Coping with evacuation or temporary isolation, andassembling one or more emergency kits.Home Security
Some forms of weather related emergency are capable ofdestroying your home no matter what you do - floods, tornadoesand Category 5 hurricanes come to mind.
But long term preparation and a clear plan for when severeweather is approaching can do a lot to protect your home fromdamage or destruction. Or to protect you if you are inside.
So put together a plan about securing your home and loadingvaluables and essential supplies into your vehicle in case youhave to leave quickly.
Such tasks are made easier if you have been able to assemblesuitable tools and equipment well before the problems arise.
Long term plans could include adding roof ties or even strappingdown your house if strong winds are likely, or reinforcing aninterior ground floor room to provide refuge from destructivewinds.
Between a threat developing and dangerous weather arriving,there is usually some time to add protection to your home.Boarding up windows if faced with strong winds, or cutting backflammable vegetation and cleaning gutters if faced with awildfire are worthwhile tasks if you have the time.
And as a last minute job, store outdoor furniture securely -apart from the probability of loss, a strong wind can turn theminto effective missiles that could be directed at your home.
Finally, know how and where to turn off utilities - water, gas,power - and make sure other family members know it too.
Emergency Kits
An Emergency Kit is a pre-packed container which you can grabinstantly if faced with a threatening situation. It should holdeverything you will need if you are cut off from utilities andsupplies, and should be kept separate from products and toolswhich you use everyday or for recreation.
It is also worth considering permanent kits for your car andworkplace, but let's focus on those kept at home.
Depending on the types of threats you may face, you could needtwo sorts - one if you have to leave and another if you arestaying.
They should be designed to meet the particular needs of you andyour family in the sorts of emergency you are most likely toface. For more information, visit the FEMA website, and checkout their excellent manual at http://www.fema.gov/areyouready
Here are a
few suggestions.
If you have to evacuate, your destination will probably providefood and shelter. Clothing and special needs - baby and infantneeds, prescription and basic medical supplies - are the mostimportant. Include extra warm clothes - heating may not beefficient. Food treats and special toys will make things easierfor children. Some basic food and a couple of gallons of bottledwater are always worth including just in case. A "keep yourhands off" supply of emergency cash is also a great idea.
Alternatively, if you are likely to be isolated and unable toleave your home for a while, assemble a kit which will keep yousupplied for at least three days. Assume you will have no power,heat, water or waste disposal.
The essentials are plenty of water - allow 1 gallon (4.5l) perperson per day, of which half will be drinking water. Commercialbottled water is a good choice. Include non perishable food,preferably low salt, and don't forget a manual can opener.You'll need a battery powered radio and a flashlight, both withplenty of extra batteries, and a first aid kit.
A camp stove and gas bottles are a great addition, and you'llneed some cooking gear and some matches in a water proofcontainer. Make sure you have enough infant or special needs,plus any necessary medication. And warm clothes should beincluded, plus strong shoes.
Now much of this gear will be in your house anyway, but thepoint of this kit is that it can double for an evacuation kit,and will be ideal if your destination is somewhere other thanrelatives or an emergency shelter.
And Finally.....
OK, you've given up some of your valuable time and made yourplans for all likely eventualities. Chances are you'll neverhave to use them, but things happen, and the hundred year floodmay turn up next year. You can now relax and know you've doneyour best to protect your family and your home.
One more thing. Include in your plans some time in a year or soto review everything, to make sure everyone understands theplan, and to go through the emergency kits and replace anythingthat's damaged or out of date. It won't take long, and you'll beready for anything.
This article is adapted from a free special report on weatheremergencies. It can be downloaded from http://www.home-weather-stations-guide.com/tyvm.html
While you're there, check out the rest of the site for moreinformation on dangerous and spectacular weather.
About the author:©2005, Graham McClung. A retired geologist, Graham McClung hashad a lifelong interest in the outdoors. And where there'soutdoors there's weather. He is the editor of http://www.home-weather-stations-guide.com where you can find reviews andadvice to help you choose and use your own home weather station.You can email him at information@home-weather-stations-guide.com
