Pre-planning is a crucial element in keeping your home and family safe.
Some emergencies happen without warning. Others may be associated with certain seasons of the year or take place after lots of watch announcements and warnings. Either way, have a plan in place for evacuating well in advance. Make tandem plans to shelter in place, should that be necessary.
EMERGENCY KIT
Experts suggest assembling an emergency kit with at least 24 hours鈥� worth of non-perishable food supplies for your car. Remember to refresh these items every six months. Label everything with dates to track their freshness. Consuming expired food can lead to illness, and that would complicate an already challenging situation. Also include blankets and a rain poncho in your kit, and make sure to have an ample supply of water.
EVACUATION ROUTE
Outline an evacuation route beforehand, following expert guidelines as available. Keep cell phone chargers on hand, since that鈥檚 essential for getting news updates and maintaining communication. Make sure your car or truck is in optimal running condition and has plenty of gas. A breakdown during an emergency can pose serious risks. Check fluid and oil levels, along with tire pressure. Avoid driving through deep water, as even six inches can significantly affect vehicle traction.
ON THE ROAD
If you have vehicle issues during a storm or emergency, you鈥檒l probably need to resolve the situation on your own. So, keep a vehicle-specific toolkit on hand to deal with any roadside emergencies. Essential items include jumper cables, wrenches, a flashlight with extra batteries, a tire gauge, cat litter for improved traction, duct tape, a multi-tool, a socket-wrench set and water for cooling engine components. Make sure your spare tire is adequately inflated. Consider investing in a flare or reflective triangle to signal your presence to other drivers. Depending on the weather, an ice scraper may also be necessary.
Always keep a well-stocked first-aid kit in your vehicle for any injuries, including antibiotic ointment, bandages, tape, scissors, gauze, rubbing alcohol or a similar sanitizer and aspirin. If storms arrive without warning, never attempt to outrun tornadoes or hurricanes.
Instead, develop a shelter-in-place plan and follow it. Stay updated with news reports and follow all official guidance.