WARNING: Hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area of the WARNING, usually within 24 hours.
The American Red Cross recommends the following preparedness actions:
Get a Kit:
Gather enough emergency supplies to meet your needs. A portable kit, stored in a sturdy, easy to carry, water resistant container should have enough supplies for three days. The Red Cross also recommends having at least two weeks worth of supplies at home and to keep a smaller kit in the trunk of your car. Check your kit and replace the stock every six months. Whether you purchase a kit or choose to build your own, your three-day kit should include:
· A three-day supply of water (one gallon per person, per day) and ready-to-eat non-perishable foods, such as tuna fish, peanut butter, crackers, canned fruit, and juice boxes
· A manual can opener and cooking utensils
· A battery-powered radio or television, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries
· A first-aid kit and reference guide
· Prescription and non-prescription medication items, eye glasses, contact lenses, and hearing aid batteries
· Copies of important documents, including birth certificates, insurance policies and social security cards
· Cash. ATMs and credit cards won’t work if the power is out
· Extra clothing and blankets
· Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members
· Emergency tools, including tools to turn off utilities
· An extra set of home and car keys
· Pet supplies.
Make a Plan
The American Red Cross urges each and every household to develop a household disaster plan.
· Meet with your family to create a plan. Discuss the information you have gathered and why it is important to prepare for a disaster. Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team.
· Identify two meeting places; One right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency and one outside your neighborhood in case you can’t return home.
· Plan your evacuation route. Know where you are going and how you plan to get there. Plan to evacuate to the home of a friend or family member who lives outside of the evacuation zones. Red Cross evacuation centers should be used as a last resort; however, if you need to go to an evacuation center keep in mind that you must bring a sleeping bag, items to cover your basic needs, medicines and a change of clothes.
· Be sure to make advanced preparations for your pets. There are specific pet-friendly shelters in Miami-DadeCounty. Space is limited. To pre-register your pet, call 3-1-1. Pet owners must provide the required supplies (including a cage, food, etc.), and make arrangements in advance of their pick up.
· Choose an out-of-area emergency contact person. During or after a disaster, it’s often easier to call long distance, especially if local phone lines are overloaded or out of service.
· Tell your family about the Safe and Well website, an Internet-based tool that allows those directly affected by a disaster to let their loved ones know of their well-being. People within a disaster affected area are able to and post standard “safe and well” messages.
· Show and explain to each family member how and when to turn off the water and electricity at the main switches.
· Take a Red Cross first-aid and CPR class. Remember that during a storm emergency personnel will not be able to reach you and your family must be prepared for anything.
Be Informed:
· Find out what types of disaster are likely to occur in your area and how to prepare for each.
· Find out how local authorities will contact you during a disaster. Listen to local media broadcasts or NOAA Weather Radio for the latest storm conditions and follow the advice of local authorities.
· Contact your local Red Cross for details about community disaster education presentations that may be arranged or are available in your workplace, school or community organization.
· If you are told to evacuate, do so immediately. You may choose to evacuate sooner than alerted if you think you may need additional time.
For more information regarding how individuals and families can prepare for disasters or to purchase emergency preparedness and first-aid kits, contact (305) 644-1200.
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