HURRICANE PREP
THOMAS GILMAN Strategic-Partner Schooley Mitchell thomas . gilman @ schooleymitchell . com | www . schooleymitchell . com / tgilman
Oh my , what now ?... HURRICANES !
How many hurricanes have you been through ? Whether it ’ s none or plenty , it ’ s always good to be prepared and the following will give you ideas and reminders on how best to be ready .
Hurricane season begins June 1st and ends November 30th . A ‘ hurricane watch ’ means a hurricane may threaten an area . A ‘ hurricane warning ’ means a hurricane is expected to strike an area .
When a hurricane warning is announced :
• Secure outdoors : Tie down or clear off yard items , patios , balconies .
• Place rolled towels around the bottom of glass doors and windows .
• Close all blinds and drapes .
• Consider taping or boarding windows .
• Fill the bathroom tub with water . This may be used for drinking water should the water supply become interrupted or contaminated . It can also be poured down the toilet to induce flushing .
• Fill all vehicles with gas . In the event of power loss , the gas pumps will not operate .
• Carry all important paperwork and ID ’ s with you .
• Ideas to create your emergency kit : o One gallon of water per person per day o Canned and ready to eat foods o Manual can opener o Paper plates , cups , plastic silverware o Cooking utensils o Clothing o Personal hygiene items o Sleeping bags or blankets o Towels o Flashlight o Batteries o Battery powered radio o First Aid Kit o Plastic bags of various sizes o Candles and matches o Extra prescription glasses and contacts o Hand sanitizer ( waterless ) o Baby wipes
o Cash ( ATM ’ s and banks may not be available ) o Important family documents o Copies of identification and current photos o Immunization records o Insurance policies and household inventory o Bank and credit card numbers and phone numbers o Bleach o At least a weeks ’ worth of any prescription medication , one month if you can o Toys or books for children o Portable container such as backpack or duffle bag
During a hurricane :
• Continue to listen to news reports and proceed as advised .
• Stay indoors !
• If the electricity goes out , use flashlights , not candles . Use caution when cooking flames are present . A gust of wind could start an accidental fire .
• Conserve refrigeration . Open the refrigerator / freezer door as little as possible .
• Remain indoors until the official ‘ all clear ’ is given by local officials .
After the hurricane :
• Beware of outdoor hazards . Watch out for loose dangling power lines and report them immediately .
• Walk or drive cautiously . Debris filled streets are dangerous .
• Do not use water until authorities have issued a safe water alert .
• Take extra precautions to prevent fire . Lowered water pressure may make fire-fighting extremely difficult .
• Notify your Insurance carrier of losses .
Be patient . It takes a team effort to clean-up after a storm . Responsibility for the clean-up falls to numerous local , state , and federal agencies . In addition to this guidance , you are encouraged to contact the local Emergency Preparedness Division or the local Red Cross to verify the needs of your household in the event of a hurricane .
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