Preparing for a Hurricane
The safety of you and your family is our #1 priority. When preparing for a hurricane, tropical storm or other severe weather, please take note of the following considerations.
Planning for severe weather-Communicate emergency evacuation plan with family members.
-Keep emergency contact numbers with you. -Establish a plan to care for pets in case of evacuation; have a kennel ready and pack a leash, collar and your pets’ tags indicating their latest vaccinations along with the proper identification, food & water. -Check your insurance coverage on your home and property to assure its adequacy. -Talk to neighbors about helping each other in an emergency. -Pack non-perishable food (at least enough for 3 to 7 days), water (one gallon of water per person per day) in plastic containers, medications, pet provisions, and clothing for no less than 7 days. -Pack sanitation products such as toiletries (soap, deodorant, toilet paper, shampoo, toothpaste & toothbrush, comb, brush etc.) and household products (garbage bags, disinfectant, plastic bucket, and bleach). -Have a first-aid kit, battery-powered radio, batteries, flashlights, compass, signal flares, fire extinguisher, utility knife, blankets and pillows ready to go in case you need to leave your home. -Gather any specialty Items needed for babies and the elderly - diapers, formula, medications, insulin, prescription drugs, denture needs, etc. -Pack miscellaneous items such as fully charged phones, keys, toys, books, and games, important documents (in a waterproof container). -Be sure to have cash on hand. -Be sure you have a full tank of gas. -If you are advised to evacuate, DO SO AT ONCE; have an evacuation destination in mind and take traffic into consideration, giving yourself ample time to evacuate. -Secure your home: doors, windows, garage, roof, shutters, etc. |
Steps to take after a hurricane-Notify Cane’s if you can’t get to work because of the disaster.
-Don’t be in a hurry to go back home; there are many risks, so take the time to make sure it’s safe to return. -Stay off the roads so emergency workers can move quickly. -Contact your insurance agent or company. -Get organized - devise a recovery plan to get home back in order. -Clean Up – walls, floors, shelves, closets etc., should be thoroughly washed and disinfected. -Check on Financial Assistance (FEMA, Red Cross, local food banks). -Maintain routines and a sense of normalcy by making sure your child gets to school (if open) and keeps up with homework; have meals together as a family; find time to be together (t.v., music, games); list important jobs/chores, get them done, and then check off of your list. -After returning home, throw away food that was contaminated with flood waters; if water is questionable, boil or add bleach and distill drinking water before using; pump out flooded basements gradually (1/3 of water per day) to avoid structural damage; service damaged septic tanks and cesspools as soon as possible. |