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Hurricane Preparedness: Are you prepared?
- uniqueunityllc
- Jul 20, 2022
- 4 min read
72 is the number you want to remember when preparing for a hurricane. When you prepare for a hurricane you want to ensure that you have your own food, water, medication, and other supplies that will last you for a minimum of 72 hours. A collection of need items and basic household items can make up a disaster kit for you to use in the event of an emergency. Be sure that you stock your emergency kit with the items listed below.
You may already have the items listed. Most items are easy to find and are usually inexpensive, most importantly the items may save your life or someone else's life.
Disaster kits can be built over time and stored in a safe and accessible location. You can add items on a weekly, daily, or monthly basis. You should keep a checklist of the items you place in your disaster kit to keep track inventory of the items. If you happen to remove an item, you will have your list to ensure that you replace the item. It is important to stock non-perishable food items, water, batteries, candles, flashlights, and medications. You want to check your items regularly to ensure they are in working condition and to ensure that any food items have not expired.
Communication
In 2022, we don't spend much time remembering contact information, we have cell phones that keep records for us. In this case, you want to ensure that you have a hard copy of your contact information as well as the contact information of your loved ones. Make sure you have chargers, backup batteries, and powerless charging stations. During a storm, it is common to be without power. There are some apps available for use without internet, wifi, and cellphone service, such as What's App, Google Maps, Bridgefy, Fire Chat, Vojer, Signal Offline Chat, Peer Chat, and Near Peer. Whichever app you decide to use, ensure that it is downloaded and working properly on your device and all your loved one's devices prior to a hurricane.
Medical Needs
Ensure that you have a record of all medical conditions and needs for you and your family, including all prescribed medications and any over-the-counter medications that may be needed. It is a good idea to have a First-Aid kit on hand. If you are a loved one who has use of any medical equipment such as a glucose monitor or C-PAP ensure those items are packed with all their components. Again, it is a good idea to keep inventory, restock items, and ensure all items are usable.
Important Documents
Any documents that are important or critical, ensure that you place them in a waterproof container to keep them safe.
Safety Items
You want to ensure you are equipped with the right tools such as batteries, flashlights, hand-held radio, matches, a tool kit, a whistle, and flare. I personally recommend a solar power charger.
Food and Supplies
72 hours of water, and non-perishable food items for each member of your family. Ensure that you pack a gallon of water per day per family member. If you have a family of 3, you would need 3 gallons of water for 3 days for a total of 9 gallons of water.
Safety Gear
Pack blankets and extra clothing. It is a good idea to have hand sanitizer, gloves, masks, plastic bags, duct tape, and protective liners to ensure you can sanitize as needed and stay as safe as possible.
Comfort Items
Being away from your home can be difficult, especially during a disaster. There is no way to know what items will remain safe during the storm. Grab any items that may be valuable and or irreplaceable and keep them in a safe place. It is also important to grab any comfort items that may be needed, especially for children and individuals with special needs. You want to ensure that your loved ones can be as comfortable and content as possible during this time.
As you would prepare for your loved ones, you want to ensure that you are preparing for your pets as well. You may have to evacuate and share space with others, so ensure you have a collar, leash, identification tags, and crates or cages for your pets. Your pets will need 72 hours of food and water as well. If your pet has medical needs, ensure that you are packing those items as well.
As you prepare for your family, you want to evaluate your household, the needs of your loved ones, the needs of your pets, important documents, keepsake items, medications, medical needs, special needs, and other important items. After you evaluate the needs of your household you will be able to better determine the items needed to prepare for a hurricane.
The best way to prepare is to plan ahead. DO NOT WAIT! Prepare now! If you plan and prepare early you will reduce the risk of forgetting items, and not having access to items, as well as reduce the levels of stress that may come with the disaster.
Be sure to check your local resources for Evacuation Shelters. Most areas offer shelters for individuals with special needs.
It is also a good idea to ensure that you are protected by insurance in the event your house or car becomes damaged. Preparing also includes having an evacuation plan. Know your zone and local shelters. Prepare your loved ones, especially children. Identify a safe zone or meeting place for your loved ones, in the event you are separated. Take time to physically navigate the evacuation route and visit your safe zone. Ensure that your family and loved ones are familiar and comfortable with the evacuation routes and safe zone.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding Hurricane Preparedness, please contact us at unique.unityllc@gmail.com.
If you live in the following counties you can find local hurricane resources by clicking on your county.
Other important resources: