Before Disaster Hits!
Disasters don't follow a plan or a roadmap. Sometimes there are few signs that a disaster is going to hit. Even with signs it's difficult to prepare last minute. So we encourage everyone to Be Prepared by preparing now!
We at Southern End have, like many of you, watched the recent devastation from the recent hurricanes as well as the after math. Some chose to evacuate, while others stayed on & rode out the storms. While these people clean-up & try to put their lives back together it stands as a great reminder that we all should have a plan. A natural disaster can occur anywhere in the world, at any time, in any climate. It could be a fire, tornado, flood, hurricane, etc. It never hurts to be prepared.
In the event of any natural disaster it is encouraged that you have a family communication plan in place. This plan should be reviewed, updated & practiced. Everyone should know where they are to go & should be able to touch base with everyone else. This includes your four legged family members.
All important family members’ numbers should be written down or memorized. Everyone in the family should have these numbers. It is recommended to have one point of contact & a backup, normally in another town or even state if possible.
Know what type of weather is common in your area & what different precautions you should take. For example if you live in tornado prone weather you need to seek shelter in a basement or interior room of your house. Away from doors & windows. The following websites are excellent sources for this information www.nsc.org or www.fema.org.
Have an emergency kit in each car which includes:
3 day food supply per person
Water one gallon per person per day (or a life
straw for each member of the family)
Flashlight
Battery powered or hand crank radio
Extra batteries
First aid kit with: gauze, tape, bandages, antibiotic ointment, aspirin, non-latex gloves, scissors, hydrocortisone, thermometer, tweezers & instant cold compress
Medications (7 day supply) & any other required medical items
Mult-purpose tool/Tool Kit
Sanitation & personal hygiene items
Copies of personal documents (medication list, pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
Cell phones & chargers
Family & emergency contact information
Extra cash
Emergency blanket
Map(s) of area
Pet supplies (collar, leash, id, food, carrier, bowl, water)
Two way radios
Extra set of car & house keys
Manual can opener
Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
Games & activities for children
Medical supplies (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc.)
Have an emergency kit in your home that includes:
All the car supplies plus
11 more days supply of food per person
11 more days supply of water 1 gallon per person per day
Whistle
N95 or surgical masks
Matches
Rain gear
Towels
Work gloves
Tools/supplies for securing your home
Extra clothing, hat & sturdy shoes
Plastic sheeting
Duct tape
Scissors
Household liquid bleach
Entertainment items
Blankets or sleeping bags
Have all important documents: birth certificates, insurance policies, etc. in a fire proof safe or safety deposit box. Make sure all insurance policies are up to date.
Assign one family member the responsibility of learning first aid & CPS
Know where your utility shut offs are & how to shut them off.
We have seen some people storing mementos in dishwashers, we can’t say for sure if it works but it’s worth a try.
Remember to check your kits often & replace expired or faulty items.
We want to remind you this is a plan of action something you should have in place. If you have to evacuate your home have a plan, know where you, your family & pets are welcome & going to be. We know and we are guilty too of being complacent & letting these things go until disaster strikes. Then everyone is completely unprepared & rushing to get stuff done. Things run out & we’re stuck. Don’t be those people, have a plan. It doesn’t take long.
We know a lot of people rely on the news & others to tell them what to do. While this is great advice sometimes you have to trust your gut. Some in TX relied on the mayor, who unfortunately did not tell them to evacuate, when they probably should have. We encourage you to watch & follow these outlets. In the end however if your gut says to evacuate & they are telling you not to then you need to take care of yourself & your family 1st. You need to make that final decision, not them. Even if it turns out to be nothing, it’s sometimes better safe than sorry. We also want you to remember possessions can be replaced, a life cannot. Take care of yourself.
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