How can I prepare for disaster?

A hurricane, tornado, or just plain old spring thunderstorms can devastate a community and disrupt lives as they bring violent winds and heavy rains that result in wind damage and flooding. Our hurricane season stretches from June 1 through November 30, so early preparation is really the best way to help protect your family and property.

Preparation Tips

Get familiar with your community's disaster preparedness plan and develop a family disaster response plan.

Contact your local American Red Cross Chapter for a community evacuation route and a list of nearby shelters.

Assure that emergency lights and flashlights are in proper working order.

Keep portable and weather battery-operated 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. Prepare a disaster supplies kit including:

A three-day supply of water and ready-to-eat non-perishable foods (i.e. meats, vegetables, fruits)

Manual can opener

Paper plates, cups and disposable utensils

Personal hygiene items such as toilet paper, towelettes, feminine supplies, soap, 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 members such as baby supplies, eyeglasses/contact lenses, medications

Cash, travelers checks or credit card

Organize important paperwork in waterproof containers. Include financial information, important phone numbers, wills, insurance policies, immunization records and passports.

Prepare an inventory of your personal property and videotape record your household contents for record purposes.

Teach family members when and how to shut off utilities.

Make improvements to reinforce your home, paying close attention to the roof, windows, doors and garage openings.

Trim dead or weak branches from trees.

Review your insurance policies to assure that you have adequate coverage.

Consider purchasing flood insurance, even if you don't live in a flood hazard zone. Regular homeowners' policies usually do not cover flood damage. So, plan ahead because flood policies have a 30-day waiting period prior to being effective.

Safety Tips

Listen for tropical storm and hurricane advisories via local television and/or radio reports, or on a weather radio.

Keep your car's gas tank full.

When warranted, travel inland away from low-lying beaches and the threat of high tides or storm waves. If you must travel over a road or bridge that is in a low-lying area, leave early.

Residents of mobile homes should evacuate to a more substantial shelter. Check the tie-downs to assure that they are secure.

Boats should be secured or evacuated to a safe area if there is time. Once secured, leave it and don't return until the winds and tides have subsided.

If your area is not evacuated and your home is sturdy, stay inside on the downwind side of the house and away from windows and glass doors.

Install storm shutters or boards on windows to protect them from breakage.

Move outdoor objects indoors or anchor them securely.

Fill the bathtub with water for use other than drinking (e.g. flushing the toilet).

Recovery Tips

Beware of damaged utilities. Avoid loose or dangling electric power lines and report all gas and electrical problems to the proper authorities.

When walking, be cautious of debris, and snakes and poisonous insects that may have been dislocated.

Avoid roads and bridges that may have been weakened and could collapse as a result of erosion and high water levels.

If power is off for more than a few hours, food may spoil. Freezers, when left closed, may keep food frozen for several days, however if foods begin to thaw, do not refreeze.

Do not use water until it is deemed safe. Report broken sewer or water lines to the proper authorities.

If your home or vehicle sustained damage, you can report your loss by contacting us directly at 281-357-5200.