Hurricane Season

Ben Shults
bfshults8@gmail.com

With Tropical Storm Fay just now leaving us, I was looking at the National Hurricane Center's web site and was not surprised to see another tropical system looming in the distance. Hurricane Gustav is currently centered just south of Haiti and the projected track at this time is to skirt just south of Cuba and head into the Gulf of Mexico. Of course it is way too early to tell exactly where this hurricane will go, but nevertheless, it is always good to be prepared in case a hurricane does hit our area.

While I was looking at the National Hurricane Center's web site, I found a family disaster plan, and items needed for a disaster supply kit. It has been right at three years since we have had a major hurricane to affect us, and we sometimes forget some of the things that we need in the event of another disaster.

Family Disaster Plan:
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/prepare/family_plan.shtml

Discuss the type of hazards that could affect your family. Know your home's vulnerability to Storm Surge, Flooding and Wind.

Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home for each hurricane hazard. In certain circumstances the safest areas may not be your home but within your community.

Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet. These should be measured in tens of miles rather than hundreds of miles.

Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact, so all your family members have a single point of contact.

Make a plan now for what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate.

Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call 911.

Check your insurance coverage - flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance.

Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and a Disaster Supply Kit.

Use a NOAA weather radio. Remember to replace its battery every 6 months, as you do with your smoke detectors.

Take First Aid, CPR and disaster preparedness classes.

Disaster Supply Kit:
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/prepare/supply_kit.shtml

Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days

Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days
— non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
— foods for infants or the elderly
— snack foods
— non-electric can opener
— cooking tools / fuel
— paper plates / plastic utensils

Blankets / Pillows, etc.

Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes

First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs

Special Items - for babies and the elderly

Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes

Flashlight / Batteries

Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio

Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set

Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards - Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods

Keys

Toys, Books and Games

Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag
— insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.

Tools - keep a set with you during the storm

Vehicle fuel tanks filled

Pet care items
— proper identification / immunization records / medications
— ample supply of food and water
— a carrier or cage
— muzzle and leash