The 2014 Hurricane Season begins in less than a week; therefore, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials encourage Caribbean residents to get ready and better prepared for this type of event by reviewing their family or business emergency plans.
“Getting prepared now before a hurricane hits ensures that your family and community stand in a stronger and more resilient position for this type of event,” said FEMA’s Caribbean Area Division Director Alejandro De La Campa. “Learn your community risks to reduce your vulnerability and understand the actions you should take immediately to lessen the disruption a hurricane may cause that may be avoided. If you do not have an emergency plan, take the time to develop one, right away.”
FEMA recommends taking the following steps to prepare for the upcoming Hurricane Season:
Develop a family disaster plan and know how to stay safe during a hurricane.
• Discuss with your family what everyone should do prior to a hurricane and where you might go in an evacuation – to a shelter, hotel or stay with relatives or friends.
• Don’t forget your pets. Some shelters will not allow them, so plan in advance what to do with them.
• Know and review your evacuation routes.
• Learn the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood-prone
• Develop a family communication plan. Identify a friend or relative in another municipality to serve as a point of contact in case family members are separated.
• Make necessary preparations for family members with special needs.
Put together a disaster kit and store in a portable container in case of evacuation. The kit should include:
• At least a three-day supply of food and one gallon of water for each family member
• A manual can opener
• Battery-powered radio and flashlights with extra batteries
• First Aid kit with family members’ medications
• Hygiene and personal care items
• Emergency contact list and phone numbers
• Pet supplies
• Copies of important documents including insurance policies and bank account information
• Emergency cash or credit card in the case of an evacuation with short notice
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers or inverter
Protect your home and property:
• Purchase flood insurance for both your home and its contents. Review your insurance coverage with your insurance agent, and update your coverage amounts. Although flood insurance may be purchased throughout the year, remember there is a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins.
• Installing hurricane straps and shutters are generally cost-effective measures. Consult a building contractor, home improvement store or FEMA’s Web site (www.fema.gov) for specifics.
• Elevate utilities or appliances.
• Reinforce the roof, windows and garage against strong winds, since it could lessen overall damage during a hurricane.
Early preparation has a critical role while responding to a hurricane threat or any other kind of risk. Having emergency plans in place now and ensuring family and friends have their plans ready will help many survivors recover from a hurricane or other disaster more quickly.
To learn more about emergency preparedness or for additional information, visit www.ready.gov or www.fema.gov. Also, follow FEMA on the Internet at: http://blog.fema.gov or www.twitter.com/fema or www.facebook.com/fema or www.youtube.com/fema Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities on www.twitter.com/craigatfema.