Hurricane Sandy may provide: severe wind gusts, downed trees, power outages, flooding, road closures and other potentially dangerous conditions. All Marylanders need to be prepared and have plans in place to ensure the safety of their families. Here are some tips:
Plan Ahead
Home emergency supplies
· Water – one gallon per person per day
· Food supplies
· Non electric can opener
· Portable battery powered radio
· Additional batteries
Make a plan for your family
· Child care
· Elder Care
· Pet care- food, a crate to carry pet (if possible)
Make plans to check on the elderly and disabled in your neighborhood
If you need to evacuate – have a plan in place
· Have a full tank of gas in your truck or car
· Have road maps – you may be on unfamiliar roads
· If separated from your family, have a pre-arranged meeting place
· If possible, have a place to evacuate to, i.e. – relative or friends
· Pre-plan several evacuation routes – the main route may be blocked or flooded
Have an emergency supply kit to take with you, to include:
Medications
· Clothing
· Important papers and phone numbers
· Non perishable food
· Additional water
During a storm:
• Stay tuned to radio and televisions for official weather information and local directions
• Follow instructions given by local and state emergency officials
• Turn your refrigerator to the maximum cold setting – this will help keep your food cold longer if there is a power failure
• Fill bathtub and other containers with additional water
Listed below are tips and resources that you can use to be prepared.
Plan ahead:
- Have an emergency kit: https://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit / https://ratesforinsurance.com/emergency-kit/
- Prepare your family: https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan
- Deciding to stay: https://www.ready.gov/shelter
- Deciding to evacuate: https://www.ready.gov/evacuating-yourself-and-your-family
After the Hurricane:
- National Disaster Recovery Framework: https://www.fema.gov/national-disaster-recovery-framework-overview
- Tips on keeping food safe: https://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/foodwater/facts.asp