Storms

  

 HOMEFRONT HUGS HURRICANE AND STORM PREPARATION GUIDE

 FOR MILITARY FAMILIES AND ALL

 

1.  PREPARE PREPARE PREPARE…do not delay !!

 2.   GET TOGETHER  3 DISASTER KITS:

           a. 1st KIT include all your vital documents to include insurance papers, marriage and birth certificates, will, transcripts, passports, licenses, diplomas, health insurance cards for everyone, copies of all as you do not want to hand anyone originals if needed AND photos of your personal belongings and car. This should be kept with your laptops and electronics with chargers in a waterproof case or tote labeled “Vital Documents/Electronics” and don’t forget your cameras !


          b.  2nd KIT – YOUR  FIRST AID KIT make this one your First Aid supplies and all medications for your and pets and vitamins, labeled well in case you have to leave pets or anyone in care of a friend or Samaritan for a moment. Make sure your 1st aid kit has the following:

  • Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
  • 2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
  • 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
  • Hypoallergenic adhesive tape
  • Triangular bandages (3)
  • 2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
  • 3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
  • Scissors/Tweezers/Gloves
  • Needle
  • Moistened towelettes 
  • Antiseptic
  • Thermometer
  • Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
  • Assorted sizes of safety pins
  • Cleansing agent/soap
  • Sunscreen

Non-prescription drugs for your 1st Aid Kit:

  • Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever
  • Anti-diarrhea medication
  • Antacid (for stomach upset)
  • Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center)
  • Laxative
  • Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)
  • Include a list of every family member’s meds and allergies in case of emergency


           c.  3rd KIT make this kit the one in the largest rubber tote with water, canned goods, snacks, extra treats/rewards for good behavior in kids, travel games, flashlights crankable or with batteries in bag, peanut butter or nutella is a great choice with crackers,juice, canned fruit, garbage bags, protein bars, dried fruit, can opener, beef jerky, Slim Jims, Twizzlers/Gum or whatever you like, crystal light or Gatorade packs to add to water, napkins, paper plates, toilet paper, battery operated radio. Remember, if troops come by with supplies, you will be given water and MRE’s (not so tasty) so bring things to put in the water once yours runs out…

 3.    GET GAS for the car or truck NOW whether you plan to evacuate or not as gas lines will be impossible later. If you are not leaving , get some extra gas canisters and fill up as it may run out with panic and storms.  Keep these canisters OUTSIDE of your home in garage but with ventilation. SAFETY FIRST. 

4.    Stock up on supplies and water now before shelves are bare and public rushes to do it all at the last minute. You can be home relaxing with the family, keeping everyone calm as others panic.

 5.   Make sure you have a reservation for your kennel or a crate to keep your pets secure and feeling safe as they will get hyper and nervous as storms approach. Whether they are in their crates or at the kennel give them some soft blanket or bedding with YOUR scent to feel at ease and their favorite toys labeled. Make sure you have your vets number and your pet health records with you or you may not be able to use a shelter that allows pets if they are not current with shots with proof. MAKE COPIES. ALSO, this is a good time to MICROCHIP your pet so if he or she gets lost, your best friend is returned to YOU !

 6.  Have a PLAN OF ACTION and a contact whom everyone can call OUT OF STATE and OUT OF STORMS way during and after storm is over, and assessment of damages begin, as your electricity may be out, your cell phone may not work locally at all due to local tower damage, and roads may be blocked. Have a plan as to where you will evacuate if worse comes to worse and let your contact/family member know. The worst is not knowing after a storm if everyone is okay. Write your plan down. Make sure everyone in the family is on board.

 7.   Have laminated ID cards of your kids if you have time with their height, weight, photo and address, meds, allergies, and health insurance info and YOUR cell phone number in case for some reason you get separated. You keep one and the other stays in your child’s backpack or pocket at all times. Include any additional info if your child is special needs. This is a good thing to have all the time and update once a year. Make your own and laminate can be found at any pharmacy for small photos which is all you need… you will have photo on one side and info on other you print out small from your computer. If they are missing, you can hand this to police immediately with NO lag time !

 8.  Make sure the kids prepare too and are involved due to fear. Have them help you and pack their own favorite items in their backpacks and pillows.  Have them pack their toiletries too in plastic baggies and anything they need for personal care in their own backpacks no matter how young. Let them have responsibility. Have them reassure their dolls and pets as this works BOTH ways (hint)!

 9.  Kids need to feel involved and they can even learn to track the storm or hurricane so they can feel like young meteorologists !J Let them know that our troops, especially the National Guard and our Coast Guard are already getting everything stocked and ready to help as soon as the storms leave and it is safe to go out.  They are heroes and that is why it is so important to be grateful for our troops and all they do. They protect us and keep us safe !

10.  Music is vital so allow kids to listen to theirs and purchase a small charger to keep their Ipods and other Mp3 players charged from the car in case nothing else works !  Allow the kids more flexibility and more room to act out a bit understanding they are stressed too and talk about it. Realize they are trying to understand and yet feel helpless in many ways too. Give them responsibilities and praise as they help and remind them you can get through anything together !!   Bring books too to read to your kids no matter how old and travel games they love. You may be at home with no TV  or computer for a long time.

11.   For kids, pack their raincoats and boots for splashing around afterwards if it is safe  as there may be flooding and lots of frogs and animals they usually may not see coming out of the storm’s path…and a wonderful science adventure !

12.    Go over safety rules with children before, during and after storm no matter how young or old. Do not assume kids understand what a downed power line is, or how dangerous it can be to “ EXPLORE” after a storm until you have designated everything safe.

13.   Know how to shut your electricity off as it can spark a fire with natural gas leaks after a storm but contact your electric company for instructions if unsure for safety.  SAFETY FIRST.

14.  Fill up your tubs and extra containers with water in case your water has to be shut off for any reason due to the storm damage. Label water for bathing/cleaning and water for drinking. You may also want to get some Woolite to clean clothes by hand if you are without electricity for a while.

15.  If you have to evacuate, unplug all appliances and cover any and all items  with large trash bags and plastic (shower curtains work well) that you do not want getting wet in case of flooding inside. Purchase several large rubber totes to place paintings or valuables in to avoid water damage.

16.  Insurance fact: One fact about groceries in fridge or freezer, most renter and house insurances cover your lost groceries UP to $500 so do not worry about trying to save everything when you have so much to do.

17.   A grill is a plus when  dealing with storms to cook food you may have placed in a cooler and that may go bad if not eaten….it’s also great to have if electricity stays off for a while !

18.   If you have extra time, trim trees and branches that may fall on property or cause damage during a storm. Remove all loose items from porches and patios  to prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles !!

19.   GET CASH> PREPARE for ATMS to be closed or unavailable including any check cashing    places, so store some cash away, or even exchange them for travelers cheques if you feel more comfortable, so you can buy items needed after storm when things open !

20.   GET A TRACKING MAP FOR THE FAMILY to follow along the path of the storm which is not only informational, but eases stress and fears as you know what is going on at all times.

21.    REACH out to Elderly, Disabled, Military families alone, who may need help getting supplies together and preparing for the impending storm. Be a good neighbor and compassionate.  Help them get to shelters if it seems it would be easier for them.

22.   Know the evacuation routes if you do leave and do not try to take your own path due to danger, no matter how jammed roads are. AND DO NOT LEAVE too late as you may end up out of gas, stuck on evacuation routes, during the storms which is the worst feeling ! SAFETY FIRST.

23.   PLEASE remember not to clog emergency lines up, 911, unless it is life threatening as the first 48 hours are just as dangerous for 1st responders who have families too…to come and help you for little things ! The first 48 hours you may be on your own and you need to prepare and realize this as a fact. PREPARE please !


Share this plan with everyone you know so everyone has a chance to prepare please !

Homefront Hugs wants to send a huge hug out to all our 1st responders and troops who

are always there when the worst happens to help us stay safe and secure ! Their families are always

last on their list while they take care of the rest of us . Remember to say thanks. Be patient. Avoid Panic.

This all will happen if you are prepared . You will be able to think clearly through any new crisis if you have

taken care of your disaster preparedness kits and your family needs. You will be more likely

to make it through any emergency like a hurricane with shining colors.

Stay safe.

Sandy Kellermann

President of Homefront Hugs USA

Where No Hero is Forgotten