Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Hurricane Season: How to Be Prepared

Now in mid-Autumn, the holiday season is in full swing and with it comes a heap of stress and worries that are not limited to the amount of money you're spending. Hurricane season is coming to a close in November and, though it seems the ends in near, we must observe the recent storm on the East Coast as a warning and take as many precautions as necessary. While the event of any natural disaster can sometimes feel unlikely, there are very real possibilities that something terrible can happen at any moment. The best course of action right now is to make sure you're prepared for what ever might come your way.

Evacuation Zones

If you live outside an evacuation zone, consider yourself very lucky. During an emergency situation, those whose homes are in low-lying areas or near large bodies of water need to prepare to leave as soon as a warning is issued telling them to do so. Local emergency management offices will let you know whether your home is in a safe zone or not.

Action Plan

If you're living in an evacuation zone, prepare an action plan and discuss it with all members of your household. Determine exactly where you will be going in the event of a hurricane or tropical storm. Make a list of everything you want to bring with you and plan to store treasured belongings that can't come with you in a safe, elevated space. If you drive, fill up your gas tank frequently to avoid the mess and hassle of long lines when a warning is issued.

Pets

If you plan to wait out the storm in a public shelter be aware that not all places accept pets and most that do, require that you provide your own food and water as well as carrying case that allows the animal enough room to stand up. Make sure your pets are up to date on all their vaccines and wear a collar or harness with their identification in case they get lost. Should you lose your pet, contact your local humane society as soon as possible.

Supplies

Should the power go out in your home, refrigerated food will only last a matter of hours, which is why it's so important to stock up on non-perishables. Purchasing a generator is a great way to provide electricity for the things you need most, but at the very least, make sure you have enough flashlights and batteries on hand. Water is of course another very necessary provision and a great way of storing gallons of it is to fill up your bathtubs. Make sure all your phones and computers are sufficiently charged to last through a power outage as well, in case you need to reach anyone. A first aid kit is another must-have item on your list along with toilet paper.

Preparing your Home

Plan to either tape your windows and/or secure them with plywood to prevent breaking. Collect any loose debris surrounding the outside of your home as they may contribute to further damage during the storm. Make sure your fridge is on the coldest possible temperature to preserve the food for a longer period of time. Find a place in the interior of your home that is not near a window and plan to stay there for the duration of the storm.

Hurricane Sandy Relief

There are plenty of people on the East Coast that took all the precautions they could to ensure their safety during the storm, but unfortunately most if not all of them are still faced with the damaging aftereffects. Fortunately, The American Red Cross is accepting donations to aid those affected by Hurricane Sandy. All donations are put towards providing the victims with shelter, food, healthcare, emotional support, and emergency services.

American Red Cross Disaster Relief
https://www.redcross.org/donate/index.jsp?donateStep=2&itemId=prod10002



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