Safety Checklist

In South Florida, it's that time of year again - hurricane season!  And here comes the first tropical storm of the season, heading straight for us.

For many of you, it's tornado time or flood danger.  Anything that threatens the family is stressful, but being prepared reduces the danger and the anxiety.  Depending on your circumstances, here's some ideas for preparations. 

First, find the safest place in the home; the cellar for tornados, for instance, or a sturdy closet or bathroom for hurricanes.  Things you may need immediately in times of crisis  should be kept in this room; tools, medication, money, a whistle and important papers.  In evacuation zones or when traveling, some of these items should be kept in your vehicle.

Print this checklist, alter it as called for depending on your circumstances, and relax!

Water - 3 gallons of sterile water for each person to drink, cook with, brush teeth or wash face.   In case of a hurricane, a bathtub full of water will serve to flush toilets, water pets, and other non-sterile uses.

Flashlight with extra batteries.

Radio with extra batteries

Canned foods that will keep your family fed for a week, plus a good can opener.

Snacks in plastic bags.

Clean clothing for 3 days per person, especially underwear, socks,

Personal and bathroom stuff - glasses, toothbrushes, soap, personal hygiene items.

Pet supplies for a week.  Know where leashes, muzzles or carriers a kept in case they are needed in a hurry.

Matches in a waterproof container

Medicine in waterproof containers

One blanket per person

Whistle on a chain or thong to put around your neck

Emergency waterproof poncho

Heavy gloves, canvas for instance

Bandages, gauze, tape, antibiotic salve, etc. in a first aid kit

Tools - adjustable wrench, flat and phillips screwdriver, pliers and a hammer

Important papers in a water- and fire-proof box; include a recent photo of each family member with name, date of birth, height and weight, address, phone number, any medications or physical problems.  Emergency contact information.

Cash; in many emergencies credit and debit cards aren't going to function

Map of your city or area

Fire Extinguisher

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector

Cellphone - keep it with you in times of crisis

In flood zones, if you may have to take to the attic, and this attic doesn't have a window or door, put a sharp hatchet in the attic NOW.

A family disaster plan!  Write it down.  Include how each person would escape the house in case of fire, who to call in an emergency, and a safe central contact point in case you are separated.   Decide ahead of time where you will evacuate to, if needed, and under what circumstances.  Include emergency locations for your pets.

Be prepared and you will find a great deal more peace of mind in difficult times.

If anyone has any more suggestions, please send them.   Print this list here.