Hurricane Preparedness

PREPARE A FAMILY DISASTER PLAN NOW

A well-thought-out plan of action for you and your family 
can go a long way toward reducing potential suffering from any type of disaster that could strike. With hurricane season upon us, preparing your family disaster plan is the first step.

Household emergency plans should be kept simple. The best emergency plans are those that are easy to remember.

Maintaining a link to the outside can be crucial. Keep a battery-operated radio and extra batteries on hand as part of your disaster supply kit. Make sure family members know where the radio is kept. Be sure to include pets in your family disaster plan.

Post emergency numbers (fire, police, ambulance) by the phone. Teach children how to call 911 for help.

Teach responsible family members how to turn off the utilities in your home.

Identify family meeting places in case you are separated. Choose a place in a building or park outside your neighborhood. Everyone should be clear about this location. Develop an emergency communication plan. Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the family's contact. Make sure everyone knows the telephone number of this contact.

Be familiar with escape routes in case you need to evacuate your neighborhood. Plan several escape routes for different contingencies.

If you have a boat, you need to think about "marine safety", and how your vessel could be affected when a hurricane approaches.