|
- Volunteer Information
- 9-1-1 Special Needs Form
-
Preparing for Severe Weather
-
Pandemic Flu Information
- Information for Persons with Disabilities or Special Needs
- Information for Pet Owners
- Are you ready?
|
Preparing for Severe Weather
Storms can occur at any time of the year. Hurricanes, blizzards, or
severe thunderstorms all occur in our area of the country. Sometimes we
get a warning about an approaching storm, but often they develop with
little notification. Any kind of storm can lead to power outages or
impassable roads. While we can never fully
prepare for unknown events and their unanticipated twists and turns,
we can take several actions that may lessen our burden and suffering
should a horrific event occur in our area. We need to use the calm
before the storm to prepare.The following is a partial list of some
suggestions.
- If there is a medication that you must take daily, be
sure that you always have several days worth on hand. Follow this
action for all essential items that your family needs including
diapers, formula and pet food.
- Prepare for power outages. Don't be the person who says,
"I should have bought those batteries." Stock up when stores have
sales. Keep on hand candles, matches, a battery-powered radio, a
flashlight and extra batteries. (Make sure you have the right size
batteries for your equipment.)
- Stock several days worth of non-perishable foods that
don't require cooking. You can buy milk in a box that can be stored
in a pantry for long periods of time.
- Make a "storm box" (with batteries, food, candles,
matches, etc.) and store it away from general household use.
- Make an all weather emergency kit for your car. Include a
small snow shovel, flashlight, flares, sand, or kitty litter,
blanket, jumper cables, and a first aid kit. Some non-perishable
food and bottled water would also be wise.
- Keep your car in good working condition. Bald tires
aren't going to help you much in the snow. Be sure your gas tank has
enough fuel. A properly working heating and defrosting system is
very important. Keep an ice scraper in the car.
- Listen to forecast reports so you can be prepared. If you
are advised to stay at home, please do so. If you are told to
evacuate, do so.
- Establish a family emergency plan, with contact names, phone
numbers and meeting places.
- If you know an elderly or homebound person, make it your
responsibility to help them prepare for bad weather. During a
storm, try to make contact with them if you can.
Don't ignore the warnings this year. Begin to prepare now. You have
nothing to lose by preparing, but everything to gain! There are several
websites that you can visit for more information. They include:
www.cdc.gov;
www.fema.gov;
www.redcross.org;
and www.ready.gov
For information on Food Safety in Storms,
click here:
.
|
