Urgent: Hurricane Dorian Preparedness
At Robes Law Group we know you are closely watching the reports on Hurricane Dorian and the potential impact on our community. As you prepare, we encourage you to take the necessary steps to ensure your safety before, during and after the storm.
Current Status
As of the time of this publication The National Hurricane Center said Dorian “poses a significant threat to Florida and the Northwestern Bahamas,” and is now forecast to make landfall on late Monday or early Tuesday as a possible Category 4 storm. Winds could be 140 mph as it approaches the southeast coast of Florida. We highly advise that you monitor local news outlets for constant updates. Here are links to some local news websites: WPTV, WPLG, CBS12.
Preparation
During and after a hurricane, you may need supplies to keep your family safe and healthy. Remember that a hurricane could cut off your power and water supply. You also may not be able to drive because of damage to your car. Roads may be flooded or blocked.
That’s why it’s best to be prepared — stock up on everything you might need now. Consider to:
- Prepare an emergency water supply
- Prepare an emergency food and medicine supply
- Gather safety items
- Gather personal items
Prepare an emergency water supply
- Have at least 5 gallons of water per person (which should be enough to last 3 to 5 days)
- Gather clean containers for water.
- Get supplies to make your drinking water safe (like iodine tablets or chlorine bleach).
Prepare an emergency food and medicine supply
- Put together a 3 to 5 day supply of food that doesn’t go bad (like canned food)
- Make sure to have enough baby food or formula (if needed).
- Gather and refill any prescriptions.
Gather safety items, including:
- First aid kit and instructions
- Fire extinguisher
- Battery-powered radio
- Flashlights
- Extra batteries
- Sleeping bags or extra blankets
Gather personal care products, including:
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet cleaning cloths (like baby wipes) in case you don’t have clean water
- Soap
- Toothpaste
- Feminine Products
- Diapers
Get your family ready
- Go over your emergency plan with your family. Make sure you have the supplies you need.
- Keep checking for updates about the storm. Watch TV, listen to the radio, or check online.
- Listen for disaster sirens and warning signals.
- Pack important documents (like wills or passports) with you.
- Call the hospital, public health department, or the police about special needs. If you or a loved one is older or disabled and won’t be able to leave quickly, get advice on what to do.
- Check your carbon monoxide detector.
Get your home ready for the storm
- Clear your yard. Make sure there’s nothing that could blow around during the storm and damage your home. Move bikes, lawn furniture, grills, propane tanks, and building material inside or under shelter.
- Cover up windows and doors outside. Use storm shutters or nail pieces of plywood to the window frames to protect your windows. This can help keep you safe from pieces of shattered glass.
- Be ready to turn off your power. If you see flooding, downed power lines, or you have to leave your home, switch it off.
- Fill clean water containers with drinking water. You’ll want to do this in case you lose your water supply during the storm. You can also fill up your sinks and bathtubs with water for washing.
- Check your CO and smoke detector to prevent CO and smoke poisoning.
- Lower the thermostat in your refrigerator and freezer to the coolest possible temperature. If your power goes out, your food will stay fresh longer.
- Fully charge your cell phones
Make sure your car is ready
- Fill your car’s gas tank. You may also want to consider making plans with friends or family to get a ride.
- Double check your car’s emergency kit.
- Move cars and trucks into your garage or under cover.
PLEASE STAY SAFE
The information contained in this blog is merely for informational purposes and is not intended as legal advice.
