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Preparing for a Hurricane
(From "Disaster Supplies and Preparedness",
Volusia County Citizens Information Center)
Some things you can do now –
To be able to help yourself and your neighbors
- Enroll in training and become a member of a Citizen Corps
emergency response program, such as the Community Emergency Response Team
(CERT).
- Make a plan to check on a neighbor who might need help in
an emergency.
- Take a first aid/CPR class.
To prepare for a disaster
- Know where County shelters are (as a last resort) and
Votran telephone numbers in case you need public transportation.
- Establish a contact person out of the affected area to call
in case of emergency.
- Go on a hunt with your family to find a pay phone near your
home.
- Gather disaster supplies (see below).
- Write a personal checklist of what to do when a hurricane
is imminent.
For your family
- Make a family plan and practice hurricane, tornado, and
fire drills at home.
- Arrange for a relative, friend, or neighbor to help your
children if you are at work.
- Find out about your workplace and child’s day care disaster
plan.
For your home
- Review your homeowner’s insurance policy for adequate
coverage (such as flood and wind storm damage), actual cash value and
replacement cost and waiting period for any new coverage to take effect.
- Take pictures/video inside and outside of your home for
insurance purposes. Store the pictures/video and important papers in a
container in a safe place.
- Check your home for hazards.
- Install and/or test your smoke detectors.
- Brace shelves and cabinets.
- Tie water heater to wall studs using plumber’s tape.
- Purchase an emergency escape ladder for second story
bedrooms.
- Take your family on a field trip to the gas and/or water
meter shut offs, and attach a wrench near them.
For evacuation
- Prepare a "go-pack" in case of an evacuation. Place
important papers, change of clothes, coins for pay phone, contact information,
medications, etc. in a back pack or similar container.
- Have maps outlined for primary and alternate routes to
travel during an evacuation
- Notify friends, family or caregivers when you are leaving
and where you will be.
For your pets
- Make a plan for your pet(s). Board them with
family, friends, or a kennel if they cannot evacuate with you.
- Make sure that your pet has current rabies
tag, license, identification tag, vaccination information and medications.
- Take your pet’s carrier, collar and leash,
food and water bowls, bedding and play toys.
Disaster Supplies
Disasters can happen. It's
not if, but when. Be prepared!
At a minimum, have a 3-7 supply of water, non-perishable food,
medication, and other necessary items per person and per pet. To calculate the
amount of water and food, remember:
- 1-2 gallons of potable water per day per
person
- Store water for non-potable uses in clean tubs
or other suitable containers
- 3 meals per day per person
- ½ - 1 gallon of water per day, per pet
Below are suggested food items. Selections should be based on family needs
and preferences. When possible, choose low-salt, water-packed varieties.
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Food Items |
| Canned vegetables |
Infant food and
formula |
Granola bars |
| Canned fruits |
Cereal |
Graham crackers |
| Canned meats |
Peanut butter,
jelly |
Sugar |
| Canned soups |
Bread |
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| Bottled, canned, or
powdered drinks |
Crackers, cookies |
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Personal Items |
| Medications |
Children’s vitamins |
Diapers |
| Extra baby bottles |
Wet wipes |
Sanitary napkins |
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Toothbrush/toothpaste |
Denture care |
Soap |
| Razor |
Shaving cream |
Comb |
| Sewing kit |
Assorted safety
pins |
Extra hearing aid
batteries |
| Liquid hand soap |
Toilet paper |
Paper towels |
| Changes of clothing |
Extra eyeglasses |
Saline solution and
contact lens case |
| Cash: bills, change |
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First Aid Supplies |
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Aspirin/acetaminophen |
Anti-diarrhea
medicine |
Ipecac syrup and
activated charcoal (for accidental poisoning) |
| Thermometer |
Rubbing alcohol |
Peroxide |
| Ointment for
cuts/insect bites |
Compresses |
Rolls of
gauze/bandages |
| Scissors |
Tweezers |
Two pairs of latex
gloves |
| Water purification
tablets |
Insect repellant |
Sun screen |
| Cotton balls |
Q-tips |
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Other Necessary Items |
| Waterproof,
portable plastic container (with lid) for important papers |
Camera with
batteries and film or video tape |
Portable AM/FM
radio with batteries |
| NOAA weather radio
with an alarm feature and batteries |
Flashlight with
batteries |
Battery-powered
lighting and extra batteries |
| Manual can opener |
Disposable
dishwater/utensils |
Napkins or paper
towels |
| Large plastic food
bags |
Plastic wrap |
Aluminum foil |
| Ice Chest |
Non-electric clock |
Chlorinated bleach |
| Utility knife |
Plastic sheeting |
Heavy work gloves |
| Masking tape, Duct
tape |
Pliers |
Hammer |
| Screwdriver |
Vise grips |
Nails |
| Screws |
Plywood |
Bungee cords |
| Dust masks |
Plastic safety
goggles |
Crowbar |
| All purpose
cleaner/disinfectant |
Bucket |
Mop |
| Broom |
Whistle |
ABC fire
extinguisher |
| Fix-a-Flat for
punctured tires |
Sleeping bags or
blankets |
Light-weight
portable folding cots |
| Pillows |
Towels |
Wash cloths |
| Time occupiers such
as books, magazines, games, cards |
Map or atlas |
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