With hurricane season in full force, now would be a great time to look over or create your family's emergency plan for surviving a hurricane. Currently, Hurricane Irene is a category 3 storm that has prompted evacuations in North Carolina and many northeastern states and cities to declare emergencies. The storm is expected to hit the coast of North Carolina and travel up as far as Boston.
Here are the top five things you can do to prepare for a potential hurricane.
Step 1: Form Evacuation Plan
The most important thing you can do in advance of a hurricane is make an evacuation plan. Your plan should involve three main things: two different potential routes out of town, a safe place far inland and a local shelter that will be open to take in hurricane victims. The two routes are needed in case one route may be blocked.
Make sure all members of your family know the plan and know where to meet in the event that you are split up at the time the hurricane hits. It is also a good idea to keep a list of phone numbers for the hospitals in the area, the shelters and family or friends you may need to contact during or after the storm arrives.
Step 2: Stockpile
The next thing to be sure to have is a stockpile of essential supplies to last for up to one week. The essentials will include water and non-perishable food. Food items will need to be rotated out as they approach the expiration date but should last through one hurricane season without a problem. Also have flashlights, batteries, household bleach, medications, matches, tools, clothing, cash, radios, pillows and blankets on hand. If you have children, make sure they have toys or activities to keep them occupied.
Step 3: Pack an Evacuation Bag
It's a good idea to keep a bag full of important items that you would need if you had to evacuate quickly. This bag may include personal hygiene items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, feminine hygiene items, a hair brush, shampoo, a towel, a change of clothes, deodorant, soap, a roll of toilet paper and anything else you may need. Be sure to include a flashlight and batteries and a first aid kit. For children, this may include a blanket or stuffed animal they will find comfort in. Be sure to include some water and non-perishable foods.
Step 4: Make Arrangements for your Pets
You should arrange plans for your pets. If a local shelter is taking in animals for evacuees, this may be an option. You should always have a pet carrier ready to go and a bag packed for your pets. The bag may include food, water, bedding, toys and other items you know your pet would need or find comfort in while you are away from home. If you are going to a friend or relative's home, contact a local boarder or kennel for your pet to stay. Be sure to have an updated copy of your pet's vaccinations on hand.
Step 5: Use Common Sense
Always use common sense. It would be horrible to lose your possessions, home or vehicle in any natural disaster. However, it is not worth staying behind and risking your life over things that can, for the most part, be replaced. There is likely nothing you could do to save your home or belongings if the hurricane hits. Do not stay in an area, or drive through an area, that is unsafe and always listen to emergency personnel.
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