... - Weather - Hurricane - Hurricane information

Thursday, Jun. 11, 2009

Your 'before the storm' checklist

Here is a checklist of items you should have done before a storm threatens South Mississippi:

Gather documents and cash

Store important documents such as insurance policies, deeds, property records and birth certificates in a bank safe-deposit box.

Store copies in your disaster-supplies kit.

Keep a stash of cash or traveler’s checks at home where you can quickly get them in case of evacuation. Make a family emergency plan

Identify a safe place in each room of your home and practice rapidly getting there. Best locations include under a sturdy desk or table, or beside a sturdy, large piece of furniture such as a sofa or bed. Avoid doorways; doors could bang open and shut during an earthquake or storm.

Practice home-evacuation drills. Choose someplace nearby for your family to meet. Expect a lack of transportation.

Educate your children. Get a copy of your school district’s disaster policy regarding transportation and the release of students. Keep photos of family members in your wallet in case someone is missing.

Take a first-aid course. Learn CPR.

Know where the nearest police and fire stations are. Know the route to the nearest hospital emergency room. Keep critical phone numbers and your insurance-policy numbers by your phone and in your wallet.

Enter your “ICE” — In Case of Emergency — numbers on your cell phone so emergency workers will know whom to contact if you’re hurt. For example, enter “ICE husband John” and the phone number.

Find out whether any neighbors have medical or other expertise.

Plan to unite if your neighborhood becomes isolated. Help elderly, disabled or single-parent neighbors create an emergency plan. Get contact information for their relatives.

Fill in the spaces below and keep this page in a handy place. FAMILY

Emergency meeting place:

Out-of-state contact, phone number:

Insurance company and phone numbers:

Insurance policy numbers:

Driver’s license numbers:

NEIGHBORHOOD

Neighbors’ names, phone numbers: UTILITIES

Electricity:

Water:

Natural gas:

Phone:

CAR CHECKLIST

Fill the gas tank. Check oil, water levels. Store in a garage or carport.

If you must leave your car outdoors, park next to a building, away from trees or poles that may topple onto it.

Stay out of your car during a hurricane.

Make sure your car has an emergency first-aid kit and tool kit.