In the height of Hurricane season: Let’s be prepared with a PLAN!

Are You Hurricane Prepared?

History teaches that a lack of hurricane awareness and preparation are common threads among all major hurricane disasters. By knowing your vulnerability and what actions you should take, you can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster.

The goal of this Hurricane Preparedness article is to inform the public about the hurricane hazards and provide knowledge which can be used to take ACTION. This information can be used to save lives at work, home, while on the road, or on the water.

Hurricane hazards come in many forms: storm surge, high winds,  tornadoes, and flooding. This means it is important for your family to have a plan that includes all of these hazards. Look carefully at the safety actions associated with each type of hurricane hazard and prepare your family disaster plan accordingly. But remember this is only a guide. The first and most important thing anyone should do when facing a hurricane threat is to use common sense.

Checklist for “must-have” items in your house:

Drinking water for at least 3-5 days (at least 6 gallons per person)
Battery operated radio and/or TV
Battery operated clock
Flashlights or Battery operated lights.
Batteries for all of the above – A, AA, C & D sized batteries
Manual can opener
Toilet paper
Lighters or water proof matches
First Aid Kit
Extra Cash – ATMs likely not to work as they use electricity
Plastic garbage bags
Extra fuel for a generator
Ice chest
Soap
Disinfectant
Disposable plates/cups and utensils
Additional prescription medications – if you are down to a few pills, Refill Now.

If a storm is coming, make sure you do the following:

FILL the gas tank in your car.
Fill your bath tub and a sink or large container
with water.
Semi stock freezer so new meat isn’t wasted.
Have important papers and copies – insurance (home, hurricane and medical), licenses, a few checks, banking info, photos – anything you don’t want to lose or replace and need – in waterproof sealable plastic bags which you can quickly take with you if you must evacuate.
Know your evacuation routes.
Know of hotels in area and which ones take pets if applicable.
Know the shelters in your area.

Stay informed: watch the weather reports, listen to weather warnings.

Store extra non-perishable foods:
Canned tuna, sardines, salmon — pull top openings preferred
Canned fruit and vegetables
Dried fruits, nuts
Cereals, crackers, cookies, rice cakes
Peanut butter and Jelly
Prepared foods that are tasty cold — cook the things in your freezer, make spaghetti.
Juices, tea or coffee and powdered milk

We all remember Wilma – the storm is the scary part, but the aftermath, going without electricity is the harder part. Be prepared to live at least a few days or week without electricity.

Emergency phone numbers:

Emergency Management – Palm Beach County – 877-655-0495
Red Cross – 561-833-7711
Fla. Department of Insurance – 800-342-2762
Sheriff Office – 561-688-3000
Boca/Delray Sheriff – 561-278-2644

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