Emergency Preparedness / 2021 / September
September 2021 Message
Dear Stake,
We are in the midst of hurricane season! In our June message we shared some information on preparing for a hurricane. Because hurricanes can be unpredictable and their effects so devastating, it's important to understand what can happen in a hurricane and be prepared for it. In addition to the latest info on the Covid-19 virus, The CDC website actually has some great tips on hurricane preparedness. I have attached an infographic from their site that illustrates good ways to prepare, as well as what to do after a storm has hit. Here are some highlights:
Before a hurricane --
Have a battery operated, or solar powered, radio so you can hear the latest weather updates, tornado warnings, or evacuation orders.
Know how to turn off your gas, electricity, and water in case you need to evacuate. (Evacuation would be unlikely for our area, but it's a good idea to know how to turn these things off if you are a homeowner!)
Secure outdoor items by moving them to a garage or indoors.
Make an emergency kit. Keep one in your car.
Designate an inner windowless room in your home as a storm shelter.
Store water and have non-perishable food on hand.
After a hurricane --
If your home is severely damaged, do not enter it until it is safe to do so.
Do not attempt to drive on flooded roads.
If there has been flooding in your home, work on drying out floors, carpet, and walls, to prevent mold.
Listen to local warnings about water, in case tap water has become contaminated. More information
Be sure to use grills, generators, etc. outside and not inside, to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Note that our inland location, we likely would not need to evacuate due to a hurricane, but we would experience a lot of high winds and torrential rain. Knowing this could help you prepare in other ways too, such as removing old trees located near your home, or investing in a sump pump if you live in a low area.
"Hurricane Season" lasts until November 30, so now is the time to prepare, be ready, and be watchful. If you are well prepared, look around and see how you can help your neighbors prepare too. After all, September is our stake month of service!
Sincerely,
Holly & Chris Earls
Stake Emergency Preparedness Coordinators