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With the Hurricane Florence currently on a collision course with the east coast, here are a few tips to better prepare yourself for the extreme weather. Check in with Homeland Security for updates on everything from evacuation plans to shelter locations.
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Families should prep emergency kits and an evacuation plan if necessary in your area. The DHS has several options already in place, click HERE for updates on your local area.
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Here’s what the Red Cross recommends in all emergency kits. Non-perishable foods, flashlights, weather radio, first-aid kit, medications, copies of important documents, emergency blanket, map of the immediate area, and water for three days with a minimum of one gallon per person per day.
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Extreme weather can cause people to lose access to clean drinking water. Here are some best practices for decontaminating water. Boiling would be the best first option. If that’s not an option you can also add 16 drops of bleach per gallon of water, stier the contents, and let them stand for 30 minutes.
If you have time to buy a filtration device, that would ideal.
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Pay close attention to the Emergency Alert System and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio. They will have up to the minute evacuation plans if neccessary. Officials know mass evacuaitons can get dangerous, and they don’t want everyone causing even more chaos on the roads.
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If you’re looking for emergency shelters close to your area, you can this list made available by the Red Cross of you can search for open shelters by texting SHLETER and your zip code to 43362.
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The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends keeping a list of pet-friendly hotels in case you need to evacuate.
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First step is always to secure your rain gutters and clear the drains.
Next would be to waterproof your basement and elevate your heating system, electrical panel, and water heater.
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Reminder to bring all things that can be blown about, like patio furniture, propane tanks, bikes, and other large objects inside.
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Applying duct tape to glass windows can make glass break into larger pieces and into deadlier shards. Instead boarding up your windows with plywood is a much better option.
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Fill your car with gas before the storm hits. Gas pump lines will be large so it’s best to stay ahead of the game. Also have an emergency kit stored inside your car as well.
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12 inches of fast moving water is enough to sweep any car away. If you see a flooded area in front of you, don’t risk it and try your best to find another route.
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There are a range of items you can use to quickly insulate your clothes including, crumpled paper, leaves, or bubble wrap.
If you’re trapped in cold conditions, sharing body warmth is an ideal way to stay warm. If you’re also able to access objects that have been heated like stones or bottles, place them in between layers of your clothes to stay warm.
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In the case of a power outage, here is a quick way to determine if your food has spoiled in your fridge. Freeze a cup of water then put a quarter on top of it and return it to the freezer. If your quarter doesn’t move then you know the electricity hasn’t been out for a long time and your food is fine. But if the quarter is resting at the bottom of the cup then your food is no longer safe to eat.
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The CDC suggests cleaning and drying your home after a flood 24 to 48 hours after the weather passes. Fans, dry vacs, open windows, and doors can help speed up the process.
You’ll also need to remove drywall and insulation that has been contaminated by sewage. Check for leaks in the roof as well.
If you do so happen to spot mold, put on some protective gear and clean it. Mix a cup of bleach with a gallon of water to clean off mold.
H/T
