| Introduction | | | | Depending on the types of threats you may face, |
| Part 1 of this article on preparing for weather | | | | you could need two sorts - one if you have to leave |
| emergencies discussed forming an emergency plan to | | | | and another if you are staying. |
| reduce the stress and worry of facing a full blown | | | | They should be designed to meet the particular |
| weather crisis. | | | | needs of you and your family in the sorts of |
| The focus was on safeguarding your family by | | | | emergency you are most likely to face. For more |
| planning well in advance of any threat. | | | | information, visit the FEMA website, and check out |
| This, the second half of the article, looks at two | | | | their excellent manual at |
| things. | | | | Here are a few suggestions. |
| Preparing your home to survive severe weather, and | | | | If you have to evacuate, your destination will |
| securing it in case you have to leave. | | | | probably provide food and shelter. Clothing and |
| Coping with evacuation or temporary isolation, and | | | | special needs - baby and infant needs, prescription |
| assembling one or more emergency kits. | | | | and basic medical supplies - are the most important. |
| Home Security | | | | Include extra warm clothes - heating may not be |
| Some forms of weather related emergency are | | | | efficient. Food treats and special toys will make |
| capable of destroying your home no matter what | | | | things easier for children. Some basic food and a |
| you do - floods, tornadoes and Category 5 hurricanes | | | | couple of gallons of bottled water are always worth |
| come to mind. | | | | including just in case. A "keep your hands off" supply |
| But long term preparation and a clear plan for when | | | | of emergency cash is also a great idea. |
| severe weather is approaching can do a lot to | | | | Alternatively, if you are likely to be isolated and |
| protect your home from damage or destruction. Or | | | | unable to leave your home for a while, assemble a kit |
| to protect you if you are inside. | | | | which will keep you supplied for at least three days. |
| So put together a plan about securing your home | | | | Assume you will have no power, heat, water or |
| and loading valuables and essential supplies into your | | | | waste disposal. |
| vehicle in case you have to leave quickly. | | | | The essentials are plenty of water - allow 1 gallon |
| Such tasks are made easier if you have been able to | | | | (4.5l) per person per day, of which half will be drinking |
| assemble suitable tools and equipment well before | | | | water. Commercial bottled water is a good choice. |
| the problems arise. | | | | Include non perishable food, preferably low salt, and |
| Long term plans could include adding roof ties or | | | | don't forget a manual can opener. You'll need a |
| even strapping down your house if strong winds are | | | | battery powered radio and a flashlight, both with |
| likely, or reinforcing an interior ground floor room to | | | | plenty of extra batteries, and a first aid kit. |
| provide refuge from destructive winds. | | | | A camp stove and gas bottles are a great addition, |
| Between a threat developing and dangerous weather | | | | and you'll need some cooking gear and some |
| arriving, there is usually some time to add protection | | | | matches in a water proof container. Make sure you |
| to your home. Boarding up windows if faced with | | | | have enough infant or special needs, plus any |
| strong winds, or cutting back flammable vegetation | | | | necessary medication. And warm clothes should be |
| and cleaning gutters if faced with a wildfire are | | | | included, plus strong shoes. |
| worthwhile tasks if you have the time. | | | | Now much of this gear will be in your house anyway, |
| And as a last minute job, store outdoor furniture | | | | but the point of this kit is that it can double for an |
| securely - apart from the probability of loss, a strong | | | | evacuation kit, and will be ideal if your destination is |
| wind can turn them into effective missiles that could | | | | somewhere other than relatives or an emergency |
| be directed at your home. | | | | shelter. |
| Finally, know how and where to turn off utilities - | | | | And Finally..... |
| water, gas, power - and make sure other family | | | | OK, you've given up some of your valuable time and |
| members know it too. | | | | made your plans for all likely eventualities. Chances |
| Emergency Kits | | | | are you'll never have to use them, but things happen, |
| An Emergency Kit is a pre-packed container which | | | | and the hundred year flood may turn up next year. |
| you can grab instantly if faced with a threatening | | | | You can now relax and know you've done your best |
| situation. It should hold everything you will need if | | | | to protect your family and your home. |
| you are cut off from utilities and supplies, and should | | | | One more thing. Include in your plans some time in a |
| be kept separate from products and tools which you | | | | year or so to review everything, to make sure |
| use everyday or for recreation. | | | | everyone understands the plan, and to go through |
| It is also worth considering permanent kits for your | | | | the emergency kits and replace anything that's |
| car and workplace, but let's focus on those kept at | | | | damaged or out of date. It won't take long, and you'll |
| home. | | | | be ready for anything. |