It’s Hurricane Season. Are You Ready?

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Julie Twist, Safe Congregations Committee member, has a message for you:

1. How will you receive emergency alerts and warnings ?
2. What is your shelter plan ?
3. Do you need an evacuation route ?
4. What is your  family/household communication plan ?
5. Do you need to update your emergency preparedness kit ?

If any of these questions resonate with you, click on the links above or go to https://ready.gov for general information on preparing for disasters.

Be sure to keep your cell phone charged when a hurricane is in the forecast.  It is recommended that you purchase a backup charging device to power your electronics. Save phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems are often down or busy after a disaster. If possible, use text messages or social media to communicate with family and friends.

Lastly, check with neighbors, senior adults, or those who may need additional help securing hurricane plans to see how you can be of assistance. If you know that others are concerned about your welfare, check in and let folks know you are ok.  And don’t be afraid to ask for help. Our UU culture is based on loving and caring for our fellows. Helpful links have been provided above to assist you or others.

Information below is from a flyer created by the Environmental and Climate Justice Committee of the NAACP Tri-City Branch in Lake County, FL. (352) 561-8157

Be ready with these local resources:

Register for ”Alert Lake”, Lake County’s emergency alert system. All landline phones are already registered. To register your cell phone(s) go to www.lakecountyfl.gov. Click on “Alert Lake”. Follow directions to register one or more phones and email addresses.

Register in advance for a “Special Needs Shelter” if you need help due to a physical, mental, cognitive, or sensory impairment Go to https://bit.ly/3eESVCI or call (352) 742-4850.

Keep these important numbers.

Lake Cty. Emergency Management   (352) 343-9420

American Red Cross                           (863) 294-5941

Florida State Assistance Line              (800) 342-3557

Make sure all household members know:

  • Who your emergency contact is in case you get separated.
  • Where the safest room in the house is during severe weather.
  • Where to meet outside in case of fire.
  • Where to meet if the neighborhood is closed off.

Plan Ahead.

  • Review your insurance including flood coverage.
  • Make sure fire extinguishers are up to date.
  • Know where community shelters are located.
  • Give a trusted neighbor a key to your home.
  • Keep your gas tank filled.
  • Plan for your pets.
  • Store copies of important documents in a cloud, on a flash drive, in a safety deposit box, or in a waterproof pouch.
  • In case your cell phone quits, make a list of contact information for family members, doctors, service providers etc. (with account numbers)
  • Buy tarps for storm damage.

Important documents include:

  • Insurance policies
  • Birth and marriage certificates
  • Social security cards
  • Financial and bank records
  • Medical information
  • Photos of your home and valuables

Get ready NOW in case you need to leave home quickly. Have an emergency bag(s) packed with:

  • Whistle, compass, and flashlight
  • First aid kit and any needed medicine
  • Note pad and pencils
  • Battery powered radio and batteries
  • Change of clothes
  • Shoes (closed toed, tie-ons)
  • Rainwear
  • Blanket or sleeping bag
  • Water and snacks
  • Cash and identification
  • Contact information
  • Toilet paper
  • Hand wipes or sanitizer
  • Toiletries, personal hygiene items, and sunscreen
  • Baby supplies
  • Cell phone and charger                                

Get Ready NOW in case you must stay in your home for up to two weeks. You’ll need a two week supply of:

  • 2 gallons of bottled water per day per person and water for pets
  • Items in your emergency bags
  • Manual can opener
  • Safe way to cook outdoors
  • Lighters or matches
  • Coolers
  • Paper supplies for serving food
  • Non-perishable food for people and pets

If a storm is coming:

  • Secure outdoor items that might fly into windows
  • Turn off fans, air conditioners and furnace
  • Make ice in your freeze
  • Fill bathtubs and large containers with water for washing and flushing
  • Fill clean bottles, kettles and pitchers with drinking water