Hurricanes and Floods – A Disaster Readiness Guide (Modified from the American Academy of Pediatrics)

This year has been a particularly bad year for hurricanes. We are still recovering from Harvey and are now about to be hit by Hurricane Irma. Natural disasters are frightening and overwhelming for everyone, but having an action plan can make a critical difference in outcome.

First, every family should have identification cards for each child in case you are separated. This card should include serious allergies, medications and medical conditions.

If you live in a house, make sure of the following:

1. Remove valuable items from the lower floors and move them to upper floors

2. Turn off the main utility panel

3. Close the main gas valve

4. Be prepared to evacuate quickly (have a small ready bag available)

5. Fill car with supplies, gas, and fresh water (if you can drive)

6. Never walk through floor waters that are deeper than knee height

7. Have an evacuation route planned

8. Make sure you know where to leave your pets

9. Have a plan with each family member where to meet if you get separated and who to contact

10. Bring in outdoor objects especially since objects can become airborne in strong winds

11. If you are home, make sure you have drinking water stored in clean bathtubs, bottles and cookpots

12. Turn freezer and refrigerator to the highest settings and open only quickly and briefly

Items to have put aside:

1. Food items to have available – peanut butter and jelly (if no peanut allergies), canned foods (meat, vegetables, fruit) 10 cans per person, crackers in a water proof bag, powdered drinks, cereal bars, 3 gallons of water per person

2. Papers and pencils

3. Duct tape

4. Plastic garbage bags

5. Non-electric can opener and swiss army knife with scissors

6. Flash light with extra batteries

7. Blankets or sleeping bags

8. Rain gear and water proof clothing

9. Sturdy shoes for each family member that are water proof

10. Bar soap and toiletries

11. Essential medications and a first aid kit

12. Chargers, charged phone that is left turned off

13. Battery packs

14. Insect repellant and sunscreen

For small children it is always a good idea to have a favorite book, board game, deck of cards, a favorite blanket or small stuffed animal, a picture of family and pets.

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