Storm Preparation!

6/17/2020 (Permalink)

With the next 10 day forecast being full of storms coming our way, here is some information to prepare!

Storms are very unpredictable, being prepared for whatever happens is extremely important. There are a few steps to take to ensure that you are ready to ride out the storm. First things first, know your risks and what types of storms come to your area whether it be tornadoes, floods, thunderstorms etc. After that you are going to want to create a plan with your family/ roommates. Putting a plan together means asking the following questions, Do I receive emergency alerts in my area? Do I have a shelter plan? Do I have an evacuation route? How will we communicate? Do we have an emergency kit together that is up to date? Have I checked the CDC guidelines recently?

If you have answered all these questions, you are ready to move onto any necessary conversations you need to have with your household such as prescriptions, dietary needs, pets, cultural and religious considerations etc. Next you will want to create an Emergency Readiness Kit.  Filling out this plan with phone numbers, insurance, utility contacts, and protocols for the various things that could happen will save you so much time. Including a place to meet if you get separated and make sure each person in the household has a copy. You can find these online or create your own with help. Be sure to have all contact information because you never know when disaster will strike and where everyone will be.

Now you are ready with all the paperwork filled out, time to put a kit together. Your kit should include these few things at minimum, Water (1 gallon a person for three days minimum), non-perishable foods ( three day supply), battery powered radio, flashlights, batteries, whistle, cellphone chargers and battery packs, soap and wipes, face masks, prescription and non-prescription medications, pet food and water, fire extinguisher, feminine hygiene products, change of clothes and shoes, pen, pencil, paper, plastic ware, blankets and pillows per person, and cash. While there are many other things you may think of you can never be too prepared. On the same note you will need to keep an eye on expiration dates and update your kit as needed to fit your needs.

Since you don’t know where you will be when these things happen have a few varieties of these kits, one at home, one at work, and one in your car.  Setting reminders on your phone monthly to check supplies and yearly to make changes can be helpful as well.

Having a kit together saves you time, stress, and possibly yourself.