Residents in the path of the storms should check their disaster supplies and replace or restock as needed. Emergency preparedness kits should include enough supplies for at least seven days in case someone has to evacuate. Supplies should include: water (1 gallon, per person, per day), nonperishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit, a seven-day supply of medications, a multi-purpose tool, sanitation and personal hygiene items and copies of important personal documents. The Red Cross also recommends having at least two weeks’ worth of supplies at home.
You’ve packed your kit. What else should you do?
• Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio and monitor local media outlets for critical information about the storm
• Bring in anything that can be picked up by the wind
• Fill your vehicle’s gas tank and get some extra cash
• Close your windows, doors and hurricane shutters. If you don’t have shutters, close and board up all the windows with plywood
• Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting and keep them closed as much as possible
• If you have propane, turn off the tank
• Unplug small appliances
If you are ordered to evacuate, obey the order, avoiding flooded roads and washed out bridges.
For more information on what to do before, during and after a tropical storm or hurricane, go to: http://www.redcross.org/news/article/hi/honolulu/Hurricane-Preparedness.