With the coming severe storm season, what are some suggestions regarding emergency planning and preparation?
In any emergency it is important to be prepared to the extent of being over-prepared in order to protect personal safety and to mitigate property damage. There are many online resources available from a variety of government and public service agencies that provide information on emergency planning and preparation for emergencies.
As an example, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends three simple steps to prepare for and respond to emergencies including natural or made-made disasters. Steps include preparing an emergency supply kit, making a household emergency plan, and being informed about the different types of emergencies that could occur and their appropriate responses.
Emergency Kit
Create an emergency kit with supplies that may be needed for an extended period of time without power. The emergency kit can be used to shelter in place or function as a “grab and go bag” if evacuation to an emergency shelter becomes necessary. A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:
- Water – one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
- Food – at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
- Prescription medications and medical supplies
- Over the counter medications such as pain relievers
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio or a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- Flashlight, more than one is recommended
- First aid kit
- Extra batteries for all battery powered devices
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape
- Personal hygiene and sanitation supplies
- Household liquid bleach
- Multi-tool and/or a collection of regular tools
- Manual can opener for food
- Area maps
- Cell phone with chargers and/or a backup battery
- Cash
- Emergency blanket or sleeping bag
- Change of clothing
- Other items specific to the needs of household members
- Other items specific to the type of emergency
Emergency Plan
You should research the types of disasters that are likely in your community and the recommended local emergency, evacuation, and shelter plans for each specific disaster. Based on that information, you can create an emergency plan that includes how to shelter-in-place, evacuation routes, community shelters and protocols, how to communicate with family and friends, pre-determined meeting place in the event of separation, and a pet safety plan. Keep in mind that many emergency shelters do not allow pets. Make plans ahead of time on what to do with your pets if you are required to evacuate your residence.
Important Documents
FEMA recommends that important documents such as copies of personal identification, relevant medical information including list of prescribed medications, insurance policies, bank account records, other financial documents, and any other type of document that could prove identity, ownership of assets, or restore account records lost or damaged by a weather event be kept in a waterproof container readily secured by the individual owner. Original documents should always be safeguarded in a secured device preferably at an off-premise location or stored digitally through a trusted electronic service. It may be advisable to consider cash as important as certain documents to facilitate recovery after an event. Precautions should be taken to secure all forms of documents.