|
|
|
|
|
|
You Are Here: Home - Newsletters - "Get Organized" - Article
There are many wonderful things about living on the coast -- lots of entertainment, great seafood, and beautiful days on the beach. Unfortunately there is one season that coastal dwellers aren't happy to see -- HURRICANE season. Almost everyone that lives near the water lives with the threat of a hurricane and they can even affect people who live hours from the beach. The preparations for a hurricane, tornado, or a blizzard are so similar that knowing how to organize a simple disaster plan and emergency supply kit is important no matter where you live.
PROACTIVE PAYS OFF
Taking the time to establish a plan and put it in place for emergencies ahead of time can make all of the difference. Protecting your family and property as much as possible in ADVANCE reduces the stress in an emergency situation so you can keep a level head.
PLAN YOUR EVACUATION
Every community has a pre-planned evacuation ROUTE and it is important to contact the local American Red Cross chapter or emergency management agency to learn what route your particular neighborhood is expected to use. If you have somewhere to stay inland with a relative or friend, they should be located at least 20 MILES from the coast depending on the area. Make sure you have the phone number for them with your evacuation plan and detailed maps to get there in case some of the roads are closed. We usually put all of these together ahead of time and keep them in the supply kit in a sealed Ziploc bag. If you don't have someone to stay with then you need to find out where the closest SHELTERS are and be prepared to listen to the radio for the latest relocation options during evacuation.
MAKE PREPARATIONS TO YOUR PROPERTY
Broken windows in the home and flying debris outside the house cause some of the worst damage in a hurricane. In order to save precious time for evacuation, all of the windows should have pieces of outdoor PLYWOOD pre-cut for them with holes drilled in advance so they can be mounted to the home quickly. Taping the windows will not work with hurricane winds and flying debris. It also helps to MARK which piece goes where on the wood itself with paint or a permanent marker. Make plans to bring inside lawn furniture, tools, and toys. Examine how you will anchor large items such as a boat or trailer so they will not damage anything in the storm.
GATHER YOUR EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT
Use a sealed plastic container -- preferably clear plastic -- to store supplies that will be used strictly for the emergency. The container needs to be MOBILE for evacuations. Often we recommend using two smaller plastic containers with lids that can both fit in the trunk of the car together. The containers should definitely include:
EDUCATE FAMILY MEMBERS ON THE PLAN
Many times a disaster strikes when the family is separated with parents at work and children at school. Be sure that a MEETING plan is established in case of emergency so that everyone knows where to go. Also, local phone lines can become overloaded during emergencies so it is important to establish a long distance number to call if messages have to be RELAYED. You can teach your children that for any emergency, "If the phone won't call home, call Grandma's house and tell her where you are." Family members should also know how to turn off the water, gas, and electricity ahead of time. We enjoy taking them on a tour as often as they can stand it to remind them how to shut these off.
FIND OUT ABOUT YOUR LOCAL SERVICES
Learn which RADIO stations are local to your particular area to tune them in for specific information and write their dial number on the radio in your emergency kit. Contact your local HUMANE society to find out where pets can be taken in case of an evacuation because some emergency shelters don't have the space for them. If you haven't already, locate your closest police station, fire department, and hospital. We encourage people to MAP out these places physically with their children so that they can find them in an emergency. If these locations are close by, you can organize a family bike ride and take all of the children by to see them.
GIVING YOURSELF ENOUGH TIME
Keep in mind, a hurricane WATCH means that conditions are possible for a hurricane in the area, usually within the next 36 hours. A hurricane WARNING is used to indicate that hurricane conditions are expected in the next 24 hours. Unfortunately, 24 hours is not enough time to prepare for a natural disaster; the preparation should be done months in advance of hurricane season.
IN CONCLUSION
Taking the time to organize a plan and put it in place for emergencies well before a natural disaster can make all of the difference. It will not only PROTECT your family and property as much as possible, but you will also sleep easier knowing you are prepared for whatever comes.
Charles Haynie partners with Amy Flynn to create Finding Time PO in Tampa, FL. They help clients with business and residential organizing solutions wherever the clutter hurricane has come ashore. Want to receive these kind of articles via e-mail each month? Sign up for a free subscription. Click here to return to "Get Organized" -- April 2004... Add this page to your Bookmarks!
If you notice any problems with this site, please contact our webmaster. To see what people are saying about www.OnlineOrganizing.com, check out our visitor comments.
|
|
www.OnlineOrganizing.com is a service mark of Creative Solutions for Home and Office, LLC.
