Koon's Watch

Hurricane and storm season is at its strongest through October.

Does your family have a plan in place?

Don’t wait until it’s too late and you’re in the midst of an emergency.

Your plan should cover where you and your family members will go and how you’ll communicate when an emergency, such as severe weather or a man-made event, strikes.

Everyone should have some basic supplies on hand in order to survive for at least 3 days if an emergency occurs.

It’s a good idea to have at least 2 emergency supply kits - one full kit at home and a portable kit in the workplace or vehicle.

Basic items that every emergency supply kit should include:

• Water: 1 gallon of water per person per day for at least 3 days, for drinking and sanitation purposes

• Food: at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food

• Prescription medications, other medical needs

• Pets: food and water supply for your furry friends

• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries

• Flashlight and additional batteries

• First-aid kit

• Whistle to signal for help

• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air

• Plastic sheeting and duct tape to secure shelter-in-place

• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

• Wrench or pliers | to turn off utilities

• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)

• Local maps and cash

Basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment and telephones might be cut off for days or longer. Your kit should contain items to help you manage during these outages.

Planning and preparation will go a long way in these types of situations. Make sure your family is informed and prepared to handle an emergency should it arise.

Learn more at www.ready.gov .