The first rule in being prepared for any crisis is to stay informed!
Stay alert to changing weather conditions with weather phone apps, local T.V. News and NOAA radio alerts. You can also click here and get set up to receive free National Weather Service Alerts custom for your state.
Click on the NOAA Map for an up to date 5-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook
Or if you prefer you can download the mobile FEMA app for free at the Samsung or Apple phone stores.
1) Create a family plan to survive
Whether protecting yourself or your family from tornadoes, floods or crippling winter weather, you need to be prepared for the worst. When you are proactive and plan ahead for possible disaster, it can at least reduce major confusion and avert chaos during a situation, or at best save your life or the life of a love one. Every plan should include evacuation routes and meeting places, primary and backup. Everyone should have emergency numbers, shelter possibilities and a communication strategy if cell phones are overloaded, and it’s safe to assume they will be!
2) Practice your family plan
When a family practices their disaster plan, it can help ease every one’s mind. Practicing evacuation routes, where to go for shelter and memorizing emergency numbers. Quiz family members on the emergency plan. Make it a game for the children. Where do they go when there’s an emergency? What is our address? What will they do if we get separated? Where is the emergency kit stored? Where is the water stored? Assign duties like who’s responsible for the dog and grabbing the the go bag? The more practice, the better your family will be able to recall what to do in an actual emergency.
3) Build a family Disaster Kit
Some needs in a disaster kit may vary for each person or family. However, every kit should have some basics items such as bottled water, non-perishable snacks, flashlights, batteries, sanitation items, important documents and first aid kits. If you have children, you might plan to have extra school supplies to keep them busy and their favorite items such as blankets, stuffed animals, and their favorite books. Click this link for a free Hurricane Prep Survival List
4) Keep yourself and family informed
Keeping yourself or your family safe will always begin by staying informed prior to an emergency and avoiding one altogether whenever possible. Everyone should have a reliable resource for emergency alerts, such as phone apps and an emergency radio with batteries. Know where the nearest shelters are to you if any, the best evacuation routes. The best thing to do if there is impending disaster, lock it down, grab the family including pets and get gone to somewhere that will be safe before the masses decide to do the same. Don’t be a last minute statistic!