Preparing your family for a hurricane

By: Dothan Eagle Staff | National Hurricane Center, Media General News Service
Published: April 16, 2010

Before a hurricane threatens the Gulf Coast, you and your family need to be prepared and know what you are going to do and where you are going to go.

Having a Family Disaster Plan will help keep your family safe during a stressful situation.

• First you need to discuss the type of hazards that could affect your family. Are you in a flood plane? Can your house sustain high winds? Will you need to evacuate?

• Next, locate the safest areas in your home for each hurricane hazard

• If you do evacuation, make plans to stay with a nearby friend or relative in a safe area

• If you cannot stay with a friend/relative, ask your local emergency management agency for shelter locations.

• Know the evacuation route from your home.

• Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact.

• Make sure your children know how and when to call 911.

• Stock up on non-perishable food, medicine and emergency supplies.

• Take first-aid, CPR and disaster preparedness classes.

You need to make sure your home is prepared as well. have a Home Preparedness Checklist.

A good way to stay safe during a hurricane is with a Disaster Supply Kitt

If you do have to evacuation, many shelters will NOT take animals. Make sure you have a safe place to leave your pet. Here are some helpful ideas for pet owners.

• Make sure the pet is current on vaccinations. Pet shelters may require proof of vaccines

• Keep a collar with identification on your pet

• Have a properly-sized pet carrier

• Plan a refuge – specialized pet shelters, animal control shelters, veterinary clinics and friends out of harm’s

• Make sure to have plenty of extra food and water for your pet in your disaster kit.