Your Hurricane Prep Guide

As August rolls forward, it’s the time of year when the tomatoes turn red, the Atlantic’s waves get bigger, and tropical storms and hurricanes begin to form in earnest. With a now major hurricane Irene threatening the east coast, many officials and major news outlets are preaching preparedness in the event of a major strike.

Given the coastal nature of most Rhode Island towns, it’s always better safe than sorry and good to have your wits about you for preparedness sake. And as Irene makes her way up the east coast, before it’s too late, take a few tips to help get you and your family ready for hurricane season.

The Federal Government’s emergency preparedness internet resource ready.gov outlines a three-step process for hurricane preparedness: Build a kit, Make a plan, Be informed. They even have a resource to help children prepare. 

1. Build a kit.  Having a portable kit ready to go, or for to use inside the home could prove an invaluable asset in an emergency. Does it sound like too much? Consider this: if you ever need it, it’s too late. Ready.gov recommends your kit have the following items.
   1. Water. A minimum of one gallon of water per person per day, for at least three days. More water is NEVER a bad idea. Also consider including a water filtration kit, such as one used for camping, or those specifically designed for emergencies. Pay attention to what a filter actually filters. The best filter bacterial AND viral pathogens, as well as sediments and heavy metals. Keep in mind you’ll want to use at least a little water to clean, too.
   2. Food. You’ll need enough non-perishables for a balanced meal to last each member of your household for at least three days.
   3. NOAA Weather and AM/FM Radios (or one combo), batteries included. You’ll want the NOAA radio for government weather and emergency updates, and the AM/FM too.
   4. Flashlights with extra batteries. Candles are never a bad idea too.
   5. First Aid Kit. Sorry to say, the simple band-aids and peroxide won’t work here. Beef it up, and consider items like a splint, abdominal pads, large gauze pads, etc.
   6. Whistle to signal for help.
   7. Dust masks. The link provides details on air filtration, but the main point is different situation, different filter. Go for one rated to filter particles, such as an N95.
   8. Moist towelettes and garbage bags.
   9. Wrench/pliers. In case you need to turn off utilities, or gas.
   10. Can opener.
   11. Maps
   12. Cellphone with a charger. Consider spare batteries.

This link also lists additional items to consider putting in a kit, such as important documents, prescription medicine, matches, spare cash, etc.

The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency’s website is a little bit more thorough than ready.gov, and makes locally tailored suggestions. It also lists additional items you might want to consider putting in your kit, such as specific items for a first aid kit and types of food to pack.

2. Make a Plan. Identify an out of town contact to call and pass information through, and make sure everybody knows the number and has a way to call it. If infrastructure is destroyed, it might be difficult to place a local phone call, and easier to call longer distance. In case of an emergency, make a plan to stay or to go, depending on the situation.

3. Be informed. Know what type of disaster can affect you, and know what specific hazards exist in your neighborhood. If you’re in a low-lying coastal area, storm surge, flooding, and high waves could be a hazard. In an emergency, make an effort to stay informed. Know evacuation routes, emergency plans, the locations of shelters, and details of the storm and its progression.

RIEMA has published a guidebook entitled “Get Ready Rhode Island”to help citizens of our state prepare for a hurricane. It includes information on different types of alerts, how to prepare your home, various resources, and examples of what to do in different scenarios. NOAA also has a guide on its webpage. 

Keep in mind that there’s always a rush for supplies right before a storm hits. Don’t wait to get your supplies until then. Store some cash to have on hand in case banks and ATMs are unavailable. Store some extra food somewhere. Designate two rendezvous points for family to rally at if you get separated, one in the neighborhood, and one out of state. Have pre-cut plywood at your house ready to go, buy bottled water and food ahead of time, have any hazardous trees pruned, and know the strong areas of your house. It seems like a lot to take it, but better to take it in now and prepared than stare possibility in the face as it cyclones northward.