Are You Ready?

Hurricane Season Approaches

This year it is predicted that 12 named storms, six of which could become hurricanes, will develop over the Atlantic Ocean .  Should these storms make landfall, thousands, or perhaps millions of people will turn to the American Red Cross for help.

If a hurricane should strike our coast, will you be ready?  While the American Red Cross will be there to help, the best way to make your family and home safer is to be prepared before a hurricane arrives.  The American Red Cross Collier County Chapter will respond, should there be a hurricane, by opening shelters, deploying disaster workers and Red Cross resources, to provide immediate help for residents. 

We want you to be prepared in advance.  There are steps you can take right now to ensure that you and your family will be ready.  Don’t wait!  Get your supplies ready.  Make a list and prepare yourselves for evacuation if necessary.   

The Red Cross recommends the following safety steps and tips to prepare for a hurricane:

 

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit

 

• Gather emergency supplies including: emergency medications, nonperishable foods, a non-electric can opener, bottled water (at least 1 gallon per person per day for 3 days), a battery-powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries, extra clothes, important documents, cash and credit cards, a first aid kit and other items for infants, elderly or disabled family members and pets, such as medicines, eye glasses, and diapers.

   

• Store supplies in a waterproof, easy-to-carry container, such as plastic tub with handles

   

Prepare a Personal Evacuation Plan

 

• Identify an evacuation route ahead of time; discuss with family members

   

• If advised to evacuate, do so immediately

   

• In case of evacuation to an American Red Cross shelter, be sure to bring the disaster supplies kit, medications, extra clothing, pillows and blankets and other hygiene and comfort supplies

   

• Make advance preparations for pets so you can bring them with you when you leave, but remember, due to health department regulations, pets aren't allowed in public shelters.

   

• Register pets ahead of time with County Animal Shelters

   

Prepare for High Winds

 

• Measure windows and obtain shutters or cut plywood to cover each one

   

• Remove diseased and damaged tree limbs well before a storm strikes

   

• Strengthen garage doors with vertical support beams made from 2x4's and "L" brackets

   

• Get professional help if needed

   

For questions or concerns regarding hurricane preparedness, please call Andy Jerant, Service Delivery Director at the American Red Cross Collier County Chapter at 239-596-6868.