Laurel Springs at Kernan Lakes

It's Baa-ack ... Hurricane Preparedness Guidelines

Aug 23, 2003

No doubt you are all aware that hurricane season is upon us once again. But how prepared are you? As we enter the height of tropical storm and hurricane activity, now is the time to prepare for a possible hit, not when a storm is looming off Jacksonville?’s coastline.

Experts recommend that you be prepared to survive at least three days without modern conveniences (electricity, fresh water, grocery shopping, the ability to freely use roadways, and so on). Take a few moments today to review the following Red Cross suggestions to make sure you're ready to deal with Mother Nature when she is having a very bad day!

?• Prepare an Emergency Kit ?– Have fresh batteries on hand in multiple sizes (AA through D). Also be sure to have First Aid items (bandages, peroxide, medicines, etc.), matches, canned and packaged foods, toiletries, and a manual can opener. Have copies of your insurance and other important papers and, if possible, a recent video tape of your home and belongings. KEEP ALL OF THESE IN A WATERPROOF CONTAINER in a secure location in your home, and update them every six months.

?• Bottled Water ?— Here?’s a pop quiz ... what is the rule-of-thumb for the amount of bottled water you should have on hand for each person in your household? If you answered one gallon per person per day, give yourself a gold star, a smiley face, and a checkmark next to your name! Again, you need to plan for a minimum of three days.

?• Don?’t Forget About Your Pets ?— Our furry and feathered companions depend upon us just as much as our other loved ones in our households. Often times, local veterinarians and boarding facilities will not accept pets when a hurricane is imminent. Should you opt or be ordered to evacuate, you must have a copy of your pet?’s vaccination records to allow them to enter a shelter with you. Make sure you have these prepared in advance, and plan to take adequate food and water for them with you as well. A waterproof container is also recommended for housing these items.

?• Designate an Out-Of-Town Contact ?— One of the most frustrating situations can be that of losing contact with those who matter most to us. This can easily happen if your household evacuates in separate vehicles or if you have other family members in the Jacksonville area. Designate someone outside of Jacksonville that everyone can check in with to find out the status of family members.

For other helpful disaster preparedness ideas, contact the Jacksonville American Red Cross at 358-8091.