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Honored Contributor
Posts: 10,199
Registered: ‎07-29-2014

Pre, mid, & post hurricane health & safety list

[ Edited ]
NEVER underestimate nature.    
 
 
What to do as storm approaches:

 

-- Download an application to your smartphone that can notify people where you are, and if you need help or are safe. The Red Cross has a Hurricane App available in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store as well as a shelter finder app. A first aid app is also available.
-- Use hurricane shutters or board up windows and doors with 5/8-inch plywood.
-- Bring outside items in if they could be picked up by the wind.
-- Clear gutters of debris.
-- Reinforce the garage door.
-- Turn the refrigerator to its coldest setting in case power goes off. Use a cooler to keep from opening the doors on the freezer or refrigerator.
-- Fill a bathtub with water.
-- Get a full tank of gas in one car.
-- Go over the evacuation plan with the family, and learn alternate routes to safety.
-- Learn the location of the nearest shelter or nearest pet-friendly shelter.
-- Put an ax in your attic in case of severe flooding.
-- Evacuate if ordered and stick to marked evacuation routes if possible.
-- Store important documents -- passports, Social Security cards, birth certificates, deeds -- in a watertight container.
-- Have a current inventory of household property.
-- Leave a note to say where you are going.
-- Unplug small appliances and electronics before you leave.
-- If possible, turn off the electricity, gas and water for the residence.
 
List of supplies:
 
-- A three-day supply of water, one gallon per person per day.
-- Three days of food, with suggested items including: canned meats, canned or dried fruits, canned vegetables, canned juice, peanut butter, jelly, salt-free crackers, energy/protein bars, trail mix/nuts, dry cereal, cookies or other comfort food.
-- A can opener.
-- Flashlight(s).
-- A battery-powered radio, preferably a weather radio.
-- Extra batteries.
-- A first aid kit, including latex gloves; sterile dressings; soap/cleaning agent; antibiotic ointment; burn ointment; adhesive bandages in small, medium and large sizes; eye wash; a thermometer; aspirin/pain reliever; anti-diarrhea tablets; antacids; laxatives; small scissors; tweezers; petroleum jelly.
-- A small fire extinguisher.
-- Whistles for each person.
-- A seven-day supply of medications.
-- Vitamins.
-- A multipurpose tool, with pliers and a screwdriver.
-- Cell phones and chargers.
-- Contact information for the family.
-- A sleeping bag for each person.
-- Extra cash.
-- A silver foil emergency blanket.
-- A map of the area.
-- Baby supplies.
-- Pet supplies.
-- Wet wipes.
-- A camera (to document storm damage).
-- Insect repellent.
-- Rain gear.
-- Tools and supplies for securing your home.
-- Plastic sheeting.
-- Duct tape.
-- Dust masks.
-- An extra set of house keys.
-- An extra set of car keys.
-- An emergency ladder to evacuate the second floor.
-- Household bleach.
-- Paper cups, plates and paper towels.
-- Activities for children.
-- Charcoal and matches, if you have a portable grill. But only use it outside.
 
What to do after the storm arrives:
 
-- Continue listening to a NOAA Weather Radio or the local news for the latest updates.
-- Stay alert for extended rainfall and subsequent flooding even after the hurricane or tropical storm has ended.
-- Use the 'Facebook Safety Check' to let family and friends know you're safe.
-- If you evacuated, return home only when officials say it is safe.
-- Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed out bridges.
-- Keep away from loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company.
-- Stay out of any building that has water around it.
-- Inspect your home for damage. Take pictures of damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance purposes.
-- Use flashlights in the dark. Do NOT use candles.
-- Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are sure it's not contaminated.
-- Check refrigerated food for spoilage. If in doubt, throw it out.
-- Wear protective clothing and be cautious when cleaning up to avoid injury.
-- Watch animals closely and keep them under your direct control.
-- Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
 
 
Sources: American Red Cross, Federal Emergency Management Agency, National Hurricane Center
Honored Contributor
Posts: 34,520
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Pre, mid, & post hurricane health & safety list

@feline groovy
Thank you. We are in Texas and at least I can share this having had friends caught in the flooding.
~Have a Kind Heart, Fierce Mind, Brave Spirit~
Honored Contributor
Posts: 18,752
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Pre, mid, & post hurricane health & safety list

Thank you for the list @feline groovy

 

Great information for many purposes!

Honored Contributor
Posts: 10,199
Registered: ‎07-29-2014

Re: Pre, mid, & post hurricane health & safety list

@LTT1

You're welcome; thanks for forwarding it.  Sweet avatar. 8)

Honored Contributor
Posts: 10,199
Registered: ‎07-29-2014

Re: Pre, mid, & post hurricane health & safety list

Anytime, @Noel7.  8)

Figured it's smart for Irma and recent storms, plus any other natural disasters anywhere. 

Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,671
Registered: ‎05-13-2017

Re: Pre, mid, & post hurricane health & safety list

Land phone lines will go when electricity fails.  To preserve your cell phones for commnication as long as possible, keep it fully charged until power fails, dim the screen to the lowest possible level, and close all apps.  It will help preserve battery life. Woman Happy

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,709
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Pre, mid, & post hurricane health & safety list

I'd like to offer an update to the OP.  Current recommendations are to have enough water, food and supplies for at least TWO WEEKS if staying in place.  Three days if evacuating to a shelter.

 

Once food, water, etc. supplies start arriving shelters will be supplied first.  It can take several days to a couple of weeks to get stations set up in neighborhoods.

 

If staying in place another thing to consider is that it will take some time for agencies to go door to door with supplies. 

The eyes through which you see others may be the same as how they see you.
Honored Contributor
Posts: 34,520
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Pre, mid, & post hurricane health & safety list

Also you can put your phone in airplane mode to preserve battery power.
~Have a Kind Heart, Fierce Mind, Brave Spirit~
Honored Contributor
Posts: 34,520
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Pre, mid, & post hurricane health & safety list

Heard/read use your dishwasher to store papers and meds. It is waterproof and very stable.

~Have a Kind Heart, Fierce Mind, Brave Spirit~
Honored Contributor
Posts: 16,837
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Pre, mid, & post hurricane health & safety list

This is great information @feline groovy.  I'm in East TN and have never needed to evacuate, but we do have flood warnings and tornadoes occasionally (rarely).  I copied and pasted this information to keep in case of an emergency.  


The Bluebird Carries The Sky On His Back"
-Henry David Thoreau