Hurricane emergencies ~ How to prepare yourself

Emergency management officials generally agree that the biggest weakness in disaster planning is at the personal level.

“Katrina was a national wake-up call, yet it seems too many residents are still asleep,” said Max Mayfield, director of the National Hurricane Center.

Among the most important steps to prepare:

• Make a family disaster plan, including an evacuation route, emergency contact numbers and possible shelters. Make sure family members know where to go and how to make contact.

• Assemble a family disaster kit that includes at least a three-day supply of nonperishable food, water, medications and other needs, as well as copies of vital documents.

• If a storm is approaching, fill vehicles with gas and withdraw cash.

• Evacuate well in advance of landfall, and expect delays and heavy traffic if you don’t leave until an official order is given.

FIND OUT MORE AT www.hurricanesafety.org, www.readync.org or www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2. For advice for kids, go to fema.gov/kids/hurr.htm .

SOURCE: The Sun News, Myrtle Beach, SC