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In case of emergency… Be ready

  • Category: Living Well, Emergency
  • Posted On:
  • Written By: Meredith Maxwell, M.D., M.H.A.

Are you hurricane ready?

As we approach hurricane season, everyone should have a plan ready in the event a storm enters the Gulf of Mexico and threatens our area.

Family Evacuation Plan

First, develop a game plan on what you and your family will do in the event of a hurricane. Write out every step and share with your family. Identify the responsibilities for each family member and plan to work together as a team.

Here are some steps to take in the event of a storm:

  • Understand community warning signals, and listen to local officials
  • Have an emergency kit ready
  • Learn the emergency plans at places where your family spends time such as work, school, and daycare centers
  • Know your evacuation route, emergency shelters, and checkpoints
  • If you have to evacuate, fuel up, check your car and carry extra keys
  • Have extra money saved to accommodate several days, weeks or months away from home. Keep in mind on extra expenses such as pets, food and gas.
  • Have 3 to 5 days of emergency supplies ready to travel
  • Bring cash in case of power outages or credit cards not working
  • Refill prescriptions for a full 7-day prescription
  • Give your children their identification information to carry with them
  • If you have to evacuate, turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting, secure your home, turn off utilities at the source and lock up

Personal Inventory

Create a file containing personal information and keep it in a secure place, such as a safety deposit box. The file should include:

  • Driver’s license(s)
  • Vehicle registration and proof of insurance
  • Medical and vaccination records
  • Copies of prescription medicine labels
  • Birth and marriage certificates
  • Taxes
  • Wills
  • Records for pets
  • Pictures of your home, possessions and children
  • Copies of your children’s identification information

kids with pet

Pet Preparedness

Pets should not be left behind during a storm, and you should take them with you during an evacuation. Do not wait until the last minute to evacuate with a pet because some hotels or rescue officials may not allow pets. When evacuating, make sure you have:

  • Food and water for at least three days
  • Bowls and can openers
  • Medications, records, and a pet first aid kit and book
  • Grooming items, litter box, newspapers and etc.
  • Leashes, harnesses, and carriers to transport pets
  • Pet bed and toys
  • Photos and a description of your pet
  • Copies of feeding schedule, medical conditions, behavioral problems, name and telephone in case you have to place your pet in foster care

How to pack a Basic Emergency Storm Kit

To assemble your kit, store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.

A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

  • Water – one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
  • Food – at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
  • Flashlight
  • First aid kit
  • Extra batteries
  • Whistle to signal for help
  • Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
  • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
  • Manual can opener for food
  • Local maps
  • Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

Download the Recommended Supplies List (PDF)

To learn more about emergency and disaster preparation, prevention, response, recovery, and mitigation, visit the Get A Game Plan website at getagameplan.org.

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Meredith Maxwell, M.D., M.H.A., attended the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, where she completed her family medicine residency, before joining the Touro Infirmary Health System. She is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine Diplomate.