Typhoon Readiness Tips

Greetings:

Typhoon Soudelor was a sobering reminder of the importance of preparing for possible disaster. The devastation of the storm made us all acutely aware of how vulnerable we are – and why we should do more to ready for the future.

To assist, your congressional office has gathered the following recommendations we hope will help you next time to weather the storm safely and quickly recover afterwards.

Remember:

• Build Your Kit
• Make a Plan
• Keep Informed
• In the Event of Disaster - Contact Us

BUILD YOUR KIT

Every home should have a Disaster Supplies Kit that contains essential supplies for survival at least 72 hours after a disaster.

Build your kit well in advance of an emergency. You may not be able to immediately find the supplies you need after a disaster. You may also have to survive on your own for some time before relief workers can reach you, or before services such as power, water, or communications can be restored.

Your Disaster Supplies Kit should include the following items:

• Water - one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Non-perishible foods - at least a three-day supply
• Manual can opener for food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Local maps
• Cell phone with charger, inverter or solar charger

You may also want to consider including the following items in your Disaster Supplies Kit:

prescription medication and glasses; infant formula and diapers; personal hygiene supplies; food and extra water for pets; blankets and bedding; paper products and eating utensils; a fire extinguisher; emergency reference materials; and important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank account records.

Keep your Disaster Supplies Kit in good condition so that your supplies are ready and safe to use when you need them.

Some tips to remember:

• Canned food should be stored in a cool, dry place.
• Thrown out any canned goods that are swollen, dented, or corroded.
• Store boxed food in tighly closed containers to keep pests out.
• Write the dates of storage on all items, and place newer items at the back of the storage area and older ones at the front.
• Change stored food and water supplies every six months.

Put your emergency supplies in one or two containers that are easy to carry, and keep them in a designated place.  Make sure all household members know where the Disaster Supplies Kit is located.

MAKE A PLAN

Family members may get separated during a disaster, so have a plan for how you will get to safety, contact each other, and meet in the event of an emergency.

Here are some tips for making your family emergency plan:

• Identify safe, accessible places where family members can go for shelter or to reunite.  Make sure every family member knows where to go and how to get there.
• Prepare contact cards for each household member to keep on hand in a wallet, purse, etc.  Post contact information in a central location in your home.
• Identify a relative or friend who lives off-island that family members can contact to notify that they are safe.  Make sure every family member knows how to contact that person.
• Practice your emergency plan.  Make sure everyone in the home understands the plan.

KEEP INFORMED

Knowing what to do before, during, and after a disaster is an important part of being prepared and protecting your family.

Here are some basic tips for keeping informed:

• Stay tuned to weather advisories and other emergency alerts in local media.
• Know where to go if you and your family must evacuate to safety.
• Understand how to secure your home against typhoons, flooding, or other severe weather.
• Get familiar with local disaster plans.

For more information about how to better prepare your home, family, and community for typhoons and other emergency conditions:

IN THE EVENT OF DISASTER - CONTACT US

Your congressional office will work with you and with federal, local, and voluntary agencies to get you the help you need.