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Preparing for Hurricane Dorian

Washington, DC, August 29, 2019

Tags: Energy

As Floridians, we're no strangers to the terrible power and ravages of hurricanes and tropical storms. Hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th. Do you have a disaster preparedness plan in place? If not, information and tips for building a plan are available at the below websites. Click here for steps homeowners can take to minimize hurricane damage.

National Weather Service (NWS) watches and warnings. You can find more information about these risks on ready.gov/hurricanes.

Websites like FL511.com provide live traffic updates and safe evacuation routes during storms. It’s also important to keep a list of contact information for reference, including loved ones, local utilities, local hospitals, TV and radio stations and insurance agents.

Make sure you have an Emergency Supplies Kit as well.

Basic Disaster Supply Kit Items

Water – You will need water for drinking, cooking and sanitation purposes. Pack a minimum of 1 gallon daily per person for 7 days.

Food – You will need enough for a minimum of 7 days:

Non-perishable packaged or canned food and juices
- Manual can opener
Foods for individuals with dietary restrictions (i.e. infants, elderly, etc.)
Snack foods
Cooking tools and fuel
Paper plates and plastic utensils

Flashlight and Extra Batteries

Pillows, Blankets and/or Sleeping Bags

Clothing – Include a complete change of clothes suitable for your areas climate. Be sure to include sturdy shoes to protect you from debris or other sharp objects you may encounter outdoors post-storm.

First Aid Kit, Prescription Medication and Other Medicines

Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio

Toiletries

Cleaning Supplies – Include garbage bags, moisture wipes and other items you may need to sanitize your home or surrounding post-disaster.

Special Items – Assess all family member needs. Consider other items needed for infants, elderly and individuals with access and functional needs (i.e. medical items, baby bottles, etc.)

Cash - Banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods following a disaster.

Toys, Books and Games

Important Documents – Consider storing all critical documents in a waterproof container, as well as, saving them electronically. These items can include but are not limited to insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.

Tools

Pet Care Items

Proper identification / immunization records
Ample supply of food and water
Carrier or cage
Medications
Muzzle and leash
Photo of you and your pet(s) – in the event you are separated from your pet, having an updated photo with your pet will help validate pet ownership.

Try to assemble your kit well in advance of an emergency. You may have to evacuate at a moment’s notice and take essentials with you. You will probably not have time to search for the supplies you need or shop for them.

You may need to survive on your own after an emergency. This means having your own food, water and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least seven days. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours or it may take days.

Additionally, basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment and telephones may be cut off for days or even a week, or longer. Your supplies kit should contain items to help you manage during these outages.