Disaster Preparedness:
General Preparation

• Back to Disaster Preparedness & Recovery

Preparing for a hurricane requires a little thought and common sense. What do you need to live without electricity for a few days?  If windows blow out, the roof is lost and the wind blows things around what important or valuable items may be lost or destroyed? What can you do to avoid these loses?

The most important thing to remember is to protect yourself. If you live in a mobile home or a home that may be at risk, evacuate. Give yourself time to reach your destination before the storm strikes. Listen to the weather reports and follow recommendations of authorities.

You do not need to panic but you need to begin to plan in case action must be take.  You need to:

•  have a full tank of gasoline in case they need to evacuate
• have several days supply of medications, in a bag or box so it can be carried with them and nothing is forgotten.  Have copies of prescriptions, too.
• have a collection of canned foods that can be eaten without heat if necessary - don't forget a manual can opener
• arrange for an adequate supply of drinking water.  Have containers ready to fill or have bottled water
• if evacuation may be an option, think now about the clothes you will need to wear and can carry with you
• decide what you will do with your pets, not all shelters accept pets
• put important papers such as your insurance policies in a zip lock plastic bag so you can carry them with you
• remember your extra credit cards and jewelry. Put those in the zip lock bag with important papers or other containers to carry with you (if your home is damaged, valuable small items can be lost or fall into the wrong hands). Have some cash - ATMs may not be working.