or county name and the word “alerts.”
Knowing you are prepared can also help reduce the stress and anxiety that often come with inclement weather.
About the Author
Ben Wooten, MPA, CEM is an emergency preparedness specialist with Cone Health Emergency Management.
