Things to do before disaster strikes:
• Secure or bring inside lawn furniture, trash cans, bicycles, toys, etc.
• Fill water containers for drinking. (city water may become contaminated and well pumps may lose electricity)
• If you water comes from a well, you will need water to flush the toilets. (consider filling up a bathtub and using a bucket)
• Purchase non-perishable foods and ice. (store ice in your freezer to use in a cooler should you lose power)
• Know how to board up and/or sand bag vulnerable places of your house and have materials on hand.
• Know how to shut off gas, electricity and water if you need to.
• Move your valuable papers to a safe place.
• Have copies of your insurance polices on hand.
• Charge all cell phones.
• Have a camera on hand with film for recording damage for insurance claims. (Don’t forget batteries for the traditional camera and flash or to charge a digital camera.)
• Have emergency phone numbers on hand (Power Company, police, fire, emergency medical service, veterinarian, etc.)
• Have essential drugs and first aid materials on hand.
• Have emergency lighting on hand. (flashlights and/or lanterns with batteries, candles, gas lanterns with fuel and matches) (be aware of the fire or CO2 dangers of candles or gas lanterns)
• Have an extra supply of fuel for charcoal or gas grills or camping stoves.
• Have an extra supply of wood for the fireplace or wood stove.
• Listen to the radio, TV or weather radio to keep abreast of changing conditions.
• Obtain cash from the bank. (banks and ATMs can not serve you if they do not have power)
• Fill up all cars with gas (check oil, fluid levels, belts, hoses and tire pressure including the spare tire) (you will be prepared to evacuate if necessary and you will avoid gas lines or no gas later)
• Park you vehicles and trailers in a garage or an open area away from potential falling trees or limbs.
• Familiarize yourself with camping stove and lantern directions and precautions before you need them and the lights are out)
Things to do after disaster strikes
• Take photos of all damaged property prior to cleanup or temporary repairs for insurance claims.
• Inventory all damaged properties.
• Contact your insurance agent as soon as possible.
• Make only temporary repairs necessary to prevent further damage.
• Consult with insurance company before making permanent repairs
Checklist for Emergency Items
• Cash
• Car fueled and serviced
• Camp stove*
• Fuel of emergency cooking*
• Fuel for emergency lighting*
• Camera film or charged digital camera
• Charged cell phones
• Batteries* (camera, flashlight, lantern, portable radio, etc.)
• Candle lantern and candles*
• Flashlights or headlamps*
• Lanterns*
• Fire wood and kindling
• Matches*
• Ice
• Portable radio
• Weather radio
• Chainsaw, fuel, oil, bar oil, replacement chain, file, etc.)
• Hand saw*
• Drinking water containers*
• Non-perishable foods*
• First aid kit*
• Prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
• Hand operated can opener*
• Fire extinguisher (serviced recently)
• Hand wound or battery operated watch or clock
• Pet food and prescriptions
• Paper plates, paper towels, cups and disposable utensils (if no water is available)
• Large tarp and rope for roof damage*
• Duct tape
*Available at Great Outdoor Provision Co. (REMEMBER supplies sell out across the region when a disaster is approaching. PLEASE PLAN AHEAD!)
