Disaster Preparedness Checklist

Many people live in areas prone to natural disasters. Being prepared and organized is the key to overcoming stressful moments such as a mandatory evacuation. Do you have a plan? You should. I suggest having as much of this information organized in such a way where it is ready to go at a moment’s notice. Why? So that you can stay calm in the event that you ever have to put it into action.

– Things to Do in Preparation –

Fill Vehicle w/full tank of gas
Have evacuation plan (taking any pets into consideration)
Have batteries for any flashlights/communication devices on-hand
Backup your computer
Document your property & contents for insurance purposes
Charge your electronic devices & mobile phone
Fill sealable plastic bags with water and stuff in freezer
Turn fridge and freezer temps to maximum cooling
Inspect your property and pull in any lose furniture/trash/gardening/decorative items that could pose a projectile hazard in high wind storms
Finish any outstanding laundry/dishwashing if necessary & there is time
Fill your bathtub with water if you have well water and prepare buckets to assist with flushing the toilet
Secure windows and shutters; plywood can help maintain the integrity of the glass, preventing it from airborne projectiles during high winds
Fill plastic cup with water & freeze overnight; place penny on top once frozen and store in freezer (if penny drops, and then water refreezes, you know power has been off for a significant amount of time once you’ve returned home if evacuating)
Use sandbags/towels (inside) as a line of defense for any water that may push in against sliding doors/windows
Move items away from windows if possible
Shut off electric & other utilities such as gas/water/unplug items from outlets in case of resulting power surges/infrastructure damage & interruption
Notify family/next of kin as to your storm plans
Gas for any generator
Trim & remove any dead branches/greens that look weak and could become airborne
Rake leaves away from storm drains
If you own a pool, empty it halfway and add additional chlorine to compensate for anticipated rainfall