Emergency officials are urging residents to develop a family plan and take steps to safeguard their homes.
Step 1: Make a family plan.
Have a family meeting to talk about the hurricane. Decide where the family will stay during the storm. Together, develop a list of preparation tasks.
Step 2. Stock a disaster supply kit.
Your disaster supply kit should include the following items:
- At least one gallon of drinking water per person per day for five to seven days.
- Nonperishable food for three meals per day per person for five to seven days.
- A five- to seven-day supply of special items such as food, formula, diapers and wipes for infants and those with special needs.
- At least a two-week supply of medications.
- Toiletries and extra toilet paper.
- Manual can opener.
- Paper goods such as plates, cups, napkins and utensils.
- Unscented household bleach and medicine dropper.
- Extra bedding such as pillows, blankets and sleeping bags.
- Clothing, including rain gear and sturdy shoes.
- First aid kit, sunscreen and hand sanitizer.
- Mosquito repellent with DEET.
- Flashlight and extra batteries.
- Battery-operated radio.
- Tool kit including cord, rope, hammer, wood nails, saw, hatchet or axe, crowbar, chain saw blades, tarp, duct tape, rake, bucket, mop, broom and heavy work gloves.
- Plastic trash bags and ties.
- Fire extinguisher.
- Matches in a waterproof container.
- Extra charcoal or propane for outdoor cooking.
- Hazard alert radio.
- Extra batteries and car charger for cell phone.
- A canned tire inflator for punctured tires.
Your pet disaster kit should include food, water, bowls, leashes, toys, bedding, carrier, medications, newspaper, cat litter, plastic bags for handling waste, and license and vaccination documentation.
Step 3: Fill your gas tank and get cash.
Make sure your gas tank is full and you have extra cash on hand.
Step 4: Take steps to safeguard your home and property.
Store lawn furniture and other loose items inside. Double-check tie-down straps and anchors if you live in a mobile/manufactured home. Walk around your home and evaluate the roof, windows, garage doors, patio doors, screen enclosed rooms, landscaping, etc., to see what protective measures you need to take.
Step 5: Determine if you will evacuate, and if so, decide where you will go
Residents should decide now where they will stay if an evacuation order is issued. Most people find it more comfortable to stay with friends or relatives who live well inland. For those who have no alternatives, public shelters may open depending on the track of the storm. If you are planning to seek public shelter, make sure to bring emergency supplies including special dietary items and supplies for infants and small children.
For help in disaster planning, visit www.volusia.org/emergency.
Residents can stay informed during severe weather and disasters by signing up to receive emergency telephone or email notifications from Volusia County Emergency Management. They also can “like” Volusia County Emergency Management on Facebook and follow @VCEmergencyInfo on Twitter.
Oxygen-dependent Residents Storm Information
People who are dependent on oxygen will need electricity to generate supplemental oxygen. Until power is restored in the home, here’s what people can do:
- First, contact your oxygen supplier and request additional tanks. If you’re unable to get the oxygen needed from your local office, and you are dealing with a national provider, call their other offices and request a delivery.
- If your oxygen supply company still cannot provide additional tanks, call the medical provider who wrote the order for the oxygen. This may be your primary care provider. Request a new order to be placed with another company that can provide emergency oxygen.
- Special needs shelters are a last resort and only are a temporary solution. Special needs clients must:
- Bring their own concentrator
- Bring a caregiver if they normally need assistance at home
- Be prepared to sleep on cots that are low to the ground
