It's been a while since I had to deal with severe weather. I had to do a little reminder to make sure I wasn't forgetting anything. Sure enough my flashlight batteries were dead. Just one of the things that I really wouldn't have even thought about 2 days ago. There are so many things to remember I decided to put a little list together. While I'm sure we all know these things, we do tend to forget when it comes time to remember, so here you go! Also, don't forget to get the latest updates with our Operation Stormwatch page. Some reminders from me to you....
THINGS WE TEND TO FORGET
- For protection from high winds, stay away from windows and seek shelter on the lowest level in an interior room.
- Move to higher ground if there is flooding or a flood warning.
- Turn Around Don’t Drown.® Never walk or drive on flooded roads or through water.
- Never walk or drive on flooded roads or through floodwaters.
- Look out for downed or unstable trees, poles, and power lines. Do not remove heavy debris by yourself.
- Wear gloves and sturdy, thick-soled shoes to protect your hands and feet.
- Keep your cell phone charged
- Check the batteries in flashlights & have extra fresh batteries just in case.
- Never use a generator, gasoline powered equipment and tools, grill, camp stove, or charcoal burning device inside or in any partially enclosed area.
WHAT YOU NEED TO BE READY
- Plan for your entire household including children, people with disabilities and access and functional needs, and pets.
- Keep your gas tank at least half-full at all times. Maintain basic emergency supplies (e.g., snacks, bottled water, first aid kit, flashlight, flares, jumper cables and other tools, a wool blanket, and a change of clothes) in your vehicle.
- Pick an out-of-state contact everyone can call to check-in and report their status.
- Know where you will meet up if you are separated and where you will stay.
- Pack a “go bag” including items you need to take with you if you evacuate. A “go bag” should be easy to carry and kept in a place where you can grab it quickly.
- Keep important numbers written down in your wallet in case you cannot access the contact list in your phone. Landline and cellular phone systems are often overwhelmed following a disaster, so you may need to use text messages and social media.
- Stock food items that do not need refrigeration and will last.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
FEMA Mobile App: fema.gov/mobile-app
FEMA Against the Wind: Protecting Your Home From Hurricane and Wind Damage: fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/2988
FEMA Community Hurricane Preparedness Training: training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=is-324.a
American Red Cross Hurricane Preparedness: redcross.org/prepare/disaster/hurricane
FEMA Hurricane: ready.gov/hurricanes
FloodSmart Campaign: FloodSmart.gov
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): noaa.gov
FEMA’s helpline: 1-800-621-FEMA
TTY: 1-800-462-7585
VRS: 1-800-621-3362
Red Cross’s helpline: 1-800-733-2727