Prepare for Hurricane Sandy

Long Island should cast a cautious eye towards Hurricane Sandy and we can’t say it enough do not wait till the last-minute to prepare your family and your house for a Hurricane. If you do wait until the last-minute you will find yourself with all the other people who waited to prepare themselves for the storm as well. Frightened and disorganized people are not nice to be around. Do you really want to get into a fight over the last pack of batteries or sheet of plywood?

Here are some suggestions on how to better prepare yourself for the hurricane.

1) Have cash on hand If the power goes out so will the ATM machines

2) Board up windows and doors with 5/8 inch plywood

3)  Secure outside lawn furniture and children’s toys if they can be picked up by the wind

4) Clean the gutters of leaves and debris to prevent leaks inside your home

5) Turn your refrigerator to the coldest setting possible in case the power goes off this will keep the food fresher longer.

6) Fill large pots and your bathtub with water in case city water is affected from the storm

7) Put a full tank of gas in your car

8) Plan an evacuation route with your family and learn alternate routes to safety

9) The location of the nearest shelter if you have pets make sure the shelter you are going to is pet friendly

10) If you’re ordered to evacuate please leave immediately stick to marked evacuation routes if possible.

11) Store your important documents like passports, social security card, birth certificates, and deeds in a watertight container

Here is a list of supplies you should have on hand before the  storm

1) At least a three day water supply one gallon per person per day

2) Three days worth of food. Some items include canned meats, canned or dried fruits, canned vegetables, canned juice, peanut butter, jelly, salt free crackers, energy or protein bars, trail mix, and dry cereal

3) A manual can opener

4) Flashlights

5) A battery-powered radio preferably a weather radio

6) Extra batteries

7) A first aid kit including latex gloves, sterile dressings, a cleaning agent, antibiotic ointment, burn ointment, Band-Aids in small medium and large sizes, eye wash, a thermometer, aspirin pain reliever, antacids, and any other prescribed medication.

8) Cell phones and chargers

9) Contact information for your family and friends

10) Baby supplies

11) Pet supplies

It’s important not to panic during the preparation of a hurricane but keep in mind that a hurricane should not be taken lightly either.

http://www.MyLongIslandHomeInspection.com

Hurricane Preparedness

Solid City Inspections is pleased to provide its valued friends and customers with important Hurricane Preparedness Information. Included in this email you will find:

* tips to help secure your home in advance of the storm.

* a list of important websites for Hurricane Preparedness, Emergency Shelters, Mitigation Education for Natural Disasters (MEND), Geographic Information Services (GIS), and American Red Cross. (Consider printing the website addresses/phone numbers out ahead of time and keeping them on your person.) 

* information on Hurricane Preparedness.

* packing "go-bags" for family members and pets.

* American Red Cross Be RED CROSS ready Safety Checklist link.

As we enter another hurricane season on Long Island, it is important to make sure that you and your family are prepared in case a storm strikes our area. Planning ahead can protect more than your property — it can help save lives.

In advance of the storm you may consider...

- taking digital photos of your basement, roof, house exterior, etc., in case damage/flooding from the storm occurs - you will have some "before" and "after" photos on hand to aid with insurance issues. 

- if you have large windows that may be cause for concern, you may want to consider planking them.

- take in/tie down lawn furniture chairs, turn lawn tables upside down, take down lawn umbrellas. These preventive actions will help minimize damage both to the outdoor items as well as any mishap that may occur to nearby pools/landscape if lawn furniture/umbrellas are blown about.

- portable grills should be secured/moved into a shed or garage.

- take in flower pots that may not be sturdy enough to remain steady in severe wind. Secure/bring in lawn cushions. Secure children's toys, pet houses, etc.

IMPORTANT WEBSITES

 For Hurricane Preparedness, Emergency Shelters, Mitigation Education for Natural Disasters (MEND), and Geographic Information Services (GIS)

American Red Cross……http://www.redcross.org

National Weather Service……http://www.weather.gov

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)……http://www.fema.gov

Disaster Assistance……http://www.disasterassistance.gov

Weather Underground……http://www.wunderground.com

National Flood Insurance Program……http://www.floodsmart.gov

NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services ((DHSES)......www.dhses.ny.gov 

Suffolk County Office of Emergency Management…http://www.suffolkcountyny.gov

Suffolk County Red Cross……http://suffolkcounty.redcross.org

Nassau County………………………..http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/oem/hurricane/prepare.html

Hurricane Preparedness, Be Prepared...Not Scared!

Although we cannot prevent hurricanes, we can certainly prepare for them. If you are prepared with food (items that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water) and water (1 gal. of water per person per day for at least 5 days), an emergency can be an inconvenience, not a disaster.

 
Creating an emergency plan ahead of time for you and your family, particularly if you live in a flood zone, will help you stay organized if a hurricane strikes. Your emergency plan should include a communication system, disaster supply kit, and an alternate meeting place if your home is unsafe.

Depending on the severity of the hurricane, you may need to evacuate where you live. When instructions are given to evacuate, you will be directed to a temporary, emergency refuge that will provide a safe haven for the duration of the storm. However, it is recommended that you seek refuge with a friend or family member located away from the affected area. You’ll be more comfortable on a friend’s couch than on a cot in a shelter.

Emergency Go-Kits - Personal Go-Kits and Pet Go-Kits

What you have on hand when a hurricane hits can make a big difference to how well your family handles it. In the event of a hurricane WATCH or WARNING, consider putting these items into a smaller, portable Go-Kit - such as a hands-free backpack or duffel bag - in case you need to evacuate. Keep it by your front door or an exit in case of an emergency evacuation. Each person should have a Go-Kit.

Personal Go-Kit

Your family disaster preparedness kits should include:
• First aid kit. Pack a "how to" guide as well.
• Medications. Essential prescription, nonprescription items & medical information.
• Battery-powered flashlight and radio, extra batteries and a 12-hour glow stick.
• Clothing. A change of clothes, plus rainwear, sturdy shoes and protective gloves for everyone.
• Personal items. Eye glasses, personal care items, & comfort items.
• Important document copies in a waterproof container:
• Drivers' licenses
• Wills
• Birth and marriage certificates
• Insurance policies
• Proof of residence (deed or lease)
• Recent tax returns
• Credit card & bank account numbers
• Social Security cards
• Passport numbers
• Home inventory list
• Items for infants, elderly, pets or loved ones with special needs

Pet Go-Kit

Your pet disaster preparedness kits should include:
• Your pets’ names
• Your name, address, phone and cell number
• Emergency contact - friend or family
• Your veterinarian’s name and contact information
• Medical records and medications
• Specific care instructions and behavioral problems
• First aid kit
• Current photos
• Sturdy leash with collar or harness
• Muzzles, if necessary
• Paper towels for clean-up
• Food (3 days supply) & manual can opener
• Bottled water and water purification tablets
• Bowls, toys and other comfort items
• Treats, brushes, combs
• Newspapers and plastic trash bags for handling waste
Also have on hand, ready to go:
• Secure carriers large enough for your pets to stand
comfortably, turn around and lie down
• Towels or blankets for bedding and warmth
• Cat litter and litter box
For more information, visit the Nassau County
Pet Safe Coalition website www.petsafecoalition.org

Be RED CROSS Ready - Safety Checklist

Access the link below for the Red Cross Be Ready Checklist, it is a useful tool to insure you are prepared for Hurricane Weather:

http://www.redcross.org/www-files/Documents/pdf/Preparedness/checklists/Hurricane.pdf