June is the beginning of hurricane season and a reminder that the best time to make an emergency preparedness plan is when there is no emergency. Experts from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are forecasting higher than average hurricane activity in the Atlantic Ocean for the 2017 season.
The planning and preparation you do today increases your family’s chances of survival in case of a disaster tomorrow.
Your family may not be together when a disaster strikes. How will you find your family or friends if you have to be evacuated from your home? Would you know what to do if you’re confined to your home without water, electricity, gas or phone services? What can you do to prepare your home in the event of a hurricane warning?
Build an emergency preparedness kit before disaster strikes, tailor your plan to your family’s needs according to medical or dietary requirements or disabilities, and don’t forget to include a kit for your home, place of work and your vehicle. Business owners, schools and daycares, and apartment building owners should also have site-specific emergency plans in place.
Senior citizens may have special needs in the event of an emergency. Creating a network of neighbors, family, friends, and co-workers can help during an emergency situation. Seniors should keep specialized items ready such as extra wheelchair batteries, oxygen, medications, catheters, food for service animals or anything else needed to help with day-to-day living. Make provisions for medications that require refrigeration, and arrange for transportation to a shelter if needed. Make sure someone else knows how to operate any specialized equpment you may need.
Pet owners should have a pet emergency plan for taking care of their four-legged family members in case of evacuation – many shelters may not be equipped to care for animals. Make sure pet I.D. tags are current and securely fastened to your pet’s collar, and make sure you have medications, veterinary records, food and water supplies, and a first aid kit. Learn about shelters or hotels in your area that accept pets, and also make sure you have leashes or pet carriers in case your pet panics in strange surroundings. Never leave your pets behind in case of evacuation – they are not likely to survive on their own or you may be unable to find them when you return home.
For more tips on creating an emergency kit or preparing your home in case of a hurricane warning, visit Ready.gov.