Residents

Assemble A Disaster Kit

You may need to survive on your own after a disaster. This means having your own food, water, and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least three 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, but it could take days.

Basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment, and telephones may be cut off for days, a week, or even longer. Or you may have to evacuate at a moment’s notice and take essentials with you. You probably will not have the opportunity to shop or search for the supplies you need.

Kit Locations

• Home: Your disaster supplies kit should contain essential food, water, and supplies for at least three days. Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept and can lift and carry the kit. Additionally, you may want to consider having supplies for sheltering for up to two weeks, and plan for possible power outages at home.
• Work: This kit should be in one container, and ready to “grab and go” in case you are evacuated from your workplace. Make sure you have food and water in the kit. Also, be sure to have comfortable walking shoes at your workplace in case an evacuation requires walking long distances.
• Car: In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car. This kit should contain maps, food, water, manual can opener, first aid kit, and manual, flares, jumper cables, flashlight and extra batteries, fire extinguisher (5lb., A-B-C type), blanket, rain gear, and seasonal supplies.

Water

How much water do I need? You should store at least one gallon of water per person, per day. A normally active person needs at least one-half gallon of water daily just for drinking. In determining adequate quantities, take the following into account:

• Individual needs vary, depending on age, physical condition, activity, diet and climate.
• Children, nursing mothers, and ill people need more water.
• Very hot temperatures can double the amount of water needed.
• A medical emergency might require additional water.
• Water is used for sanitation needs as well as for drinking.

How should I store water? To prepare the safest and most reliable emergency supply of water, it is recommended that you purchase commercially bottled water. Keep bottled water in its original container and do not open it until you need to use it. Be sure to observe the expiration or “use by” date.

If you are preparing your own containers of water: It is recommended that you purchase food-grade water storage containers from surplus or camping supplies stores to use for water storage. Before filling with water, thoroughly clean the containers with dishwashing soap and water, and rinse completely so there is no residual soap. Follow directions below on filling the container with water.

If you choose to use your own storage containers, choose two-liter plastic soft drink bottles – not plastic jugs or cardboard containers that have had milk or fruit juice in them. Milk protein and fruit sugars cannot be adequately removed from these containers and provide an environment for bacterial growth when water is stored in them. Cardboard containers also leak easily and are not designed for long-term storage of liquids. Also, do not use glass containers because they can break and are heavy.

If storing water in plastic soda bottles, follow these steps: Thoroughly clean the bottles with dishwashing soap and water, and rinse completely so there is no residual soap. Sanitize the bottles by adding one teaspoon of non-scented liquid household chlorine bleach to a quart of water. Swish the sanitizing solution in the bottle so that it touches all surfaces. After sanitizing the bottle, thoroughly rinse out the sanitizing solution with clean water.

Filling water containers: Fill the bottle to the top with regular tap water. If the tap water has been commercially treated from a water utility with chlorine, you do not need to add anything else to the water to keep it clean. If the water you are using comes from a well or water source that is not treated with chlorine, add two drops of non-scented liquid household chlorine bleach to the water. Tightly close the container using the original cap. Be careful not to contaminate the cap by touching the inside of it with your finger. Place a date on the outside of the container so that you know when you filled it.

Food

• Avoid foods that will make you thirsty. Choose salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals, and canned foods with high liquid content
• Stock canned foods, dry mixes, and other staples that do not require refrigeration, cooking, water, or special preparation. You may already have many of these on hand. (Note: be sure to include a manual can opener.)
• Include special dietary needs

Maintaining Your Kit

• Keep canned foods in a dry place where the temperature is cool.
• Throw out any can that become swollen, dented, or corroded.
• Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers to protect from pests and to extend its shelf life
• Use foods before they go bad and replace them with fresh supplies.
• Place new items at the back of the storage area and older ones in front.
• Change stored food and water supplies every six months. Be sure to write the date you store it on all containers.

What is a Hurricane?

• Tropical Depression: An organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with defined center of circulation and maximum sustained winds of 38 mph or less.
• Tropical Storm: An organized system of strong thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum winds of 39-73 mph.
• Hurricane: An intense tropical weather system of strong thunderstorms with a well-defined circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 mph or greater.

The Difference Between a Watch and a Warning

• Tropical Storm Watch: Tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are possible in the specified coastal area within 48 hours.
• Tropical Storm Warning: Tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected somewhere in the specified coastal area within 36 hours.
• Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions are possible within the specified coastal area, but tropical storm force winds may reach the coast within 48 hours.
• Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the specified coastal area, but tropical storm force winds will arrive in less than 36 hours.

Hurricane Intensity Ratings

• Tropical Storm (Winds 39-73 mph) Damage is minimal, but scattered trees and power lines may be damaged and brought down, resulting in some power outages.
• Category 1 Hurricane (Winds 74-95 mph) Porches and awnings may be damaged. Older homes may have roof damage. There may be more substantial damage to mobile homes and minor pier and boat damage. Unprotected windows may be broken by flying debris. Large tree branches may snap and shallow-rooted trees can be toppled. Heavy damage is possible to power lines. Low-lying coastal roads will become inundated with water.
• Category 2 Hurricane (Winds 96-110 mph) Some damage to building roofs, doors and windows with considerable damage to mobile homes. Failure of awnings and screened-in enclosures will be common. Some large trees may be blown down. Extensive power outages can be expected as well as coastal roads cut off by water. Major damage to piers and small boats could occur.
• Category 3 Hurricane (Winds 111-130 mph) Some structural damage to small homes is likely. Major damage is likely to coastal structures, with minor to moderate damage possible for inland buildings. Nearly all mobile homes and older small homes could be destroyed. There will likely be major damage to large trees, fences and signs and extensive power loss. Serious coastal flooding is possible throughout the affected area.
• Category 4 Hurricane (Winds 131-155 mph) Total destruction of mobile homes will occur along with wall and roof structure failure on most small homes. Extensive damage is likely to doors, windows, and roofing materials. Major damage or destruction of most coastal structures is possible. Severe damage will occur for inland structures and trees, shrubs, and signs may be blown down. Power outages may last for weeks or months. Major coastal erosion and flooding is possible.
• Category 5 Hurricane (Winds 156+ mph) Complete roof failure on homes and industrial buildings. Some complete building failures with extensive shattering of windows and doors. All signage, fences and awnings will be destroyed. Nearly all trees will be snapped or uprooted. Extensive coastal flooding and erosion will occur and power outages may last months. Long-term water shortages are possible.

Get a Plan! Steps to Creating a Family Disaster Plan

• Buy a NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio and test it weekly (Wednesdays, 10am – noon).
• Buy a NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio and test it weekly (Wednesdays, 10am – noon).
• Determine if the home is located in a storm surge evacuation zone.
• Identify a safe room in your home or a neighbor’s home.
• Plan escape routes from your home and places to meet.
• Know the location of a safe community shelter near your home.
• Have an out-of-state family member or friend you can stay with if necessary.
• Have an emergency plan for your pets.
• Post emergency telephone numbers by your phone and make sure children know how/when to call 9-1-1.
• Check your insurance coverage – flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners’ insurance.
• Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and a disaster supply kit that should include:
  • A three-day supply of food and water, a change of clothing, a blanket or sleeping bag for each person and a first aid kit that includes medications.
  • Emergency tools: Battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries, work gloves and fire extinguisher.
  • Important family documents in a fire and waterproof container, an extra set of keys, credit card, and cash.
• Replace batteries in your smoke detector and in your NOAA Weather Radio in the spring and fall when Daylight Saving Time changes.
• Take first aid, CPR, and disaster preparedness classes through your local American Red Cross chapter.

• Establish a personal support network of friends, family or neighbors who can assist you and get you to a safe place.
• Place emergency instructions on the refrigerator that include information on your medications, dosage amounts, necessary equipment and emergency contacts.
• Register with local emergency management and fire departments.
• Carry with you at all times emergency health information. A medical alert tag or bracelet to identify your disability can prove helpful.
• Keep a flashlight, bell or whistle nearby to signal your whereabouts to others.
• Have an extra supply of medication in your emergency kit.

When a hurricane watch is issued, you should:

• Fill your automobile’s gas tank or make arrangements with friends or family for transportation.
• Fill your clean water containers.
• Review your emergency plans and supplies, checking to see if any items are missing.
• Tune into the radio or television for weather updates. Listen for disaster sirens and warning signals.
• Secure any items outside which may damage property in a storm, such as bicycles, grills, propane tanks, etc.
• Cover windows and doors with plywood or boards.
• Place vehicles under cover, if at all possible.
• Fill sinks and bathtubs with water as an extra supply.
• Adjust the thermostat on refrigerators and freezers to the coolest possible temperature.

If You Are Ordered to Evacuate

• Take only essential items with you.
• If you have time, turn off the gas, electricity, and water.
• Disconnect appliances to reduce the likelihood of electrical shock when power is restored.
• Make sure your automobile’s emergency kit is ready.
• Follow the designated evacuation routes.

If You Are Ordered NOT to Evacuate

• Monitor the radio or television for weather conditions.
• Stay indoors until the authorities declare the storm is over.
• Do not go outside, even in the weather appears to have calmed – the calm “eye” of the storm can pass quickly, leaving you outside when strong winds resume.
• Stay away from all windows and exterior doors, seeking shelter in a bathroom or basement. Bathtubs can provide some shelter if you cover yourself with plywood or other materials.
• Prepare to evacuate to a shelter or to a neighbor’s home if your home is damaged, or if you are instructed to do so by emergency personnel.