Hurricanes are large, spiralling tropical storms that can have wind speeds that are at least 74 mph hour and can get over 160 mph. They can form in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf Coast, Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean from now until November 30 and can cause a severe amount of damage. Hurricanes don’t only affect people living along the coast, they can also cause damage even if you live hundreds of miles from the shore. If you’re in an area where hurricanes are a risk, you need a plan. It is best to be prepared in the event of a hurricane and THD has put together the following Disaster Supply and Preparedness list should a hurricane make landfall.
The following is a list of disaster supplies you should have in a kit:
- Water- at least one gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
- Food- enough for 3 to 7 days
- nonperishable packaged or canned food;
- food for infants or the elderly
- Manual can opener
- Utensils and paper plates
- Blankets, Sleeping Bags and Pillows
- Clothing
- Long and short sleeve shirts
- Pants and shorts
- Sturdy shoes
- Rain gear
- First aid Kit/Prescriptions
- Flashlight- battery operated (extra batteries)
- Pet supplies including food, immunization records, leash
- Toiletries
- Cell phone- chargers and extra battery
- Cash and credits cards
- Keys to house and car
- Games, toys and books
- Copies of important documents including insurance, bank accounts, medical records, etc
- Wrench and pliers to turn off utilities
- Radio- so you can listen to news in case of no power
Prior to any disaster you should meet with your family and have a family plan. This plan should include:
- Discuss the type of hazards that can affect your family such as storm surges, flooding, wind
- Locate the safest room in your home or community for each hurricane hazard.
- Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet.
- Have an out of state family member or friend that is a single point of contacts for all members of your family
- Have a plan for what to do with your pets in case of evacuation
- Make sure your children have all emergency numbers and know how to call these numbers. Post numbers near phones
- Take First Aid, CPR and disaster preparedness classes
In the event that you are evacuated the following guidelines will help you to evacuate safely:
- Keep a full tank of gas in your car. Gas stations may be closed or not have power to allow you to pump gas
- Make transportation arrangements with friends or government agencies if you do not have a car
- Gather disaster supply kit
- Listen to a battery operated radio and follow evacuation instructions
- Gather your family and follow evacuation instructions
- Leave early enough so that you avoid being trapped by severe weather
- Follow evacuation routes. Do not take shortcuts as they may be blocked
- Be alert for washed out roads and bridges. Avoid all flooded areas
- Stay away from downed power lines
If time permits:
- Make sure you are wearing sturdy shoes and clothing that protects you from the rain and bad weather conditions such as long pants, long- sleeved shirts and a hat
- Secure your home by locking and closing windows
- Unplug electrical equipment in your home and garage. Leave refrigerators and freezers plugged in unless there is a risk of flooding
- Let others know you are evacuating
Once you are safely away from the evacuation area and you find yourself displaced from your home due to a hurricane, please contact Temporary Housing Directory (THD) for hotel and temporary housing assistance at 800-817-3220 or www.temporaryhousingdirectory.com.
Our team at THD wants you to be safe this hurricane season so please take some time to be prepared by creating a disaster supply kit and making a disaster plan with your family.
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