What would you do if basic services – water, gas, electricity or telephones – were cut off?
Relief workers cannot reach everyone right away. Therefore, prepare before disaster strikes. You and your family will cope best by preparing for the hurricane before a storm is in the Gulf of
Mexico. One way to prepare is by assembling a disaster supply kit. Once a storm is in the Gulf, you may not have time to shop or search for supplies or you may have difficulty finding needed items. However, if you have gathered your supplies in advance, your family can endure a home confinement.
- Water –At least a five to seven day supply (one gallon per person per day)
- Food –At least a five to seven day supply of nonperishable/canned food
- Change out stored water and food supplies every six months
- First Aid Kit
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Battery powered radio
- Medications and special items (pain relievers, diapers, etc.)
- Tools and supplies
- Sanitation (toilet paper, personal hygiene items, etc.)
- Change of clothes and bedding
- Cash
- Important family documents (birth certificates, insurance/ bank accounts, etc.)
- Food, water, and medicine for your pets
- Kennels or crates for pets
Hurricanes are classified into five categories based on their wind speed. Categories 3, 4, and 5 are considered major hurricanes, though categories 1 and 2 are still considered dangerous, particularly from the heavy rainfalls they produce.
When a hurricane watch is issued by the National Weather Service for our area, you should:
- Monitor your local TV and radio stations.
- Fuel your vehicles and generators.
- Check your disaster supply kit.
- Bring in all furniture, toys, and any other objects that could become missiles.
- Take pictures of property and contents for insurance purposes
Source: For more information on Hurricane preparedness visit: www.hcoem.org
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