Developing A Family Plan

At the beginning of each hurricane season, you need to review, practice and update your Family Plan. Everyone should have a role in the plan, including your children.

Evacuation

Using the maps on the following pages in this guide, check to see which evacuation zone you live in.

This will determine when and if you need to evacuate during a given storm. Even if you live in zones “D” and “E” (the last zones to evacuate) you should plan now where to evacuate your family. Make arrangements to stay with friends or relatives who live in a hurricane-safe house outside of evacuation zones. Another option is to evacuate to an inland hotel.

Pick one person to be responsible and to have ready food, water and Must Have Supplies.

Leaving the Area

Leave as early as possible and have an alternate route planned. If you’re fl ying out, be prepared for airport closings and full or canceled fl ights.

If you’re driving, remember tropical storms and hurricanes can change directions quickly and without warning. Be careful so you avoid heading directly into a storm’s new path.

It’s also important to avoid getting trapped in traffic. Tune to our Radio Partners (listed on page 2 of this guide) to stay informed on traffic conditions and the storm’s direction.

Last Resort Evacuation

An evacuation shelter should be your last resort. Do not go until you hear from offi cials that a specific shelter has opened. Expect shelters to be crowded and uncomfortable.

Be sure to bring:
• Pillows and blankets
• Food, water and prescription medicines
• Small toys, games and books for young children Note: Alcohol and fi rearms are not allowed; and many shelters will not allow pets.

If You Do Not Evacuate

Get your home ready before the start of hurricane season.

• Check/install hurricane shutters; make sure they work properly.

• Get together the Must Have Supplies early.

• Identify a safe-room in your house. A safe-room has no windows and will protect your family if your house should break apart during a storm. Examples are a large interior closet, hallway, bathroom or stairwell.

• Designate an out-of-town emergency contact.

Special Medical Needs

If you or someone you know requires special medical support, preregister now with your county Offi ce of Emergency Management for a Special Needs Shelter. Bring all the medical supplies you will need for at least three days including special food, water, prescriptions, nebulizer, syringes, sterile swabs and oxygen equipment.

If you have a breathing problem, the American Lung Association suggests getting a doctor’s recommendation for your specific medical needs during a severe weather emergency.

In case of a severe weather emergency, keep back-up medical items on hand such as:
• battery for ventilator
• oxygen cylinders (48-hour supply) Ask your medical supply vendor about any services they provide in the event of a hurricane and/or power failure. In General
• Check with your employer for any special job responsibilities when a storm threatens. Make sure they understand that you will require time to prepare your home and family.
• Assign an emergency meeting place in case your family gets separated.