Hurricane Sandy is likely to be a significant weather event in our region. Cooper’s Emergency Management and Disaster Preparedness teams, along with its health care experts, urge you to prepare yourself now for the storm so that you remain safe.
If you rely on power for medical devices, make sure you have a contingency plan in place. Cooper also recommends organizing prescription medications so they can be easily packed in the event of an evacuation. In addition, please review the following important tips from the American Red Cross:
Check your disaster supplies. Replace or restock items as needed. Your supplies should include:
- Water—one gallon per person, per day
- Food—non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items
- Flashlight
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
- Extra batteries
- First aid kit – Anatomy of a First Aid Kit
- Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
- Multi-purpose tool
- Sanitation and personal hygiene items
- Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
- Cell phone with chargers
- Family and emergency contact information
- Extra cash
- Emergency blanket
- Map(s) of the area
Find out about your community’s hurricane response plan. Plan routes to local shelters, register family members with special medical needs and make plans for your pets to be cared for. Make sure to fill your car’s gas tank ahead of time.
Prepare Your Home
- Bring in anything that can be picked up by the wind (bicycles, lawn furniture, etc.).
- Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting. Keep them closed as much as possible so that food will last longer if the power goes out.
- Turn off your propane tank.
- Unplug small appliances.
Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio for critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS). You can find more information on preparing for a hurricane on redcross.org.