Families: What is your storm plan?
Those are the two most important things families can do to prepare for a hurricane, said Jessica Geib, director of community involvement at the Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross.
“We’ve had a few quiet years, so people are complacent,” said Geib. “But people need to be able to take care of themselves because emergency assistance might not come for 72 hours.”
Talk with family members about where you will go if you need to evacuate your house, Geib said. Write up emergency contact information, including someone out of town who can be your family contact. Others can call them for information about you. Make sure you include a plan for your pet.
If a family member must have electricity for a special need or will need special transportation, register now with the local emergency management services, (850) 488-5921.
Gather copies of all important paper work, including insurance papers, birth and marriage certificates, and identification for all family members.
“What we saw with Hurricane Katrina was that people lost everything,” Geib said. “Many didn’t have copies of anything. If they did, it would have made the transition easier.”
Your emergency kit should include a flashlight and batteries; non-perishable food and water for 72 hours; a first aid kit; and prescription medicine.
Filed under: Disaster | Tagged: American Red Cross, Hurricane, Hurricane Fay, Prepare, Tallahassee
