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From Mayor Felicia M. Brunson
Hurricanes are strong storms that cause damage and property threatening hazards such as flooding, storm surge, high winds and tornadoes. You can take steps to reduce the risk of serious disruption, injury or loss of life by making preparations. We want to do our part in helping you get prepared for a hurricane. Planning ahead can save time and lives in many types of emergencies. Even if you have taken some steps in the past to prepare, it is important that you revisit and update your communication plan and check your emergency preparedness kit for expired items. As your elected city officials, with the competent help of our city staff, this information has been prepared as another aid in assisting you to safely navigate through a hurricane if one is predicted for your area.
Every family in West Park should be prepared to be self-sufficient for the first three to five days after a major storm so recovery efforts can be focused on those who cannot help themselves.
FAMILY PREPAREDNESS PLAN
Discuss the hazards that may affect your family. Know your home’s vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind. Also, discuss the following:
- Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home for each hurricane hazard. In certain circumstances the safest areas may not be your home but within your community.
- Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet. These should be measured in tens of miles rather than hundreds of miles.
- Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact, so all your family members have a single point of contact.
- Make a plan now for what to do with your pets, if you need to evacuate.
- Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call 911.
- Check your insurance coverage – flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance.
- GET CASH. Banks and ATMs do not operate without electricity in the aftermath of a major storm.
- GET GAS. Gas pumps do not operate without electricity in the aftermath of a major storm.
EMERGENCY SUPPLIES/KIT (3-5 DAY SUPPLY)
BASIC ITEMS:
- Water (1 gallon per person per day)
- Canned meat, fish, fruit, or vegetables
- Bread in moisture proof packaging
- Snack foods, cookies, candy or dried fruit
- Canned soups & non-perishable milk
- Powdered or single serve drinks
- Cereal or granola bars
- Instant tea or coffee
- Portable battery powered lanterns
- Several large trash bags
- Batteries, including hearing aid batteries
- First aid kit with aspirin & antibiotic cream
- Mosquito repellent
- Sun screen (SPF 45 recommended)
- Waterproof matches / butane lighter
- Unscented bleach or water purification tablets (add 8 drops of bleach per gal.)
COOKING ITEMS:
- Sterno fuel
- Portable camp stove or grill
- Stove fuel or charcoal w/ lighter fluid
- Disposable eating utensils, plates, cups
- Napkins and paper towels
- Aluminum foil
- Oven mitts
OTHER SUPPLIES:
- Prescription medicines
(1-month supply and copy of prescriptions)
- Toilet paper
- Entertainment: books, games, magazines, etc.
- Bedding, pillows, sleeping bag
- Change of clothing
- Rain ponchos and work gloves
- Extra eye glasses or contact lenses
SUPPLIES FOR BABIES:
- Disposable diapers
- Formula, food and medication
- Bottles and feeding utensils
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS:
- Insurance documents
- A list of all your important contacts (family members, doctors, and insurance agents)
- Banking information
- Leases / mortgage
- Proof of occupancy (such as utility bill)
- Photo inventory of your personal belongings
- Waterproof container to store documents
