In case of emergency… Be ready

Category: Living Well, Emergency
Posted On: May 24, 2018
Written By: Meredith Maxwell, M.D., M.H.A.

Are you hurricane ready?

As we approach hurricane season, everyone should have a plan ready in the event a storm enters the Gulf of Mexico and threatens our area.

Family Evacuation Plan

First, develop a game plan on what you and your family will do in the event of a hurricane. Write out every step and share with your family. Identify the responsibilities for each family member and plan to work together as a team.

Here are some steps to take in the event of a storm:

Understand community warning signals, and listen to local officials
Have an emergency kit ready
Learn the emergency plans at places where your family spends time such as work, school, and daycare centers
Know your evacuation route, emergency shelters, and checkpoints
If you have to evacuate, fuel up, check your car and carry extra keys
Have extra money saved to accommodate several days, weeks or months away from home. Keep in mind on extra expenses such as pets, food and gas.
Have 3 to 5 days of emergency supplies ready to travel
Bring cash in case of power outages or credit cards not working
Refill prescriptions for a full 7-day prescription
Give your children their identification information to carry with them
If you have to evacuate, turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting, secure your home, turn off utilities at the source and lock up

Personal Inventory

Create a file containing personal information and keep it in a secure place, such as a safety deposit box. The file should include:

Driver’s license(s)
Vehicle registration and proof of insurance
Medical and vaccination records
Copies of prescription medicine labels
Birth and marriage certificates
Taxes
Wills
Records for pets
Pictures of your home, possessions and children
Copies of your children’s identification information

kids with pet

Pet Preparedness

Pets should not be left behind during a storm, and you should take them with you during an evacuation. Do not wait until the last minute to evacuate with a pet because some hotels or rescue officials may not allow pets. When evacuating, make sure you have:

Food and water for at least three days
Bowls and can openers
Medications, records, and a pet first aid kit and book
Grooming items, litter box, newspapers and etc.
Leashes, harnesses, and carriers to transport pets
Pet bed and toys
Photos and a description of your pet
Copies of feeding schedule, medical conditions, behavioral problems, name and telephone in case you have to place your pet in foster care

How to pack a Basic Emergency Storm Kit

To assemble your kit, store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.

A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

Water – one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
Food – at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
Flashlight
First aid kit
Extra batteries
Whistle to signal for help
Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
Manual can opener for food
Local maps
Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

Download the Recommended Supplies List (PDF)

To learn more about emergency and disaster preparation, prevention, response, recovery, and mitigation, visit the Get A Game Plan website at getagameplan.org.