Are you getting ready for the storm? Here is Jinks Realty Video of us getting ready for the storm.
Here’s how you can keep your family safe and healthy before, during and after a storm.
How to prepare before the storm
Once you find out the storm is heading your way, go ahead and prepare. Here’s a storm-ready checklist:
1. Know your evacuation routes. Be sure to have discussed or have a written evacuation plan. The National Weather Service recommends you have a plan of action mapped out in case you are pressed for time.
2. Create a home safety kit. The Department of Homeland Security recommends you have:
Enough water for each person to have a gallon a day
Three-day supply of non-perishable food
Battery-powered radio with extra batteries
Flashlight
Whistle
First Aid Kit
Garbage bags
Towelettes
Phone chargers
Duct tape
Wrench or pliers
Local map
Manual can opener
Be sure that your safety kit is in an easy-to-locate area such as a kitchen counter or coffee table.
3. Set up a safety room. Stock one room in your home with fresh water, non-perishable foods, flashlights, blankets, towels, trash bags, gloves, cleaning masks, your pet’s food and any other necessities. With everything in one place, finding what you need during the storm or cleaning up after the fact will be much easier.
4. Be aware of your location. The National Weather Service recommends that you “know your zone.” If you live near a hazardous structure or area like a dam or by the ocean, listen to safety instructions from your local news and community.
5. Prepare your medications. If you take medications, make sure you know how to store them in case the power goes out for a few days. Common medications and treatments like amoxicillin and insulin can be put in sandwich bags and placed in a cooler on ice so they remain cold, without getting wet.
If you evacuate, take all medications with you. Remember that some medications are temperature-sensitive and lose potency if not refrigerated. If your medication does touch the water, temperature-sensitive or not, you’ll want to replace that medication when you can, and don’t take any pills that have become wet.
6. Take out cash and fill up your gas tank. The NWS recommends that you keep hard cash on you at all times and a full tank of gas if asked to evacuate. Your safety is important and you may not be able to grab gas during a state of emergency, let alone use a credit card when the power goes out.
Keep your pets safe, too
Your pets need your help and protection during storms. Here are some tips to keep your furry companion safe:
Make sure your pet has identification. Be sure your pet has some sort of identification on them in case you get separated during the storm. They should have a collar or microchip with your family’s contact information on it.
Keep your pet near. If you evacuate and you have a pet, look for pet-friendly hotels or local animal shelters or safe kennels.
Stay safe during the storm
The rough winds, hard rain and flying debris can be frightening, but here’s what to do while you wait it out.
Stay alert. Use your emergency radio to stay up-to-date on the storm’s progress and any additional dangers it may bring to your area.
Head to a safe part of your home. Stay away from windows in case of flying glass.
Keep your refrigerator cold. Turn your refrigerator to the coldest setting so that your food will last longer if the power goes out.
Keep your family in the loop. Once you are in a safe place, try reaching out to friends and loved ones to let everyone know you are okay. Nothing is more reassuring than knowing someone is safe.
To view current conditions: www.hurricanes.gov
Here’s how you can keep your family safe and healthy before, during and after a storm.
How to prepare before the storm
Once you find out the storm is heading your way, go ahead and prepare. Here’s a storm-ready checklist:
1. Know your evacuation routes. Be sure to have discussed or have a written evacuation plan. The National Weather Service recommends you have a plan of action mapped out in case you are pressed for time.
2. Create a home safety kit. The Department of Homeland Security recommends you have:
Enough water for each person to have a gallon a day
Three-day supply of non-perishable food
Battery-powered radio with extra batteries
Flashlight
Whistle
First Aid Kit
Garbage bags
Towelettes
Phone chargers
Duct tape
Wrench or pliers
Local map
Manual can opener
Be sure that your safety kit is in an easy-to-locate area such as a kitchen counter or coffee table.
3. Set up a safety room. Stock one room in your home with fresh water, non-perishable foods, flashlights, blankets, towels, trash bags, gloves, cleaning masks, your pet’s food and any other necessities. With everything in one place, finding what you need during the storm or cleaning up after the fact will be much easier.
4. Be aware of your location. The National Weather Service recommends that you “know your zone.” If you live near a hazardous structure or area like a dam or by the ocean, listen to safety instructions from your local news and community.
5. Prepare your medications. If you take medications, make sure you know how to store them in case the power goes out for a few days. Common medications and treatments like amoxicillin and insulin can be put in sandwich bags and placed in a cooler on ice so they remain cold, without getting wet.
If you evacuate, take all medications with you. Remember that some medications are temperature-sensitive and lose potency if not refrigerated. If your medication does touch the water, temperature-sensitive or not, you’ll want to replace that medication when you can, and don’t take any pills that have become wet.
6. Take out cash and fill up your gas tank. The NWS recommends that you keep hard cash on you at all times and a full tank of gas if asked to evacuate. Your safety is important and you may not be able to grab gas during a state of emergency, let alone use a credit card when the power goes out.
Keep your pets safe, too
Your pets need your help and protection during storms. Here are some tips to keep your furry companion safe:
Make sure your pet has identification. Be sure your pet has some sort of identification on them in case you get separated during the storm. They should have a collar or microchip with your family’s contact information on it.
Keep your pet near. If you evacuate and you have a pet, look for pet-friendly hotels or local animal shelters or safe kennels.
Stay safe during the storm
The rough winds, hard rain and flying debris can be frightening, but here’s what to do while you wait it out.
Stay alert. Use your emergency radio to stay up-to-date on the storm’s progress and any additional dangers it may bring to your area.
Head to a safe part of your home. Stay away from windows in case of flying glass.
Keep your refrigerator cold. Turn your refrigerator to the coldest setting so that your food will last longer if the power goes out.
Keep your family in the loop. Once you are in a safe place, try reaching out to friends and loved ones to let everyone know you are okay. Nothing is more reassuring than knowing someone is safe.
To view current conditions: www.hurricanes.gov
