Emergency Preparedness

Hurricane season is here. The newscasters keep reminding us, the internet blasts out headlines every time we open the web and newspapers print articles on what to gather in case of emergency. A couple of weeks ago, our local department of transportation initiated traffic snarls in an effort to practice reversing traffic direction on the interstate in case of an emergency requiring evacuation. I have decided that if that happens around here I will just put on my running shoes and travel on top of the cars that will surely be bumper to bumper on every available exit route. In the meantime, we should all heed the warnings and get our stuff ready to evacuate or sit tight and endure the aftermath of high winds and pounding rains. Andrew, Katrina and lesser storms should have jolted us all out of any complacency we might have felt about these powerful forces of nature.

The American Red Cross has a very good website at redcross.com/services that lists the various supplies that should be gathered for evacuation and disaster.

For evacuation they suggest:
Medicines and medical supplies
Bedding and clothing to include sleeping bags and pillows
Bottles water
Battery Operated Radio and extra batteries
First Aide kit
Flashlight
Car keys and maps
Documents including driver’s license, social security card, proof of residence, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates and tax records.

If you are driving, we also suggest a car emergency kit that includes emergency tire propellant and flares with the usual equipment to change tires and perform minor repairs. It is also a good idea to include rain gear in the clothing that you take along and some insect repellent.

When I read this list I had two thoughts. The first was “Can everyone put their hand on the documents suggested?” The second was, “When you put all this stuff in the car or other transport, will there be room for the folks you are trying to evacuate?” The answer to those questions are “probably not” and “there is room if you organize.”

The first step to getting ready is to gather all the important documents into one place. We suggest a watertight portable safe. If that is not a plausible solution, place the documents in leak proof plastic bags and put them in a sealed plastic container or tote box. A small tool box or cooler chest may serve the purpose. If there are just a few documents to transport, a document portfolio will work.

The second step is to organize the other supplies so that they can be easily carried. You could of course pack a suitcase, back pack or duffle bag for each family member and put it away until emergency travel was imminent. A more practical solution is to store the necessary supplies in the giant zipped seal bag available at discount stores and super markets. When time comes to take a trip just grab the bag for each family member. It has the added benefit of protecting the items from dampness. Bulky items like linens and sleeping gear can be stored in the plastic pouches that allow you to expel the air and compress the contents. That will save a lot of packing space. Also remember to place medicines and medical supplies in protective bags to prevent spillage and wetness.

Packing flashlights, radio, batteries and water in a small insulated cooler will allow you to keep cold and hot items that may be available at the evacuation sites. Taking these steps now will help you to be prepared if evacuation becomes necessary.

Next time we will explore how to organize materials and supplies for waiting out the hurricane at home. Stay safe and get organized so you will have worked out all the bugs just in case you have to bug out.

Beverly and Kristen
www.KeyTransitions.net