- Prepare your home and vehicles. Take the necessary steps to guard windows, doors and any weak points in your home's construction. Store any free-standing items on your lawn and driveway (such as birdbaths and lawn chairs) indoors. This will keep them from being damaged and will prevent these objects from becoming dangerous themselves, as they may be thrown or broken during the disaster.
Keep vehicles fueled and in good repair with an emergency kit inside, including food, water, blankets and flares. Secure your vehicle in a covered place or garage and close all windows and doors.
- Maintain a list of pertinent contact phone numbers. This is especially important if your family has children. Include all emergency numbers, such as 911, police, fire department, ambulance and poison control, and numbers of family and friends who may be needed or may need to be informed of an impending natural disaster.
Pre-program your emergency contact list into your cell phone, so you are able to contact friends, family and emergency care when a disaster hits.
- Create and carry a disaster kit. Place first aid items, a flashlight, a radio, batteries, non-perishable food, water, blankets, a listing of important phone numbers, a cell phone and other necessary items (like medications) in a portable bag or case. You may want to place these items in an easy-to-carry compartment, such as a backpack or duffel bag and permanently keep it close to the main exit of the home, in case you are forced to evacuate before a disaster. Click here to view a listing of suggested products for your kit.
If you live with someone who has special health needs, remember to pack any medication they may need, along with any food or items that may soothe their symptoms. For instance, if a member of your family is diabetic, you will not only want to remember their insulin, but you may want to pack some high-sugar items, such as cans of soda, candy or dried fruit, should the individual have a diabetic reaction.
- Don't forget the pets. If at all possible, don't leave your pets behind. Most human disaster shelters do not accept pets, other than service dogs, so be sure to plan ahead. Make sure your pet has proper identification, in the event it's separated from you during the disaster, and invest in a comfortable carrier for your pet, so you can easily collect them in an emergency.
Make it a point to contact your local animal shelter, humane society, veterinarian or emergency management office for information on caring for pets in an emergency, and determine locations where animals can be treated if they are seriously injured.
The American Red Cross suggests you create a Portable Pet Disaster Supplies Kit. To read more about this listing, click here, and visit the American Red Cross Web site.
- Develop a communication plan in case family members are not together when disaster strikes. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) suggests that families develop an emergency communications plan in case they are separated from one another during a disaster. It is important to have a plan for getting back together, in case, for instance, children are at school and parents are at work. It's also a good idea to ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact" in case of a disaster, as it's often easier to call long distance. It's important for all members of the family to know the communication plan and be ready to engage the plan, even when the family is not together.
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