Plan, prep whether sheltering in place or evacuating

Sun Journal (New Bern, NC)

Sep. 3--Everyone has to prepare when a hurricane such as Dorian is approaching.

That begins with thoughtful and thorough planning, the extent of which basically comes down to sheltering in place or evacuating. Both can be complex decisions, with many factors including finances.

The case for evacuating is double-edge, meaning if you flee inland, your home and possessions must still be secured against the ravages of the storm and the fact they will for the most part be unattended during your absence.

Sheltering in place and "riding it out" or evacuating requires a plan, preparation and execution.

ReadyNC.org has information on a variety of subjects, including a downloadable Family Emergency Plan and a link to a ReadyNC mobile app which has updates.

Communications is a key, which again means planning.

ReadyNC advises "Think about how you will talk and connect with your family after an emergency. You need to plan for different ways to get in touch with family members as decided by the type of emergency. Fill out a contact card for each family member to keep with them. This card can go in a purse, wallet or backpack.

"Check with your children's school or daycare to learn more about their emergency plans.

"Identify an out-of-state contact, since it may be easier to make long-distance calls during an emergency. That person can help keep track of all family members. Be sure everyone knows the contact name and numbers.

"Have an 'In Case of Emergency' contact listed in your cell phone. Emergency personnel will often check ICE listings to get in touch with someone you know."

There is evacuation, which can be voluntary or in some cases mandatory, ordered for safety by local or state government.

The amount of time you have to leave will depend on the pending danger, which fortunately is always ahead of time with a hurricane.

The obvious closest evacuation destination is a shelter, but officials remind that most shelters are schools -- not built for the luxury or convenience of your home or even a motel room.

According to N.C. Emergency Management's ReadyNC, follow these guidelines when evacuating:

Listen to local media; Fill your car with gasoline. Take only one vehicle to lower the amount of traffic; Leave early enough to avoid being trapped by severe weather; Plan where your family will meet and go. Tell family or friends of your plans; Map out your path, using travel paths listed by police; If possible, leave and go to a friend's home in a safe area. Next, try a motel or hotel. As a last resort, go to a shelter. Remember, shelters are not made for comfort; Take your family's and pet's emergency kits; Bring key family papers; Bring extra cash. Banks may be closed, and cash tellers may not work; Lock doors and windows before leaving your house. Unplug radios, toasters, televisions and small appliances. Be sure to turn off water, gas and power; Ask neighbors if they need a ride.

In the case of staying, Craven EMS Director Stanley Kite reminds that it means potentially having no electricity, water, sewage treatment, gas or access to food other than what you have for an extended time. You also may not have a land-line telephone and other forms of communication.

An emergency kit is the key, with many items that can be found around your home. But, they need to be in a location.

According to several area EMS and state websites, basic and special situation items in an emergency supply kit includes one gallon of water per person per day for three-to-seven days for drinking and sanitation; at least a three-day supply of non-perishable 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 and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place;

moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation; wrench or pliers to turn off utilities; manual can opener for food; local maps;

cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger.

Additional items include prescription medications and glasses, infant formula and diapers, pet food and extra water for your pet; cash or traveler's checks and change; important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container. You can use the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit -- EFFAK (PDF -- 977Kb) developed by Operation Hope, FEMA and Citizen Corps to help you organize your information.

A First Aid Kit should include two pairs of latex or other sterile gloves if you are allergic to Latex; sterile dressings to stop bleeding;

Cleansing agent/soap, antibiotic ointment, burn ointment, adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes,

Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as general decontaminant and a thermometer.

There are also unique needs for those who have infants or have people with functional needs.

The list for babies includes formula, bottles, diapers, baby wipes, pacifier, soap/baby powder, clothing, blankets and canned food and juices

Folks with functional needs require container for hearing aid/cochlear implant processor, to keep dry; extra batteries for hearing aid/cochlear implant; and communication card explaining best way to communicate with you

There needs to be separate list for pets.

It includes Canned or dry pet food, water for 3 to 7 days; food dishes; muzzle, collar and leash; immunization records; identification tag with pet name and phone number; current photos of your pets in case they become lost; medicine your pet requires; beds and toys; pet carrier; and proper fitting muzzle.

Informational websites include.

--newbern-nc.org/

--cravencountync.gov/

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