American
Red Cross Hurricane Preparedness Tips
Charlottesville,
VA — The American Red Cross Central
Virginia Chapter recommends that each person, family
and business prepare NOW in the event
that a hurricane should affect the central Virginia
area.
The
Red Cross recommends to Build a Kit
and Make a Plan
Build
a Kit
What you
have on hand when a disaster happens can make a big
difference. Plan to store enough supplies for everyone
in your household for at least three days.
-
Water. At least one gallon of water per person,
per day.
-
Food. Pack non-perishable, high-protein items, including
energy bars, ready-to-eat soup, peanut butter, etc.
Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation
or cooking and little or no water. Don’t forget
a manual can opener!
-
Flashlight. Include extra batteries.
-
First aid kit.
-
Medications. Don’t forget prescription and
non-prescription drugs.
-
Battery-powered radio. Include extra batteries.
-
Tools. Examples include a screwdriver, wrench, hammer,
pliers, a knife, duct tape, plastic sheeting, and
garbage bags.
-
Clothing. Provide a change of cloths for everyone,
including sturdy shoes and gloves.
-
Personal items. Remember eyeglasses or contact lenses
and solution, and copies of important papers.
-
Sanitary supplies. Toilet paper, towelettes, feminine
supplies, personal hygiene items, bleach, etc.
-
Money. If possible, have cash. ATMs and credit cards
might not work.
-
Contact Information. Current list of family phone
numbers, to include someone outside of the affected
area.
-
Pet supplies. Include food, water, medications and
a leash.
-
Map. Consider marking an evacuation route on it
from your area.
Important:
Include any necessary items for infants, seniors and
people with disabilities in your kit. Store your disaster
supplies in a sturdy, but easy-to-carry container.
A large covered trash container, overnight backpack
or duffel bag will work. Keep a smaller version of
the kit in your vehicle in case you become stranded
or are not able to return home.
Make
a Plan
Planning
is the first step to a calmer and more assured disaster
response.
-
Talk with your family about your disaster plans.
-
Pick two places to meet after a disaster:
-
outside your home in case of a sudden emergency,
or
-
outside your neighborhood in case you can't
return home or if you are asked to evacuate.
-
Ask an out-of-state friend or family member to be
your "family contact." After a disaster,
it's often easier to call long distance. Other family
members should call this person and tell them where
they are. Everyone must know your contact's phone
number.
-
Identify ahead of time where you could go if you
are told to evacuate. Choose several places--a friend's
home in another town, a motel, or a shelter.
- Keep
handy the telephone numbers of these places as well
as a road map of your area. You may need to take
alternative or unfamiliar routes if major roads
are closed or clogged.
-
Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV
stations for evacuation instructions. If advised
to evacuate, do so immediately.
-
Take these items with you when evacuating:
- Prescription
medications and medical supplies,
-
Bedding and clothing, including sleeping bags
and pillows,
-
Bottled water, battery-operated radio and extra
batteries, first aid kit, flashlight,
- Car
keys and maps,
- Important
documents like driver’s license, insurance
policies, family contact information, etc.
For
more information go to: American
Red Cross |
