The Atlantic Hurricane season starts June 1 and goes through November 30 are you prepared? Even though this comes up every year how many people are like me and scramble around trying to get the supplies needed at the last minute. The last time we were without power for several days my best friend found me some solar powered lights on Amazon. But of course, there was a delay in delivery because of the current situation. I have declared I will be prepared this storm season. I have seen numerous neighbors and friends even my employer, Big Bend Hospice taking down trees. I took this as a sign to be ready!
We have been very fortunate compared to other areas and I don't want to be the one not prepared if it is smack dab in the Big Bend Area. I think of Big Bend Hospice patients who must depend so much on others, and these are things that we/I take for granted. Then I'm like can you really prepare for these things? Like COVID, I don't think any one person, organization, local, state, national, worldwide was prepared for COVID. I do believe it's the Girl Scout in me saying "always be prepared" that I do my best to always be prepared. We are currently facing a shortage of baby formula I'm sure mothers would have nursed if they had known this would occur. Being prepared takes on a new meaning to me as an adult and being a homeowner that is living in Florida during hurricane season and a pandemic. I don't think we can ever really prepare for the unexpected, but we can do what we can for the unexpected such as COVID. We can take the CDC's recommendations and wear face masks, get vaccinated, wash our hands, etc. And the same goes for what we have learned through the years about disaster preparedness. Let's declare to prepare!
Here are a few tips for disaster preparedness:
• Know the different warning systems and signals used in your community
• Ask local authorities about emergency evacuation routes for you and your family
• Know the escape routes in your home and mark them
• Consider how you will communicate with your family
• Contact your utility provider for shut-off requirements for natural gas, water, electricity, etc.
• Have all your vital records and insurance policies in a waterproof/fireproof container and take them with you
• If you or someone in your family has special needs or a disability know what additional steps may need to be taken
• Caring for pets: make sure you have the proper supplies for them
• Safety skills: ensure that you and your family know how to use a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, generator, and do CPR
• Sheltering
Kelly S. Williams
Big Bend Hospice