Covering the Storm

EMEPA is committed to getting information to the membership any and every way possible. The radio and direct mail proved to be reliable sources during Hurricane Katrina. EMEPA will continue to communicate through traditional media, but we also want that information to be available on our website. Whether we are preparing for, experiencing or recovering from a storm, EMEPA will continually post information about the restoration efforts on our site at www.emepa.com/storm_center/. This will also give family members of those located in the East Mississippi area access to local storm information.

Before a storm hits:

• Trim dead or weak branches from surrounding trees.
• Bring indoors objects that may be blown or swept away.
• Lower water level in a pool 6 inches and add extra chlorine.
• Plan how you will care for your pets. Gather necessary pet supplies and make sure your pet has proper ID and up-to-date veterinarian records.
• Make sure your vehicle(s) are fueled.
• Keep sliding glass doors wedged shut in high winds.
• Practice safety when operating a generator. If connecting generator to household circuit, make sure a transfer switch is properly installed.
• Make two photocopies of important documents and keep originals in a safe deposit box. Items for consideration to keep safe are wills, insurance policies, bank account numbers, credit cards and address book.
• If you or a family member relies on life support, make arrangements prior to a storm. You should contact your physician, medical supply store or hospital.
• Fill bathtubs, sinks and jugs with clean water. To prepare safest and most reliable emergency supply of water, purchase commercially bottled water. Keep bottled water in its original container and do not open it until you need to use it. Use stored water to fill empty space in your freezer. It will help extend the storage time. Always store water in plastic containers. Washing machines can also be filled with water to use during a storm. Water purification agents such as bleach should also be on hand.
• Designate a "safe" room in your house on a first floor that is without windows.
• Write and video an inventory of your home, garage and surrounding property including serial numbers, model numbers, physical descriptions and price of purchases. Keep receipts if possible.
• Plan a location for family members to reunite if separated.
• Teach all responsible family members how and when to turn off water, gas and electricity at the main switches and valves. Keep a wrench near gas and water shut-off valves. Turn off utilities only if you suspect a leak or damaged lines, or if you are advised to do so by authorities.
• Permanent shutters are the best protection for your windows. A lower cost approach is to put up plywood panels. Anti-shatter window film is a new product that is becoming available.
• First aid kit and first aid book are important items to always have in your home. It is a good idea to have one in your home and one in your car.
• Hand crank radios and flash lights are also good things to have if the event of a storm and prolonged outage. A voltage inverter is also a good tool to have on-hand but practice with it before you need it.
• Clothing and bedding should be protected by covering them with plastic dropcloths, placing them in waterproof boxes, plastic bags or other suitable containers.

Disaster Supply Kit

• Three day supply of non-perishable food and manual can opener
• Three day supply of water (one gallon per person per day)
• Self battery powered radio and extra batteries
• Flashlight and extra batteries (LED)
• First Aid Kit and manual
• Sanitation and hygiene items
• Matches in a waterproof container  better yet, butane lighters
• Whistle
• Extra clothing and blankets
• Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils
• Photocopies of identification cards and credit cards
• Cash and coins
• Special needs such as: prescription medication, eyeglasses, contact lens and solution, and hearing aid batteries
• Items for infants:  formula, diapers, bottles and pacifiers
• Tools, pet supplies, a map of the local area, and other items to meet unique family needs
• Mosquito repellent
• Emergency kit for your car with food, flares, booster cables, maps, tools, first aid kit, extinguisher, sleeping bags.

*You could also pack a backpack for each member of your family including but not limited to: essential survival items plus minimal personal things for each person.

During a Storm:

• If power is lost, turn off major appliances to reduce power surge when electricity is restored.
• Stay inside away from windows, skylights, glass doors.
• Listen to local media for official statements and instructions.
• If you live in a mobile home, consider evacuating.

After the storm:

• Avoid loose or dangling power lines and anything that might be touching them. Report them immediately to the power company, police or fire department.
• Report your power outage to your power company.
• Take pictures of the damage, both to the house and its contents for insurance claims.
• Use telephone only for emergency calls.
• Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the main valve if you can and call the gas company from a neighbor's home. If you turn the gas off for any reason, a professional must turn it back on.
• Look for electrical system damage. If you see sparks, broken or frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker.

Steps to properly using a portable generator