Ensuring the health and safety of individuals and protecting assets & property during a storm can only be achieved through collective efforts. Response measures are effective when activated and executed promptly and without delay.

Those with families have the added responsibility of safeguarding their spouses and children as well as kith and kin. Stocking up on supplies is also crucial as access to essential amenities would be disrupted during emergencies. You can also quickly adapt your plans based on recent developments by staying tune to the latest updates from reliable news sources.

Preparing for an Approaching Storm

Put together a kit

Develop plans

Keep track of the latest news

Pre-Storm Preparation

• Fill all vehicles to more than half their fuel capacity during the hurricane season
• Test the working of generators with sufficient loads
• Purchase insurance for your property, including coverage that protects against flood damage
• Put aside cash in small denominations throughout the year for emergency expenses
• Keep a portable, battery powered AM radio
• Call 2-1-1 and enroll if you require transportation assistance during evacuation

Preparedness Checklist for Residences

• Cover windows with boards or storm shutters
• Remove loose branches from trees and shrubs in and around the house
• Unclog downspouts and rain gutters
• Maintain an inventory of all items at home – devices, appliances, precious items, apparel etc. Store them in a protected place
• Maintain detailed visual records of the residence through photos and videos
• Remove items such as plants, pots and other external decorations and adornments from outside your residence
• Provide additional support for small trees that lack deep roots
• Store vital records and documents in waterproof cases in a safe location
• Make sure that evacuation kits contain all the essential items
• Turn off propane tanks
• Stock up on water for sanitary needs

Evacuation Checklist

• Your zip code
• Current location – is it in an evacuation area
• Destination – the location to which you will evacuate
• Alternate evacuation location, if applicable
• Contact person and relevant information at the destination
• Waterproof preservation of all important documents
• Stocking up all vehicles on fuel

Response Measures during the Storm

• Stay indoors and away from windows and glass doors
• Keep track of the latest news through radio or television
• Use phones sparingly and only during emergencies
• Close and fasten interior doors, curtains and blinds
• Use the lowest level of your residence for shelter

Post-Storm Measures

While returning to your residence after evacuation

• Return to your location after it has been officially cleared of danger
• Use roads only after they have been deemed safe for transit
• Enlist the services of a building inspector or engineer to
  • Assess your residence for damage, safety concerns and vulnerabilities
  • Carefully inspect utilities such as power infrastructure, gas lines etc. for safety hazards
• Have accredited animal authorities inspect the premises for stray animals, venomous snakes and so on
• Don’t occupy the residence if safety issues are beyond the danger threshold
• Avoid indoor use of appliances that emit carbon monoxide such as generators and grills

Damage Assessment

• Have a fire extinguisher ready for use
• Check for
  • Loose and slippery floors
  • Broken glass pieces
  • Damaged roofs
  • Foundations and
  • Chimneys
• Clear the premises of all debris
• Exercise care while opening and closing cupboards, cabinets and other structures
• Get in touch with your gas supplier if you smell natural gas
• Use a flashlight that works on batteries for inspection. Avoid candles or lamps that use oil or gas.
• Switch off utilities if the building structure has been damaged
• Have electricians check all appliances, especially those that are wet or damaged, before use
• Check all water sources for contamination. If unsure, disinfect all water by boiling
• Don’t use toilets until an experienced plumber has cleared sewages and water lines of all damage
• Repair damaged sewages as soon as possible to avert health hazards
• Claim insurance for damage to your residence
• Maintain visual records through videos or photos and documentation for all damage
• Dispose off any foodstuff that might be unsafe for consumption

Essential Supplies during Hurricanes

Food

• A week’s stock of non-perishable food that can be consumed without cooking
• A week’s supply of potable water for all individuals (1 gallon per person, daily)
• Manually operated can-opener
• Paper plates, cups and utensils

First Aid

• Put together a kit as per Red Cross recommendations
• Stock up on alternate options for crucial medicines

Personal Hygiene

• Hand wash
• Tissue paper
• Garbage bag
• Towels
• Soaps
• Change of clothes
• Footwear
• Blankets

Air Protection

• Protective masks
• Plastic sheeting
• Duct tape

For Infants

• Baby formula
• Feeding bottles
• Milk powder
• Diapers
• Baby wipes
• Balms, ointments and other medical supplies

Visibility

• Flashlights with batteries
• Fluorescent lanterns
• Waterproof matches
• Utility lighters

Communication

• Handy AM/FM radio with batteries
• NOAA Weather Radio
• Landlines with extended cables
• Whistles
• Batteries and chargers for all devices

Family Safety

• Smoke and carbon monoxide detection with battery backup
• Fire extinguishers
• Odorless sanitizing bleach
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Shovel and other implements

Transport

• Road maps at the state and national level
• Mending tools such as tire patch material and engine oil
• Road safety triangles

Pets

• A week’s supply of non-perishable pet food and water
• Cage and leashes
• Medication and first aid
• A recent photo for reference, in case the pet goes missing
• Litter box
• Pet bed