Now that the storm has passed we would like to encourage residents to make an emergency plan with your family and for your pets. Ensure emergency plans exist at your job, your children’s schools, and for your neighborhood. Have an emergency plan for every incident or hazard that can impact our community or your home. If family members are in different locations when disaster strikes, plan how to contact each other and plan where to meet.
Creating an emergency kit is essential and should include items that you and other members of your household may need during and after a severe storm. Your emergency kit should be able to sustain you for at least three days in case essential services have been disrupted.
The following are basic items that should be included in your home emergency kit:
• Your home emergency plan, including emergency contact numbers
• Portable radio (with batteries or wind-up)
• Torch (with batteries or wind-up)
• First Aid kit
• Sturdy gloves
• Important documents and cash in waterproof bags
• Essential medication
• Special items for babies, the disabled, elderly or pets
• Drinking water and non-perishable food for three days
If a severe weather warning or storm alert has been issued for your area, it is important to gain as much information as possible to help prepare and protect your family and home. Tune in to the local radio and TV station for storm warnings and weather updates. Knowing what to do in the wake of a severe storm or disaster may be just as important to you and your family as taking the proper actions ahead of the storm.
Important safety tip:
Do not use portable generators in enclosed spaces. They produce carbon monoxide – a colorless and odorless gas that can cause incapacitation or death.
For more information about this topic, or to schedule a meeting with the City of San Luis Public Affairs Office, please call us (928) 341-8520 or email us at publicrelations@cityofsanluis.org.