FAMILY DISASTER PLAN

• Discuss the type of hazards that could affect your family. Know your home's vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind.
• Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home for each hurricane hazard. In certain circumstances the safest areas may not be your home but within your community.
• Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet (Rally Points); including a child's school, a neighbor or a public place.
• Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact, so all your family members have a single point of contact. Have at least 2 ways of contact; e-mail, phone, etc.
• Make a plan now for what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate.
• Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call 911.
• Check your insurance coverage - flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance.
• Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and a DISASTER SUPPLY KIT. This kit should be supplied with essential food, water, and supplies for at least three (3) days. The kit should be kept in a designated place and be ready to "grab and go" in case you have to leave your home quickly. A separate kit should be kept in your automobile with non-perishable food, water, flares, jumper cables, and seasonal supplies. A normally active person needs at least two quarts of water daily for drinking. Children, nursing mothers, and ill people need more. In very hot temperatures can double the amount of water needed. An extra gallon of water per person per day should be added for sanitary purposes and cooking. Use only thoroughly washed plastic containers or fiberglass or enamel lined metal. Don't use containers that can break such as glass. Never use a container that has ever held toxic substances. Seal them tightly and store them in a cool, dark place and change stored water every six months. Canned foods do not require cooking, water or special preparation in an emergency situation. Be sure to include a manual can opener in your supplies. Keep canned foods in a dry place where the temperature is fairly cool. Replace food items in your supply kit every six months. Date each item with a marker. Throw out any canned good that becomes swollen, dented, or corroded. Food items for consideration might include: ready-to-eat meats, fruits, and vegetables; canned or boxed juices, milk, and soup; high-energy foods like peanut butter, jelly, low sodium crackers, granola bars, and trail mix; vitamins; foods for infants or persons on special diets; cookies, hard candy, instant coffee,cereals, and powdered milk.
• The average person will drink between two and two and a half quarts of liquids per day but many people need more. Drink only non-contaminated water but in a life threatening emergency where no other acceptable water is available other sources may have to be used. If necessary, water drained from the hot water heater, water dipped from the tank of the toilet (not the bowl), liquid from canned goods, and suspicious water such as cloudy water from regular facets or muddy water from streams or ponds can be used as a last resort but should be treated first. Carbonated beverages do not meet drinking water requirements. Caffeine drinks and alcohol dehydrate the body, which increases the need for drinking water. Unsafe water sources include; radiators, hot water boilers from a home heating system, water beds, and swimming pools (however pool water can be used for personal hygiene, cleaning and other related uses). There are several ways of treating water none of which is perfect. Boiling is the safe test method by bringing it to a rolling boil for one minute and letting cool. Chlorination uses liquid chlorine bleach to kill microorganisms. Use regular household liquid bleach that contains no soap or scents. Add six drops (1/8 teaspoon) of unscented bleach per gallon of water, stir and let stand for thirty minutes. If the water does not taste and smell of chlorine at that point, add another dose and let stand another fifteen minutes. This treatment WILL NOT kill parasitic organisms. Another method is water "purification tablets" that release chlorine or iodine. Follow the directions on the package however persons with hidden or chronic liver or kidney disease may be adversely affected by iodized tablets. The last method is distillation, which involves boiling water and collecting the vapor that condenses back to water. Fill a pot halfway with water. Tie a cup to the handle on the pot's lid so that the cup hangs right side up when the lid is upside down (make sure the cup is not dangling into the water). Boil water for twenty minutes. The water that drips from the lid into the cup is distilled.
• Use a NOAA weather radio. Remember to replace its battery every 6 months, as you do with your smoke detectors.
• Take First Aid, CPR and disaster preparedness classes. Assemble a first aid kit for your home and for each vehicle. the basics should include such things as: first aid manual, sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes, assorted size safety pins, cleansing agents (isopropyl, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide) and soap or germicide, antibiotic ointment, latex gloves (two pair), petroleum jelly, two inch and four inch sterile gauze pads (4-6 each size), triangular bandages (3), two inch and three inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls each), cotton balls, scissors, tweezers, needle, moistened towelettes, antiseptic, thermometer, tongue depressor blades (2), and sunscreen. You may want to store an extra pair of prescription glasses or contact lens. Medications, other than prescription, should include aspirin and non aspirin pain reliever, antidiarrhea medication, antacid, syrup of ipecac, laxative, and vitamins.
• You will also need to assemble emergency tools and other supplies to be fully prepared for the unforeseen. Tools would include such items as a portable, battery powered radio or television and extra batteries, flashlight and extra batteries, signal flare, matches in a waterproof container, shut off wrench, pliers, shovel and other tools, duct tape and scissors, plastic sheeting, whistle, small canister, A-B-C type fire extinguisher, tube tent, compass, work gloves, paper, pens, and pencils, needles and thread, battery operated travel clock. Kitchen items may include a manual can opener, mess kits or paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils, an all purpose knife, household liquid bleach to treat drinking water, sugar, salt, pepper, aluminum foil and plastic wrap, resealing plastic bags, a small cooking stove and a can of cooking fuel. Sanitation and hygiene items are washcloths and towels, towelettes, soap, hand sanitizer, liquid detergent, tooth paste, toothbrushes, shampoo, deodar ants, comb and brush, razor, shaving cream, lip balm, sunscreen, insect repellent, contact lens solutions, mirror, feminine supplies, heavy duty plastic garbage bags and ties, toilet paper, medium sized plastic bucket with tight lid, disinfectant and household chlorine bleach, and a small shovel for digging a latrine. Household documents to be safeguarded are personal identification, cash to include change and a credit card, copies of important documents like birth certifcate, drivers license, social security card, passport, wills, deeds, inventory of household goods, insurance papers, immunization records, credit card account numbers, stocks and bonds all should be stored in a water tight container, emergency contact list and phone numbers, map of the area, and an extra set of car keys. Clothes and bedding should include one complete change of clothing and footwear for each family member. Shoes should be sturdy work shoes or boots. Also pack rain gear, hat and gloves, extra socks, extra underwear, thermal underwear, and pillows.
• Specialty items should be considered for the needs of infants, elderly persons, disabled persons and pets.
• If you have to evacuate please take one automobile per household. This will keep your family together and reduce unnecessary traffic problems and delay. Secure your home by closing and locking windows and doors. Let others know where you are going. Leave early enough to avoid being trapped by severe weather. Follow recommended evacuation routes. Do not take shortcuts because alternate routes may be blocked. Be alert for washed out roades and bridges. Do not drive into flooded areas and stay away from downed power lines.

HURRICANE PREPARATION FOR PETS

Begin NOW making preparations for you and your pets. If you live in an evacuation area, make your plans to leave now. Have everything ready to go in the event a storm threatens this area. If your home is not safe for you, it is not safe for your pets. At this time, no shelters in our area will accept your pets.

ADVANCE PREPARATIONS:

Make sure your pets vaccinations are up to date . No matter where you go with your pet, there is a chance that your pet will be exposed to other animals. The required vaccines are:

DOGS - Rabies, Distemper, Hepatitis, Corona , Leptospirosis, Parvo (DHLPP) and Bordatella (kennel cough)

CATS - Rabies, Distemper, Calicivirus, Pneumonitis (FDRCPC) and Bordatella (kennel cough)

While at your veterinarian, ask for any medications or tranquilizers your pet may require.

Permanent Identification can be in the form of a collar with tags, tattoo or microchip. A microchip is the best as this cannot be removed or lost. Make sure you register the microchip and keep your address up dated. Notify the microchip company if you are evacuating and give them an alternate contact person out of the affected area.

Acquire a pet carrier for each pet in your household. Get a metal or plastic carrier that is large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around. Make sure you can fit the carrier in your vehicle. Put your name, address, phone number and alternate number along with your pet's name on the carrier in permanent marker.

Train your pet to the carrier and car. Getting your pet used to being transported in the carrier will keep them from getting upset.

Put vaccination papers in a waterproof bag. These will be needed at any boarding kennel or veterinarian.

Prepare your pet survival kit. A checklist is provided so you won't forget anything.

Make your decision now to stay or evacuate. If you live in an area that must normally evacuate, don't be foolish and stay.

If you are staying :

Survey your home for a safe place during the storm. A small room or hallway in the center of the house, away from windows, is usually safest.

Have enough supplies (including food and water) for 7 days for you and your pets.

Have emergency fencing supplies ready to repair damaged fencing.

Be prepared to take care of yourself and your pets for up to seven (7) days.

If you are evacuating :

Decide now if your pets will need to be boarded and make those arrangements NOW. Remember, pets are not allowed in shelters so if they are not boarded, they need to evacuate with you.

If your home is not safe for you, It is not safe for your animals. Do not just let them loose.

Have a pre determined place to go. A friend or family well inland or a pet friendly hotel. Make reservations early.

Take your prepared supplies for you and your pet with you.

IF, AS A LAST RESORT, YOU MUST EVACUATE WITHOUT YOUR PETS:

Put your animals in the safest place in the house.

Leave dry food out for them. Leave non-spill containers of water for each pet. Birds need an automatic feed dispenser.

Do not release pets during the storm for any reason.

Return as soon as possible to retrieve your animals.

PET SURVIVAL KIT CHECKLIST

Current photos of your pet, both alone and with you.  

Collar or harness with ID tag and rabies tag/license  

Vaccination records and health records  

Carrier and/or cage, either plastic or metal leash  

Water/Food bowls properly marked  

Two week food supply  

If staying, one gallon per day, per pet, water supply 

All medication needed for your pets (including heartworm prevention)

Newspapers, cat litter, scoop, plastic trash bags for handling waste 

Animal first aid kit   Toys and favorite items 

Towels and bedding  

This is a survival kit. Please add anything that will make this stressful time easier for you and your pet.  

AFTER THE HURRICANE  

Recovery from a hurricane starts as soon as the rain and wind stop but you may not be able to return to your home for 3 - 7 days depending on the roads and bridges.

If you have left your pets at home, it is URGENT that you check on them as soon as you are allowed into the area.  

Do not release pets after a hurricane into their own yards until you have checked the area for downed fencing, debris, injured wild animals and snakes.  

Be alert for rotted substances which your pet may find and eat when put outside.  

If your pet was lost during the storm. Check first with your local animal shelter. They will be able to assist you.  

Don't forget about your pets. For a list of pet friendly motels please see

http://www.petfriendly.ca/usa.php

Family Precautions

Hurricanes

Bring inside anything from the yard that could become wind borne.

Replace gravel/rock landscaping material with fire-treated shredded bark to reduce damage.

Trim and anchor down foliage.

Make sure your home has a wall to foundation (anchor/rebar) connection.

Bolt all doors with foot and head bolts with a minimum one-inch bolt throw length.

Reinforce the garage door and tracks with center supports.

Brace all gable end framing with horizontal and/or diagonal braces.

Cover all large windows, doors, especially patio doors with securely fastened, impact resistant shutters with proper mounting fixtures, or replace them with impact resistant laminated window and door systems if feasible.

Make sure all doors and windows are properly caulked and/or weather stripped.

Install roof covering that is rated for hurricane force winds.

Harness any free standing fixtures in your yard.

Prepare to evacuate by fueling your vehicle because service stations may be closed before and after the storm.

Be prepared to evacuate inland if recommended by local authorities. Certain areas are more hazardous than other such as mobile home, even if tied down, high rise buildings because hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations, coastal regions or flood plains or rivers and inland waters.

Turn off utilities if told to do so by authorities, if not instructed turn your refrigerator to is coldest setting and keep closed and turn off propane tanks.

In strong winds take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway, close all interior doors and secure and brace external doors, in a two-story residence to to an interior first floor room such as a bathroom or closet, and lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.

Avoid using the phone except for serious emergencies because local authorities need first priority on the lines.

After the storm drive only when necessary. Do not drink from tap water until notified by authorities. Stay away from riverbanks and streams until potential flooding has passed. Stay away from moving water and downed power lines. Don't use candles or other open flames indoors. Use flash lights instead.

Flooding

Flooding causes more that 90% of disaster related property damage in the United States each year.

Preparation is the key to surviving a flood and reducing property damage.

Most homeowner policies do not cover flood damage. To determine your flood risk, contact your local growth management, building department or visit www.fema.gov/nfip.

Remember that there is a thirty (30) day waiting period before flood policy coverage goes into effect.

Take inventory of all personal items (including model types, serial numbers, pictures and descriptions). Place all important documents in a water resistant/fire proof box.

You may need NFIP Flood Insurance even if you do not reside in a high risk flood zone. Contact your local agent or private insurance company today.

Elevate your utilities (e.g. electrical services panel and disconnect(s), air conditioner, water heater, etc.) two or three feet above the base flood elevation.

If you have a fuel tank, anchor it to a large concrete slab whose weight can resist the force of floodwaters and flotation.

Install sewer back flow valves to prevent sewage entry into your home during flooding. Only professional licensed contractors should carry out changes that affect the structure of your home or its electrical wiring and plumbing.

If flooding occurs, get to higher ground. Stay away from flood prone areas, including dips, low spots, valleys, ditches, washes, etc.

Avoid flooded areas or those with rapid water flow. Do not attempt to cross a flowing stream. It takes only six inches of fast flowing water to sweep someone off their feet.

Don't allow children to play near high water, storm drains or ditches. Hidden dangers could lie beneath the water.

Flooded roads could have significant damage hidden by floodwaters. NEVER drive through floodwaters or on flooded roads. If your vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground. Water only two feet deep can float away most automobiles.

Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly when threatening conditions exists.

Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.

Monitor NOAA Weather Radio or your local medical for vital weather related information.

More information is available at www.noaa.gov/floods.htm or www.flash.org or 1-877-221-SAFE.

Lightning

Eelectrical surges from lightning can destroy electronic devices in your home, but this damage can be lessened or prevented by installing a system of surge protection that consists of point-of-use devices and a whole house surge device. The system provides a direct path for lightning to follow to the ground rather than through the house structure and its wiring.

A surge protective device can protect electronic and electrical appliances from all but the most severe electrical surges or direct strikes. They should be installed on all items to be protected. Also a good electrical grounding system is essential.

A lightning protection system will not protect a home from electrical damage or fire from lightning entering through the telephone, cable or electrical lines to the house. Whole house surge protection devices are needed for this type protection. Consult a qualified contractor for installation.

Lightning often strikes outside of heavy rain and may occur as far as ten miles from any rainfall. Remember the 30/30 lightning safety rule, which states that you should go indoors if, after seeing lightning, you cannot count to thirty before hearing thunder. Stay indoors for thirty minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.

Rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO PROTECTION from lightning. However, the steel frame of a hard top vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal. Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.

If you are inside your home during a lightning storm then avoid showering or bathing or using a corded telephone. Cordless phones or cell phones are safe to use. If outside in a forest seek shelter in a low area under a thick growth of small trees. If in a open area go to a low place such as a ravine or valley but be alert for flash floods. Do not stand under a natural lightning rod such as a tall, isolated tree in an open area. Do not stand on a hilltop, in an open field, on the beach or in a boat on the water. Avoid isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas. Get away from open water. If you are boating or swimming, get to land and find shelter immediately. Get away from anything metal such as tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs and bicycles. Stay away from wire fences, clotheslines, metal pipes, rails and other metallic paths that could carry lightning to your from a distance away. If you feel your hair stand on end then lightning is about to strike then squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet. Place your hands over your ears and your head between your knees. Make yourself the smallest target possible to minimize your contact with the ground. DO NOT lie flat on the ground.

Tornado

Tornadoes are nature's most violent storms. Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and fifty miles long. The average speed of a tornado is 30-miles per hour but may vary from stationary to 70-miles per hour with rotating winds that can reach 300-miles per hour. In the southern states peak tornado season is March through May and are more likely to occur between 3:00 PM and 9:00 PM but can occur at any time.

You should watch for a dark, often greenish sky, large hail, a large dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating), or a loud roar, similar to a freight train.

Avoid places with wide span roofs such as auditoriums, cafeterias, large hallways, supermarkets or shopping malls. Be prepared to take appropriate shelter immediately.

Shelters built below ground provide the greatest protection. However if this is not available go to an interior room on the lower level (closets, interior hallways). Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use arms to protect your head and neck. Stay there until all danger has passed. Do not open and stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls. Stay away from corners and go the center of the room. Get out of vehicles, trailers, and mobile homes immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy nearby building or storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes. If caught outside with no shelter, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of possible flooding in depressed areas. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low flat location. Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Leave the vehicle and seek safe shelter. Watch out for flying debris, which may be extremely dangerous.