Being prepared
Historically, 90 percent of all hurricane casualties have occurred from drowning and 10 percent from other causes. Therefore, it is imperative that all persons should evacuate cayes, beaches and other locations which may be swept by high tides or storm waves. Evacuate to a recommended place of refuge.
Remember that the highest tide occurs during the second half of the storm and that the rise of the water may take place very rapidly immediately following the eye of the storm or the time of the lowest barometric pressure. If your only passage to high ground is over a road subject to flooding, leave early. Do not run the risk of being marooned or having to evacuate at the height of the storm amid flying debris.
Hurricane Safety Rules:
- Stay tuned to radio and television stations for regular bulletins.
- Rely only on official bulletins; do not check these over the telephone.
- As long as your house is inland and well built-with strong foundations and a good roof, stay at home.
- Use storm shutters or board windows securely, Protect outward door.
- Stock up on food which has a long shelf life.
- Check that oil and butane stoves are in working order- replenish stock of kerosene, charcoal and butane.
- Sterilize baths; all containers and cooking utensils to store water. If in doubt, drink boiled or treated water only.
- Keep flashlights, candles and storm lanterns handy along with batteries and matches.
- Store all garden implements and furniture inside if possible.
- Lighten foliage of fruit trees near buildings. If very strong winds are likely, remove all coconuts.
- If you are evacuating, leave early so that you are not stranded by flooded roads, fallen trees, wires and traffic jams and make sure you have enough fuel in your vehicle and follow routes and highways.
- If there is a lull after the ‘eye’ of the storm has passed, stay in a safe place, except to make emergency repairs. The wind may return suddenly with even greater strength.
- Since 90 percent of hurricane casualties occur from drowning, you must evacuate islands and beaches and other vulnerable locations as early as possible.
- Those seeking shelter should shut off water, gas and electricity before leaving home.
Note: Pets are not allowed at shelters, you need to make your own arrangements for the safety of your pets.
Emergency Family Plan
Pet Protection
Pet owners are responsible for disaster planning for their pet. If you plan to evacuate, plan for your pet as well. Take your pet Survival Kit if you go to friends, relatives or a hotel. Shelters cannot accept pets. So if you plan to go to a public shelter, make the required provisions for your pet/s.
After the storm has passed, be careful in allowing your pet outdoors. Familiar scents and landmarks may be altered and your pet could easily be confused and become lost. Downed power lines, and animals and insects brought in with high water, could present real dangers to your pet. Take care not to allow your pet to consume food or water which may have become contaminated.
PET SURVIVAL KIT:
- Proper ID collar and rabies tag
- Carrier or cage
- Leash
- Food Supply
- Water/food bowl
- Medication, if necessary
- Specific care instructions
Assemble Disaster Kit
Pet owners are responsible for disaster planning for their pet. If you plan to evacuate, plan for your pet as well. Take your pet Survival Kit if you go to friends, relatives or a hotel. Shelters cannot accept pets. So if you plan to go to a public shelter, make the required provisions for your pet/s.
After the storm has passed, be careful in allowing your pet outdoors. Familiar scents and landmarks may be altered and your pet could easily be confused and become lost. Downed power lines, and animals and insects brought in with high water, could present real dangers to your pet. Take care not to allow your pet to consume food or water which may have become contaminated.
Include:
- A supply of water (one gallon per person per day).
- Store water in sealed, unbreakable container.
- Identify the storage date and replace every six months.
- A change of clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes.
- Blankets or sleeping bags.
- A first aid kit and prescription medication.
- A battery-powered radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries.
- Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members.
- Sanitary supplies i.e, toilet paper; feminine supplies and soap.
- Personal identification documents such as passports, birth certificates, residency cards etc.
