Homeowner Emergencies – Extreme Weather Guide

Supplies for a natural disaster are critical to keeping you and your family safe and able to ride out extreme weather. If you get a warning of extreme weather coming your way and can’t leave the area, make sure you have the following supplies on hand.

  • First aid kit
  • Bottled drinking water
  • Non-perishable foods
  • Emergency contact list
  • Spare eye-glasses or contact lenses
  • Gasoline (stored safely in a garage or shed)
  • Batteries (AA, C, D and 9V)
  • Battery-powered radio
  • Blankets
  • Cash, credit cards
  • Charged cell phone, charger and extra cell phone battery
  • Flashlights
  • Manual can opener
  • Masking/duct tape
  • Matches
  • Necessary medication
  • Signal flares
  • Utility knife
  • Driver's license, keys, insurance papers and other important documents (keep them in a water-tight, fire-safe compartment)
  • Soap, shampoo and toiletries
  • Towels
  • Pet supplies (food, water, leash, kennel, records)
  • Electric fan

How to Keep Safe in a Hurricane

  • Develop a plan that best ensures the safety and survival of all family members. This should include a list of evacuation routes and shelters. Some shelters won't accept pets, so make sure a plan is in place for your family's animals.
  • Gather an appropriate supply of food and supplies for your family members if you decide not to or cannot evacuate. Don't forget your pets.
  • Teach family members how to turn off the gas, water and electricity supply to your home, in case of an emergency.
  • Secure important documents (insurance policies, birth certificates, etc.) in a safe and readily accessible place.
As a hurricane approaches or a hurricane watch is issued:
  • Make sure your vehicle is fully fueled.
  • Prepare to cover doors and windows with protective material such as heavy plastic or plywood panels.
When a hurricane warning is issued:
  • Consider evacuating. If officials order an evacuation, do so as soon as possible.
  • Take the contents of your supply kits with you when evacuating.
  • If you decide to remain in your home during the storm, gather the family in a safe place - protected from flying debris - such as a basement, interior room or hallway without windows. This location should be part of your overall plan.
  • Monitor storm conditions on a battery-powered radio.
  • Do not open widows or go outside to check on the storm.

How to Keep Safe in a Heat Wave

  • Avoid strenuous physical activity. If you must exert yourself, do it in the coolest part of the day, usually between 4 and 7 a.m.
  • Stay indoors as much as possible. According to the American Red Cross, direct sunlight can make it feel as much as 15 degrees warmer. If you don′t have air-conditioning, stay on the lowest floor of your home, out of the sunlight. Basements are often the coolest room in the house and a great place to beat the heat.
  • Wear appropriate clothing. Because light colors reflect some sunlight, lightweight, light-colored clothing will keep you the coolest.
  • If your air-conditioner fails or you do not have one, find a backup location such as a movie theater, mall or library with air conditioning and plan to go there during heat waves. Try to spend at least two hours a day in a cool place.
  • Drink plenty of fluids. The human body needs water to stay cool. Even if you don′t feel thirsty, keep hydrated by drinking lots of nonalcoholic liquids. Water is best for rehydration.

For more disaster preparedness tips for floods, earthquakes and more, visit Ace′s online Disaster Preparedness Guide.

 

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