What to do before a hurricane
Posted on:
Wednesday, September 1, 2010 - 11:20am
The possibility of Hurricane Earl “visiting” New England this weekend has residents thinking about emergency preparation. The state of Connecticut Web site has information about emergencies including hurricanes and related information. It can be accessed at http://www.ct.gov/demhs/site/default.asp .This information was taken from the Web information from the Connecticut Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.
To prepare for a hurricane you should do the following:
Have a plan for your family including children, loved ones with special needs and pets. The Citizens Guide to Emergency Preparedness has information on how to plan for an emergency. It is available in English, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, traditional Chinese, Haitian Creole, Polish and Vietnamese.
Have an emergency kit ready at all times. Your kit should include food, water, first aid supplies, battery-powered radio, flashlight, and other emergency supplies. You can learn more about building an emergency supply kit in the Citizens Guide to Emergency Preparedness.
A disaster of any kind may interfere with normal supplies of food, water, heat and day-to-day necessities. It is important to keep a stock of emergency supplies on hand sufficient to meet your family’s needs for a three-day period. Although you may not be in an area directly impacted by a disaster, utilities and other services may be affected. This kit may be used if you are advised to stay at home during an emergency or advised to evacuate.
An emergency supply kit should include:
A three-day supply of water. Have available at least one gallon per person per day – more for children and nursing mothers, as well as during hot summer months.
Food for at least three days – canned/sealed packaged foods and juices that do not require refrigeration or cooking. Foods for infants or the elderly.
N on-electric can opener, cooking tools and fuel, paper plates and plastic utensils.
Paper towels, toilet paper, soap.
Battery-powered radio, flashlights and cell phone, with extra batteries.
Blanket/sleeping bag, pillows for each member of the family, a change of clothing.
Baby and children’s items (diapers, games, toys and books).
First-aid kit. Prescription and non-prescription medications your family needs, eye glasses and contact lens supplies.
List of family physicians.
Pet care items – picture of your pet, immunization records, food and water, a pet carrier or cage, medications, muzzle, ID collar and leash.
Extra set of car keys, credit cards, cash and important documents and information such as social security numbers and birth certificates.
Vehicle fuel tanks filled, oil and windshield wiper fluid should be checked.
Plastic and duct tape (see chemical emergencies).
Refresh your kit regularly, checking expiration dates.
You can print the emergency preparedness guide to place in your emergency supply kit.
Learn the evacuation routes and where the designated shelters will be in your area in case you have to evacuate. Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter, and ask for the community hurricane preparedness plan. This plan should include information on the safest evacuation routes and nearby shelters.
Check with your insurance company about the National Flood Insurance Program as homeowners' insurance does not cover flooding during a hurricane. Take photos of your home and its contents. For more information on preparing your home and making sure you have the right insurance coverage for a disaster, visit the Connecticut Department of Insurance.
Make plans to secure your property. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8" marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
Emergency Board Up Instructions:
Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.
Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well-trimmed.
Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
Determine how and where to secure your boat.
Consider building a safe room.
Make sure your gas tank is full of gasoline in case you have to evacuate.
On the Web site are links to:
Home Inventory Checklist
Frequently Asked Questions: Homeowners Storm Claims
Homeowner's Insurance Guide to Natural Disasters
— Connecticut Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security
