Ready or not! Hurricane Season arrives on June 1. Pender Memorial Hospital encourages you to consider these important tips to make things easier in the event of severe weather this year.
Now is the time to establish or review your Family Disaster Plan. Discuss the type of hazards that could affect your family and how you will handle these situations. Post emergency telephone numbers by your phone and make sure your children know how and when to call 9-1-1. Create or refresh your disaster preparedness kit.
Locate the safest areas in your home for your family to use during an emergency, such as a tornado. In certain circumstances, such as a flood, the safest area may not be your home, but somewhere within your community. You should determine escape routes from your home and set locations where your family should meet if you become separated. Have an out-of-state friend serve as your contact so everyone has a single person to call to check in.
You should also decide where your family will stay during a hurricane. Pick a back-up location in case there is a problem with your first choice. Make sure everyone knows the location, address and phone number there.
In an emergency, PMH will initiate its Emergency Operations Plan to ensure the safety of its employees, patients and the facility.
It is our hope that we will avoid any hurricanes this season, but the reality is that we must be prepared for whatever may come. Hurricanes are dangerous events. Those who have lived through one of these fierce storms are aware of their awesome potential. If you’re new to the area, it’s easy to fall victim to the “how bad can a storm be?” syndrome. In this article, we hope that we have given you a look at some simple measures you can take now to ensure that your family is ready for hurricane season.
Prepare your own disaster kit at home
The following are essential items to include in your Disaster Preparedness Kit:
Water - At least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
Food - At least enough for 3 to 7 days (i.e. Non-perishable packaged or canned food and juices; foods for infants or elderly; snack foods; non-electric can opener; cooking tools /fuel; paper plates / plastic utensils)
Blankets / Pillows
Clothing - Including seasonal and rain gear and sturdy shoes
First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs
Special Items - For babies and elderly
Toiletries - Hygiene items and moisture wipes
Flashlight - With extra batteries
Radio - Battery-operated with extra batteries; NOAA weather radio
Telephones - Fully charged cell phone (extra battery) or non-cordless telephone
Cash - Some small bills and credit cards
House and Car Keys
Entertainment - Toys, books and board games
Important documents - Put in a waterproof container or re-sealable plastic bag (i.e. insurance card, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.)
Tools
Vehicle - Fuel tanks filled
Pet care - Find a safe place for your pets. Do not leave them unattended. If leaving them at a kennel/pet shelter, bring proper identification, immunization records, medications, ample food and water, carrier or cage, muzzle and leash
# # #