Disaster Preparedness Planning Information

CERT Team Suplies - Portable Restroom

CERT Team - Emergency Portable Restrooms 

Emergency Restroom Kit

Whether you are camping, traveling or you want to be prepared for an emergency when plumbing is down, don't forget one of life's necessities; a clean and sanitary bathroom. ThePETT complete system includes thePETT toilet, thePUP privacy shelter, theTOTE backpack and 15 WAGBAG Toilet in a Bag waste kits. All items fit in the backpack which has an expandable pocket and contains an additional collection bag to transport used waste bags.

The Pup Privacy Shelter is made of a flame retardant gray Taffetta 10C, the PUP privacy shelter requires no assembly and sets up in seconds. Poles and connectors are attached. Simply pull up on the lanyard at the top of the tent and lock the legs in place. Tent stands 6' 6" tall with a sanitary floorless base that measures 4' x 4' and ground secure flaps on 3 sides. The PUP privacy shelter has three screened privacy windows with covers for cross ventilation; a 63" high zip close door and a utility storage pocket. A flap and loop at the top of the tent allows for a shower head or a light.

The PETT Portable Toilet is made of injection molded plastic with three locking legs, ThePETT toilet is the same height and bowl size of a standard toilet, yet folds to a mere 5" x 19" x 14" (the size of a briefcase). Weight limit tested by supporting the front end of a truck on 2 PETT toilets! The patented drip edge under the seat keeps the top of the waste collection bag clean for easy disposal.

The PETT Toilet System Backpack is made of a sturdy black fabric with heavy duty zippers and padded adjustable straps for easy transport, the Tote backpack is custom designed to hold the entire PETT toilet system. The TOTE backpack meets current airport carry-on size with dimensions of 25" x 15" x 6". There are separate storage areas for the PETT toilet; the unused waste kits; straps to secure the PUP privacy shelter in the gusseted outer pocket, and an expandable compartment to pack out used kits.

The WAG BAG Toilet in a Bag Waste Bags is a biodegradable double bag system made from puncture resistant materials. Each waste kit includes a zip close disposal/transport bag, a waste collection bag preloaded with Poo Powder waste treatment, toilet paper and a hand sanitizer. Our non-toxic Poo Powder waste treatment treats up to 32 ounces of liquid and solid waste allowing for multiple use. It turns liquid waste to a solid for hygienic and spill-proof transport. The Poo Powder waste treatment controls odors and contains a decay catalyst that breaks down solid waste.

ThePETT Complete System weighs 17.5 lbs.

Kit Includes Everything below:

ThePUP™ Privacy Shelter + ThePETT toilet TheTOTE™ Backpack + Toilet Bags

For more information about this product for you community CERT Team:

please visit us at MorePrepared.com

(CERT, shelter-in-place, portable restrooms, portable bathrooms, portable toilets, disaster supplies, emergency planning supplies)

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Save Someone's LIFE with Philips HeartStart Defibrillator

Philips HeartStart Onsite

Every single American knows someone or has had someone in his or her workplace or family suffer from a heart attack. That's why more and more families and businesses are taking steps to increase the chances of savings someone's life if a heart attack should happen at home or work. Today's technology allows most homes and business affordable life saving technology that can make the difference in the time of an emergency. We have researched the various portable heart defibrillators on the market and our top choice is the Philip's HeartStart defibrillator. At $1,200, this unit is highly reliable and affordable and should be included in your home or office emergency and disaster planning kits.

Weighing just 3.3 lbs., this small and lightweight defibrillator can be easily carried to the patient's side. Using clear, natural voice instructions, the OnSite Defibrillator guides you, the first caregiver on the scene, through each step of defibrillation and CPR. Integrated SMART Pads placed on the patient's bare skin transmit information to the defibrillator, which senses and adapts to your actions every step of the way.
HeartStart AED includes proven Philips technologies for heart rhythm assessment (SMART Analysis) and defibrillation energy delivery (SMART Biphasic). And like all HeartStart defibrillators, it can be used to treat infants, children and adults.

HeartStart AED is powered by a disposable battery, the same technology used in cameras. Just click the battery in place, and the defibrillator is in standing by, ready for use.

Between uses, the defibrillator performs daily, weekly, and monthly self-tests of its electrical components, subsystems, and battery to help ensure continued reliability and readiness. A pads integrity test, which checks daily that the cartridge is properly installed and that the defibrillator pads are in working order, provides an additional level of assurance.

As long as the green Ready light on the defibrillator is blinking, you can be certain the HeartStart AED is ready for use. If any part of the defibrillator needs attention, the Ready light turns off and the defibrillator will chirp to alert you. Pressing the flashing blue Information button provides verbal guidance to help you identify and correct the situation.

As always,

Please plan ahead!

Regards,

Mina

(heart attack, heart conditions, cardio, defibrillator, cardiac arrest)

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How To Make First-Aid Kits for Dogs

Since you never know when an accident will happen, keeping a pet emergency kit at your home is a good idea. A smaller dog first-aid kit could be purchased for less than 420 and used in the car or truck. Or you can put a first aid kit together yourself and buy the items separately. If you make one yourself, use a small plastic tub with a tight fitting lid to store the following items:

                                                            

Important Phone Numbers
Veterinary clinic phone number and directions to the clinic
Emergency clinic phone number and directions
Poison control center phone numbers

Equipment and Supplies
Muzzle, or roll of gauze for making a muzzle
Magnifying glass
Scissors
Tweezers
Nail clippers and metal nail file
Styptic powder or sticks, Kwik Stop, or cornstarch
Penlight
Nylon slip leash
Eye dropper or oral syringe
Cotton swabs
Cotton balls
Clean towels - cloth and paper
Rectal thermometer
Lubricant such as mineral oil or KY Jelly (without spermicide)
Disposable gloves
Syringes of various sizes
Needle-nose pliers or hemostats
Grease-cutting dish soap
Bitter Apple or other product to discourage licking
Pet carrier
Towel or blanket to use as a stretcher, another to keep your dog warm during transport (some pharmacies and camping outlets carry a thermal blanket)
Cold packs and heat packs (wrap in towel before using)
Stethoscope
Bandaging Materials
Square gauze of various sizes - some sterile
Non-stick pads
First aid tape - both paper (easily comes off of skin) and adhesive types
Bandage rolls - gauze and Vetwrap
Band-Aids (for humans)

Nutritional Support
Re hydrating solution such as Gatorade or Pedialyte
Nutritional supplement such as Nutri-Cal, Vitacal, or Nutristat
High sugar source: Karo syrup

Medicines
Wound disinfectant such as Betadine or Nolvasan
Triple antibiotic ointment for skin
Antibiotic ophthalmic ointment for eyes, e.g., Terramycin
Eye wash solution
Sterile saline
Anti diarrheal medicine such as Pet Pectate
Buffered or canine aspirin
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for allergic reactions
Cortisone spray or cream, such as Itch Stop
Ear cleaning solution
Hydrogen peroxide (used to make a dog vomit)
Activated charcoal to absorb ingested poisons (consult your veterinarian before using)
 



Good luck making your first-aid kit for your dog! 


Regards, 


Mina

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Wildfire Home Safety Planning

While more and more people are living in homes in brush and woodland areas near mountains and hillsides.

Wildfires continue to become more and more common. Wildfires often begin unnoticed. They spread quickly, igniting brush, trees, and homes. Reduce your risk by preparing now before wildfire strikes. Meet with your family to decide what to do and where to go if wildfires threaten your area. Follow the steps listed below to protect your family, home, and property.

SoCal Fire Scene

Protect Your Home From Wildfires

  • Regularly clean roof and gutters.
  • Inspect chimneys at least twice a year. Clean them at least once a year. Keep the dampers in good working order. Equip chimneys and stovepipes with a spark arrester that meets the requirements of National Fire Protection Association Code 211. (Contact your local fire department for exact specifications.)
  • Use 1/2-inch mesh screen beneath porches, decks, floor areas, and the home itself. Also, screen openings to floors, roof, and attic.
  • Install a smoke detector on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms; test monthly and change the batteries at least once each year.
  • Teach each family member how to use the fire extinguisher (ABC type) and show them where it's kept.
  • Keep a ladder that will reach the roof.
  • Consider installing protective shutters or heavy fire-resistant drapes.
  • Keep handy household items that can be used as fire tools: a rake, axe, handsaw or chainsaw, bucket, and shovel.

Create a 30- to 100-Foot Safety Zone

  • Within this area, you can take steps to reduce potential exposure to flames and radiant heat. Homes built in pine forests should have a minimum safety zone of 100 feet. If your home sits on a steep slope, standard protective measures may not suffice. Contact your local fire department or forestry of fice for additional information.
  • Rake leaves, dead limbs, and twigs. Clear all flammable vegetation.
  • Remove leaves and rubbish from under structures and dispose of them properly.
  • Thin a 15-foot space between tree crowns, and remove limbs within 15 feet of the ground.
  • Remove dead branches that extend over the roof.
  • Prune tree branches and shrubs within 15 feet of a stovepipe or chimney outlet.
  • Ask the power company to clear branches from powerlines.
  • Remove vines from the walls of the home.
  • Mow grass regularly.
  • Clear a 10-foot area around propane tanks and the barbecue. Place a screen over the grill--use non-flammable material with mesh no coarser than one-quarter inch.
  • Regularly dispose of newspapers and rubbish at an approved site. Follow local burning regulations.
  • Place stove, fireplace, and grill ashes in a metal bucket, soak in water for two days, then bury the cold ashes in mineral soil.
  • Store gasoline, oily rags, and other flammable materials in approved safety cans. Place cans in a safe location away from the base of buildings.
  • Stack firewood at least 100 feet away and uphill from your home. Clear combustible material within 20 feet. Use only UL-approved woodburning devices.

Emergency Supplies For A Wildfire

When wildfire threatens, you won't have time to shop or search for supplies. Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit with items you may need if advised to evacuate. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers such as backpacks, dufflebags, or trash containers.

Include:

  • A three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won't spoil.
  • One change of clothing and footwear per person and one blanket or sleeping bag per person.
  • A first aid kit that includes your family's prescription medications.
  • Emergency tools including a battery-powered radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries.
  • An extra set of car keys and a credit card, cash, or traveler's checks.
  • Sanitation supplies.
  • Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members.
  • An extra pair of eyeglasses.
  • Keep important family documents in a waterproof container. Assemble a smaller version of your kit to keep in the trunk of your car.

Wildfire Family Disaster Plan

Wildfire and other types of disasters--hurricane, flood, tornado, ealthquake, hazardous matenals spill, winter storm--can strike quickly and without warning. You can cope with disaster by preparing in advance and working together. Meet with your family to create a disaster plan. To get started. . .

Wildfire Meeting Places

  • Pick two meeting places:
    1. A place a safe distance from your home in case of a home fire.
    2. A place outside your neighborhood in case you can't return home.
  • Choose an out-of-state friend as a "check-in contact" for everyone to call.

Please take these basic steps to prepare for wildfires around your home.

Regards,

Mina

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Fire Prevention Week

Fire Prevention Week

 

This month, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) sponsors a fire prevention campaign to help educate the public and raise awareness on fire safety.  This year, the focus is on fire prevention in the home where 80% of U.S. fire deaths occur.  Here are some very interesting facts about fires in the U.S.:

 

  • Leading cause of fires in the home are due to cooking, heating equipment and electrical problems.
  • 65% of fire deaths occurred in homes with either no smoke alarms or where the smoke alarms were not working.
  • Smoking materials (i.e. cigarettes) are the leading cause of fire deaths: 700-900 per year.
  • December and January are the prime months of fire from home heating equipment.
  • Electrical fires account for 20,800 home structure fires per year with 330 fire deaths.

 

Your can protect your family and your home by following some basic guidelines and taking precautions recommended by the NFPA. 

 

  • Have a smoke alarm in each bedroom and on every level of the home
  • Test smoke alarms monthly
  • Install a carbon monoxide alarm
  • Keep space heaters at least 3 feet from anything that can burn
  • Inspect wiring to make sure it meets code and that they are in good condition
  • Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling food
  • Make sure your fireplace has a sturdy metal screen
  • Have your chimney cleaned and inspected each year
  • Ask smokers to smoke only outside the home
  • Don’t burn candles in the bedroom
  • Create a home fire escape plan and practice it twice a year

With a little planning and awareness, your home and family will be protected and you won’t end up a statistic!


Be safe!


Mina



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Emergency Radios for Disaster Planning

Emergency Radio are a must for every family and business. It should be obvious to anyone following the news and aftermath of Hurricane Katrina most people were terribly unprepared - even those who evacuated. The effect of Katrina - damage, loss of life, and general chaos - has been compared to a terrorist attack and even an atomic bomb exploding.

The only communication that dependably continued after all the power grids, cell phone and other infrastructure collapsed was one radio station: WWL-AM.

The question is: are you prepared? Are you prepared for a natural disaster? Are you prepared for a terrorist attack? Any preparations you make should absolutely include a radio. But, not just any radio - one designed for emergency situations and preferably, one manufactured to operate independently from electricity or batteries.

A week after the Gulf Coast was pummled by Katrina Sfgate.com reported: "To expedite the rescues, the Coast Guard requested through the media that anyone stranded hang out brightly colored or white linens or something else to draw attention. But with the electricity out though much of the city, it was not known if the message was being received."

That is why you must be prepaired in the event of a disaster. Emergency Radios are varied and affordable. Every family and business should have one. Below I have put together some of the best options for emergency radios and radio/apparatus combinations you can find. If you are serious about the safety of your family, you should seriously consider these options.

Emergency Radios For Natural Disasters and Terror Attacks

(For more information and prices, click on the pictures)

Oregon Scientific Portable Public Alert Weather Radio Oregon Scientific Portable Public Alert Weather Radio

Emergency Solor Radio Emergency Solar Radio, Flashlight w/Cell Phone Charger

Again, I hope this help you all be more aware of the unique products now available for disaster preparedness planning.

Regards,

Mina

 

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Potassium Iodide Facts

Under 44 CFR 351, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has established roles and responsibilities for Federal agencies in assisting state and local governments in their radiological emergency planning and preparedness activities. The Federal agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), are to carry out these roles and responsibilities as members of the Federal Radiological Preparedness Coordinating Committee (FRPCC). Under 44 CFR 351.23(f), HHS is directed to provide guidance to state and local governments on the use of radio protective substances and the prophylactic use of drugs (e.g., KI) to reduce the radiation dose to specific organs. This guidance includes information about dosage and projected radiation exposures at which such drugs should be used.

The FDA has provided guidance previously on the use of KI as a thyroid blocking agent. In the Federal Register of December 15, 1978, FDA announced its conclusion that KI is a safe and effective means by which to block uptake of radioiodines by the thyroid gland in a radiation emergency under certain specified conditions of use.

potassium iodide tablets Click image to purchase tablets

In 1982, the FDA approved potassium iodide tablets for blocking the thyroid's absorption of cancer-causing radioactive iodine (only the thyroid absorbs iodine). Saturate the thyroid with stable iodine so it won't absorb radioactive iodine from a nuclear reactor release or nuclear bomb fallout.

FDA Conclusions (from the following FDA report.........

A. Use of KI in Radiation Emergencies: Rationale, Effectiveness, Safety

For the reasons discussed about the Chernobyl accident, data provide the most reliable information available to date on the relationship between internal thyroid radioactive dose and cancer risk. They suggest that the risk of thyroid cancer is inversely related to age, and that, especially in young children, it may accrue at very low levels of radioiodine exposure. We have relied on the Chernobyl data to formulate our specific recommendations below.

The effectiveness of KI as a specific blocker of thyroid radioiodine uptake is well established (Il'in LA, et al., 1972) as are the doses necessary for blocking uptake. As such, it is reasonable to conclude that KI will likewise be effective in reducing the risk of thyroid cancer in individuals or populations at risk for inhalation or ingestion of radioiodines.

Short-term administration of KI at thyroid blocking doses is safe and, in general, more so in children than adults.

For more information about potassium iodide tablets download this document that talk more about the use of Potassium Iodide for Radiation Protection.

Below is a chart of Recommended Doses of Potassium Iodide for Different Risk Groups

Threshold Thyroid Radioactive Exposures and

Recommended Doses of KI for Different Risk Groups

 

Predicted

Thyroid exposure(cGy)

KI dose (mg)

# of 130 mg tablets

# of 65

mg tablets

Adults over 40 yrs

>500

130

1

2

Adults over 18 through 40 yrs

>10

Pregnant or lactating women

> 5

Adoles. over 12 through 18 yrs*

65

1/2

1

Children over 3 through 12 yrs

Over 1 month through 3 years

32

1/4

1/2

Birth through 1 month

16

1/8

1/4

I hope you find this helpful in preparing for today's nuclear age and bouts of world terrorism.

Regards,

Mina

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FEMA Distaster Planning Information for Pets

Disaster recovery officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) urge you to have a disaster plan for your pets in preparation for the new hurricane season.

"The destructive hurricanes of 2004 and 2005 underscored the importance of accounting for animal needs during major disasters," said Scott Morris, FEMA director for Florida Long-Term Recovery.

With hurricane season upon us, your pets need to be included in your family emergency plan.

"People must have a disaster plan that includes their pets," said Laura Bevan, southeast regional director for the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). "Our best advice is if you evacuate, take your pet with you."

Bevan has been working with local governments and volunteer groups in establishing pet-friendly shelters. Many Florida counties have shelters where people can evacuate with their pets, including Broward, Marion and Orange. Bevan describes the shelters as having "people in one building and the animals close by in another part of the building and the people take care of their own pets."

To find out if there is a pet-friendly shelter in your area, call your county emergency management office or check the office's Web site. You should also contact your veterinarian or local humane society for information on preparing your pets for an emergency.

Before the Disaster:  Have a Safe Place to Take Your Pets

Plan your evacuation strategy and don't forget your pet!  If you plan to shelter your pet - work it into your evacuation route planning.

    *      Service animals that assist people with disabilities are allowed in Red Cross shelters. It may be difficult to find shelter for your animals in the midst of a disaster, so plan ahead. Do not wait until disaster strikes to do your research. Many communities are developing pet-friendly shelter plans, check to see if your local emergency shelter plan includes pets.

    *      Specialized pet shelters, animal control shelters, veterinary clinics and friends and relatives out of harm's way are ALL potential refuges for your pet during a disaster.

    *      Contact hotels and motels outside your immediate area to check policies on accepting pets and restrictions on number, size, and species. Ask if "no pet" policies could be waived in an emergency. Keep a list of "pet friendly" places, including phone numbers, with other disaster information and supplies. If you have notice of an impending disaster, call ahead for reservations. Go to www.petswelcome.com to search online for pet friendly hotels and motels.

    *      Prepare a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians who could shelter animals in an emergency; include 24-hour phone numbers.

    *      Ask local animal shelters if they provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets in a disaster. Animal shelters may be overburdened caring for the animals they already have as well as those displaced by a disaster, so this should be your last resort.

Prepare a portable disaster supply kit for your pet

Pet Survival Kits

Keep items in an accessible place and store them in sturdy containers that can be carried easily.

    *      Proper identification, including immunization records, and current photos

    *      Ample supply of food and water

    *      A carrier or cage, pet beds and toys

    *      Medications, medical records and a first aid kit

    *      Use sturdy leashes, harnesses, carriers to transport pets safely to ensure that your animals can't escape.

    *      Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets.

Know What to Do As a Disaster Approaches

    *      Warnings are issued hours, even days, in advance. At the first hint of disaster, act to protect your pet.

    *      Call ahead to confirm emergency shelter arrangements for you and your pets.

    *      Check to be sure your pet disaster supplies are ready to take at a moment's notice.

    *      Bring all pets into the house so that you won't have to search for them if you have to leave in a hurry.

    *      Make sure all dogs and cats are wearing collars and securely fastened up-to-date identification. Attach the phone number and address of your temporary shelter, if you know it, or of a friend or relative outside the disaster area. You can buy temporary tags or put adhesive tape on the back of your pet's ID tag, adding information with an indelible pen.

You may not be home when the evacuation order comes. Find out if a trusted neighbor would be willing to take your pets and meet you at a prearranged location. This person should be comfortable with your pets, know where your animals are likely to be, know where your pet disaster supplies kit is kept, and have a key to your home. If you use a pet-sitting service, they may be available to help, but discuss the possibility well in advance.

Planning and preparation will enable you to evacuate with your pets quickly and safely. But bear in mind that animals react differently under stress. Outside your home and in the car, keep dogs securely leashed. Transport cats in carriers. Don't leave animals unattended anywhere they can run off. The most trustworthy pets may panic, hide, try to escape, or even bite or scratch. And, when you return home, give your pets time to settle back into their routines. Consult your veterinarian if any behavior problems persist.

Check out these Web sites for further information on disaster preparations for your pet:

   * Humane Society of  the U.S.: www.hsus.org/hsus_field/hsus_disaster_center/

   * Information on Pet-friendly hotels:  www.petswelcome.com

   * Pet survival and first-aid kits: www.moreprepared.com

FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.


Just some more helpful planning for you and your family pets!

Regards,

Mina

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Survival Kits for School Children

MorePrepared.com is proud to introduce the “Kids School Survival Kit”, an emergency survival kit for school kids in preschool through elementary. This comprehensive kit contains a three-day supply of food and water as well as an emergency blanket, light stick, tissues and other items which will come in handy during an emergency. The shelf-life of the food and water is five years making it an economical choice for parents who are tired of replacing their kits each school year. The food is tasty and comes in many flavors kids like such as cherry, blueberry, and raspberry and the water is packaged in little boxes with straws that kids are used to. An activity pad and Crayola crayons completes this “kid-friendly” kit which comes in an easy-to-carry plastic case or an economical zippered plastic bag for a few dollars less. “What differentiates our kit from others is that it was born out of necessity and specially designed with our own kids in mind” stated Mina Arnao, President of More Prepared.

Kids School Emergency Kits

Many states, such as California where earthquakes are a known and foreseeable event, require schools to have an emergency kit or supplies for their students. Schools will often ask the parents to bring in their own kits which results in either the kits never being turned in or being turned in with less than adequate supplies. Store-bought food and bottled water have a short shelf-life and items such as thermal blankets and light sticks can be difficult to find in stores.

The “Kids Kit” is available online at www.moreprepared.com for $15 (plastic case) or $12 (zippered bag). Volume discounts are given to schools or to PTA’s that sell them for fundraisers. For additional information click here “Kids Kit”.

More Prepared is a provider of quality emergency supplies for schools, businesses and homes. Their mission is to help everyone “Protect Their World” in the event of an emergency or natural disaster.

Again, I hope this help you all be more aware of the unique products now available for disaster preparedness planning.

Regards,

Mina

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Hurricane Fay - Do You Have A Hurricane Survival Kit

Preparing for Hurricane Season

NOW's the time to get prepared, well before the actual start of Hurricane Season.... you should have already started stockpiling and preparing for the storm season. After a storm most necessity's are not easily available for purchase or handout by the authorities.

Are you planning on using some of those left over MRE's Kits - Meals-Ready-To-Eat and supplies you gathered after Katrina?  Be sure you check expiration dates on old supplies and refresh as needed!!

"Above is some video form the local news stations regarding storm preparation"

KNOW SOME OF THE DANGERS ASSOCIATED WITH A STORM.

     *  Flooding can occur from heavy rains,rivers,drainage ditches.
 
     *  Storm Surge typically associated with the land falling hurricane.
      Depending on intensity of storm, can cover extremely  large areas
      of coastline, as Katrina demonstrated. The storm surge typically causes
      the most deaths associated with a hurricane.
   
     *  High Winds roof damage, falling trees, power lines, can demolish entire
      homes.
   
     *  Tornadoes ooften occur with land falling hurricanes. Can cause tremendous
      wind type damage very far from the center of a hurricane in unexpected areas.


Step 1.

Know what potential hazards may affect you or your home. Flooding potential, storm surge susceptibility.  If your home or residence may flood. LEAVE.  Katrina has given us many stories of people who stayed in their homes and were flooded due to unexpected storm surge levels.

Step 2.

Start collecting material and supplies NOW.  Wood / Shutters for boarding up windows. Don't wait until the last minute to try to acquire wood and then cut and mount it. Have it precut and ready to mount. Store it until needed. I know from experience that trying to hold a 8x4 plywood sheet on a ladder in gusty wind is very difficult.
Who would have guessed that the ply-lock clips used to mount plywood sheets on windows would disappear off the shelfs as a storm approached.. Prepare Early.

Test your generator NOW and perform any repairs.  A generator that doesn't work properly after the storm is not very helpful.

Step 3.

Have an evacuation plan. While you can not easily say where exactly you will evacuate months in advance. Have maps available and write down your plans. Ensure your friends and family know where you plan to evacuate. (Its very difficult to reserve motel rooms in some areas once people start evacuating. Rooms as far as Memphis, TN become scarce during large mass evacuations. So make your reservations early. If you plan to evacuate).

Step 4.

If a hurricane develops. Stay Informed! Do be caught by surprise if a storms path or intensity changes. We know that a storms path and intensity can change dramatically in hours. In sometimes, unexpected manners. OBEY your local governments recommendations. If they suggest you leave the area..seriously consider leaving. Know where local shelters are setup. Know what is allowed to take to a shelter. Don't just show up without food or water or blankets.  They may not be setup to provide them. They will be providing a place thats safer to stay in than your home in most cases.


Hope you find it useful.

Mina

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