Hurricane Preparedness

First Aid Supplies

Build a basic first aid kit and include these emergency essentials: 

• 2 to 4-inch sterile gauze pads
• Antiseptic, cleaning agents
• Latex gloves
• Medical adhesive tape
• Mosquito repellent
• Nonprescription drugs (aspirins, antibiotic ointment)
• Prescription drugs
• Scissors, tweezers, pins, needles
• Soap in a sterile container
• Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
• Sunscreen
• Thermometer
• Hand sanitizer

Food and Water Supplies

Plan to have enough food and water for four to five days.

Water

• Save enough water to last for a minimum of 72 hours.
• Have one gallon of water per day for each person.
• Do not drink water from the faucet until you have been officially notified that it is not contaminated.
• If you must use tap water, do one of the following:
  • Use water purification tablets.
  • Apply 8 drops of unscented household bleach per gallon.
  • Boil it.

Note: If you plan on using the bleach, consult your physician to ensure that you do not have a condition that this would affect.

Food

Without electricity, food in the refrigerator will spoil. Do not eat it. Have access to the following:

• Canned juices
• Granola bars
• Instant coffee, tea, cocoa
• Special foods for individuals with special diets
• Sugar, salt, pepper, spices, and bread (staples)
• Sweetened cereal, candy (stress food)
• Undamaged commercial canned goods, i.e., ready-to-eat canned, meats, fruits, and vegetables

Preparing for Children's Needs

If there are children in your household, be sure to have the resources listed below on hand to help prepare for any storm. 

Supplies

Make sure you have enough:

• Canned juices, i.e. apple juice
• Diapers
• Formula
• Powdered milk
• Wipes

Bottle Nipples & Pacifiers

Remember, bottle nipples and pacifiers that need to be cleaned should be done so by fresh water. Plan to have extra water to do this. Otherwise, have an extra supply of bottle nipples and pacifiers to replace the soiled ones. Do not wash these items with possibly contaminated tap water; instead, opt to dispose of them.

House Preparations

• Clear your gutters so that they will be able to perform optimally.
• Bring in items around your house that may become missiles during a storm: potted plants, lawn furniture, trashcans, etc.
• Practice putting up your shutters to ensure that they all fit and that everything is in working condition.
• Prune your trees long before there is any threat of a storm. Consult an arborist or tree-care specialists that has a Broward County Tree Trimming License for more information.

Have a Plan

Formulate a plan for before, during, and after a hurricane. Be sure to review your plan with your family to keep everyone well informed. 

Before the Hurricane

• Purchase all the food and water you will need to ride out a storm. Have it stored and ready for an emergency.
• Make sure you have all other supplies and tools you may need.
• Make sure you have enough supplies for your baby or child.
• Make sure you have all the supplies and food you will need for a pet. Also, make prior arrangements to board your pet with a kennel, friend, or family member in case you have to evacuate to an emergency shelter. They will not accept pets.
• Prepare your home. Make it storm proof.
• Have an evacuation plan. Know to where you will evacuate if you must, and make prior arrangement, i.e., registering with the evacuation site.
• Fill up your car with gas. Acquiring fuel after a hurricane may be difficult.
• Make sure you have enough cash to get you through a few days. Accessing your money at the bank may be difficult after a hurricane.
• Have a first aid kit.
• Have emergency lighting: flashlights (extra batteries).
• Turn refrigerators and freezers to highest settings.
• Call family or friends and let them know what your plans are.
• Cover windows with storm shutters or plywood.
• Make sure your battery operated radio works (extra batteries).

During the Hurricane

• If you are staying at your home, take shelter in a room or closet located in the center of your home.
• Stay away from windows and exterior doors.
• Stay calm; storms can take several hours to pass.
• Monitor the storm via battery operated radio.

After the Hurricane

• Assess your situation. Check for damage around your house.
• If there are downed power lines, do not go near them.
• Stay on firm ground, and avoid flooded areas. Flooded areas can have hidden dangers, including charged power lines. Also, moving water can knock you off your feet.
• Drive only if you must.
• Do not drive into flooded areas.
• Call to report emergencies.
• Beware of animals, snakes, and insects that have sought shelter on higher and drier ground.
• If you evacuated your home, be very cautious when returning.
• Do not use tap water until you are certain it is not contaminated.
• Monitor the news to receive any pertinent public information.