With the Florida hurricane season almost upon us, it’s important to make sure you’re ready. A family disaster plan and a disaster supply kit are two important actions you can take to make sure you’re not caught out if a hurricane cuts off your electricity, isolates you in your home, or forces you to evacuate.
Hurricane season is fast approaching for those of us living in Florida. With it comes the risk of heavy winds and floods that can do plenty of damage to our homes. It’s time to dust off disaster supply kits and make sure they’re full of all the supplies you might need, and make sure your family knows what to do in the event of a hurricane.
Your Family Disaster Plan
A disaster plan is simply an action plan that you’ll carry out if a hazard affects your home and family. It includes preparation activities you do before the hazard becomes a threat, and activities you might need to carry out during a storm or other emergency.
Creating a Disaster Supply Kit
A disaster supply kit is full of all the things you might need in the event of a storm doing enough damage that you lose your electricity supply or become isolated from the rest of the world.
When creating and maintaining disaster supply kit, it’s important to make sure that everything that goes in the kit stays in it. Don’t be tempted to remove items from the kit for any reason—it’s far too easy to forget to replace them. (Of course, you can use your own discretion when deciding whether or not to buy items such as blankets, pillows, and clothing especially for the kit.)
What should you include?
Some items, such as prescription medication and documents, won’t be a part of your disaster supply kit at all times, but you can gather these items when you hear of a hurricane watch and add them to the kit.
Store kit items in a safe and secure location, in water-tight boxes or bags, and make sure everyone in the family knows where your emergency supplies are located.
Some items may need to be replaced periodically even if you don’t use the kit—this includes batteries, and may include first aid and food items.
What should you do when a Hurricane Watch is Issued?
If a hurricane watch has been issued for your area, your actions will depend on whether or not you need to evacuate your home.
If you’re able to stay in your home, assemble your disaster supply kit and check for any items that need to be replaced. Stock up on any supplies you need, fill your car with gas, and grab some extra cash (in case ATMs and banks close). Carry out your pet plan, notify your contact person of the hurricane watch, and check up on your neighbors, too. If a hurricane does show up, gather your family in your home’s safe room, along with your disaster supply kit.
If you’ve been ordered to evacuate, or live in a vulnerable area, you’ll need to decide on a destination and inform family and friends (including your out-of-state contact) where you’re headed. Evacuate to the home of family members or friends in a safe area if possible, or try a motel or hotel in a safe location. Shelters will usually be a last resort, as these may be uncomfortable, and many don’t accept pets.
One of the worst feelings for family and friends is not being able to reach you and know that you are alright. Decide on one out of state contact and let your family and friends know ahead of time who that is and how to reach them.
Assemble your disaster supply kit, take care of your pets, grab extra cash, fill up your car’s tank, and secure your home. Before leaving, map out a route you’ll take to get to your destination—don’t get on the road until you know where you’re going and you have a safe route to get there. Be patient and leave as early as possible.
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