Saturday, August 28, 2010

Hurricane Preparedness Checklist

As the hurricane season intensifies, it is a good idea to be prepared for any pending emergencies.  Here are some ideas provided by the Wilmington Star News to help you ride out any possible storms:

Necessities

At least 7 gallons of water per person
Battery-operated television or radio
Spare batteries
Manual can opener
Flashlights and waterproof matches
Toilet paper
Baby supplies
Cash (ATMs may not work after the storm)
Change for pay phones
Rain gear/sunscreen/hat
Bleach or water purification tablets
Soap and detergent
Charcoal/lighter fluid or camping stove
Disposable plates, glasses and utensils
Ice chest and ice
Valuable papers, or copies, in a waterproof bag
Prescription and other necessary medicines
Blankets, tarp and masking tape
Three day's worth of clothing, sleeping bags
First aid kit, scissors, tweezers, bug spray

Food

Baby food and baby formula
Canned meats (Spam, chicken, ham)
Canned fish (tuna, sardines)
Canned meals: spaghetti, soup, stew, chili
Canned fruits and vegetables
Cereal, crackers and cookies
Coffee, tea, sodas, juice
Granola bars and nuts
Peanut butter and jelly
Pudding

When the storm approaches

Listen for weather updates
Check gas, oil in vehicle
Check your emergency evacuation supplies
Board up or put storm shutters on windows
Clear your yard of loose objects, bicycles, lawn furniture, trash cans, etc.
Leave swimming pools filled. Super chlorinate the water, cover pump, filtration systems and intakes.

If you can stay home

Obtain, mark clean containers for storing water.
Obtain a week's supply of nonperishable foods. Check your disaster supplies kit.
Stay inside away from windows.

If you must evacuate

Turn off water and electricity at the main valve, breakers or fuses.
Turn off propane gas tanks that serve individual appliances like a stove or grill. Do not turn off natural gas unless local officials advise to do so.