Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30 and hurricane experts are warning the public against "hurricane amnesia" – in other words, forgetting the horrific damage that can occur from a hurricane.
13 Things You Can Do Now...
- Prepare a disaster supplies kit including:
- A three-day supply of water and ready-to-eat non-perishable foods.
- Manual can opener.
- Paper plates, cups and disposable utensils.
- Personal hygiene items such as toilet paper, towelettes, feminine supplies, soap, and detergent.
- Change of clothing, including extra shoes or work boots and rain gear.
- Blankets and/or sleeping bags (one for each family member).
- Special needs items for each family member such as baby supplies, eyeglasses/contact lenses, medications.
- Cash
- Organize important paperwork in waterproof, easily transportable containers. Include financial information, important phone numbers, wills, insurance policies, immunization records and passports. Plan to take these with you if evacuated.
- Prepare an inventory of your personal property and videotape your household contents for record purposes. Keep them in a safety deposit box or another safe place, other than in your home.
- Teach family members when and how to safely shut off utilities.
- Keep dead or weak branches trimmed regularly from trees and do not attempt to cut if a storm is coming.
- Review your insurance policies to ensure you have adequate coverage.
- Consider purchasing flood insurance, even if you don't live in a flood hazard zone. Regular homeowner’s policies usually do not cover flood damage. So, plan ahead because flood policies have a 30-day waiting period prior to being effective.
- Get familiar with your community's disaster preparedness plan and develop a family disaster response plan.
- Contact your local American Red Cross Chapter or Emergency Management Agency for a community evacuation route map and a list of nearby shelters.
- Assure that emergency lights and flashlights are in proper working order.
- Keep portable and battery-operated weather radios with extra batteries readily available.
- Keep several flashlights and extra batteries easily accessible.
- Assemble a first-aid kit — include medications such as aspirin, non-aspirin pain reliever, antacid and anti-diarrhea medication. Also include bandages, gauze, scissors, safety pins and sunscreen.