PREPARE FOR THE STORM
Plan ahead for disasters
- Gather and scan important documents including insurance policies, birth certificates, social security cards, credit and bank account information, vehicle registrations, wills and appraisals of valuables and keep a digital copy saved to the cloud or on a thumb drive to keep in your emergency kit.
- Prepare a digital home inventory, take video or photos of each room
- Prepare your finances. Set up online banking, have cash on hand
- Appoint a person that lives away from your immediate area that can keep family and friends updated
- Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes and shelters
- Download the free Zello app for community updates and information
- Fill vehicles with gas
- Stock up with non-perishable foods
- Prepare a list of emergency telephone numbers (police, sheriff, fire, hospitals, veterinarians, ASPCA, FEMA)
- Six things to know before a disaster video
PREPARE YOUR HOME
- Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest setting
- Unplug appliances and electronics
- Turn off air conditioner and propane tanks
- Store food using the USDA Food Safety and Information Service (FSIS) guidelines
- Bring in anything that can be moved by high winds (pots, outdoor furniture, bicycles, trash cans, etc)
- Install hurricane shutters or board windows
- If you plan to remain in home, purchase a generator, lanterns and NOAA weather radio
- Identify the location of home’s water, gas and electric main shutoff valves and switches
PREPARE YOUR FAMILY
- Ask friends and family outside of your immediate area if they would be able to shelter you and your family, including pets, if necessary use a rolling suitcase for emergency kit so that you can easily take with you in case of evacuation
- Make a Plan Checklist
- Family Emergency Communication Plan Card
- Family Emergency Plan Information
- Family Emergency Plan in Various Languages
- Family Emergency Kit
PREPARE YOUR PETS
- Gather and scan current photo of all pets, pet registration and immunization records
- Familiarize yourself with local animal control, animal shelters, pet friendly hotels and emergency shelters that allow pets
- Microchip pets and update registration information
- Attach a weather resistant, smart pet tag with current contact information on all pets
- Ensure you have pet medications with you in case of evacuation
- Have a secure carrier for each pet and mark with pet identification and contact information
- Pet Disaster Plan
- Pet Disaster Preparedness
AFTER THE STORM
- Assist the injured and provide first aid where appropriate
- Be calm, patient and understanding during recovery process
- Report loose or dangling power lines to the electric company, fire or police department
- Open doors and windows to ventilate or dry your home
- Check for gas leaks
- Look for electrical system, sewage and water line damage
- Check refrigerated foods for spoilage
- Take photos of damage
- Save receipts of lodging and food for reimbursement
- Use bottled water or boil water until public announcement of water safety
- Report damage to homeowner’s insurance and FEMA