As hurricane season kicks off this month, there’s no better time to remind you of safety guidelines. It’s important to prepare for dangerous weather long before it’s even announced. Storms can roll in with little-to-no notice and waiting to prepare could be life-threatening.
Although experts predict a decreased number of hurricanes and tropical storms in 2015, there’s no guarantee about how many will actually hit landfall or how destructive they may be. Stay prepared by following these steps.
Step 1: Make a plan.
You and your family may not be together when bad weather hits. It’s important to have a plan that outlines what everyone should do in case of an emergency. Plan a place to meet and decide on an evacuation route that’s best for your family. You should also learn how to shut off your utilities—and decide who is responsible for it—as leaving these on can be dangerous in a natural disaster.
Step 2: Establish a communications list.
Give everyone in your family a contact card that can be kept in a wallet, purse of backpack. It should list emergency and other important contacts. It’s not enough to keep these numbers in a cell phone that can become lost or damaged.
Decide how you will get in contact with each other during a disaster. We suggest designating an out-of-state contact as your communication hub. If disaster strikes, make sure everyone in your family knows to call this person to let them know they are safe.
Step 3: Set up an emergency kit.
Shelves are typically wiped clean in the face of an emergency. If you don’t prepare ahead of time, you may not be able to get the essentials your family needs. Purchase the necessary items in advance and keep them in a bag or container that’s easy to grab in case you need to leave in a hurry. Here are some items we suggest including in your emergency kit:
- Water. You need to have 1 gallon of water per person, per day. It’s best to keep a three to five day supply handy.
- Non-perishable food. Gather a supply of non-perishable foods, such as peanut butter and tuna fish, just in case you don’t have access to power.
- Manual can opener. An electric can opener might be a useful kitchen tool, but it will do little good when the power’s out.
- Pet supplies. If you have pets, make sure to keep a stash of food and medications in your emergency kit for them.
- First aid kit. You never know what will happen during a natural disaster or storm. Keep first aid supplies close by in case someone gets hurt.
- Battery-powered devices. Make sure there’s a battery-powered flashlight in your emergency kit, as well as extra batteries. Also consider a wind-up or battery-powered radio, which can help keep you connected and informed.
- Sanitation supplies. Pack a supply of moist towelettes, garbage bags, paper towels and cleaning supplies.
- Cash. Don’t keep all of your money in the bank. Without power, you won’t have access to the ATM and stores may not be able to take your credit or debit card. Keep a little cash stashed away in case of an emergency.
- Clothing. Include one change of clothes for everyone in your household. If you have to evacuate, having a change of clean, dry clothes can be a comfort.
- Kid’s entertainment. If you have children, keep a small supply of coloring books, puzzles, toys or board games in your kit. These require no electricity and can be a relief if you’re stuck at home without power or have to evacuate.