How do you prepare before a storm?
Preparing BEFORE a storm…
Prior preparation prevents poor performance. Preparing supplies before a storm hits prevents the struggle to find supplies, prevents panic shopping with hundreds of others, and provides comfort.
Do disasters really happen in Maine?
With constantly evolving weather patterns, Maine has seen an increase in warmer weather storms. Just this year, Maine counties have seen serious flooding resulting in the approval of a major disaster declaration for Maine. The flood of 87 left thousands in Maine stranded where roads had flooded over, not to mention the damage to homes caused by rising waters. The ice storm of 97 left thousands without heat, resulting in broken pipes and water damage.
Some of the disasters to prepare for include:
- Fire
- Ice storms
- Snowstorms and Blizzards
- Thunderstorms and Lightning
- Hurricanes and Tornadoes
- Forest fires
- Dam failure and floods
- Drought
How can I protect my home and belongings?
!. Get insured! Having the proper insurance on your car, home, apartment, and business will minimize the loss you face in a disaster situation. Insurance offers you peace of mind and the ability to recover more quickly after a disaster.
2. Do not wait until the last minute to prepare an emergency kit. When a disaster hits, you may not have the time or ability to get the needed supplies to get you through the situation safely and comfortably.
What should I have in my emergency kit?
- Water- one gallon per person per day for at least three days for drinking and sanitation
- Food-at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food for you, infants, and pets.
- Battery-powered radio or hand crank radio with extra batteries
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- First Aid Kit
- Whistle to signal for help.
- Dust masks to help filter contaminated air.
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape to create an emergency shelter
- Wet wipes, garbage bags, and toilet paper.
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.
- Manual can opener and knife
- local maps
- cell phone charger, inverter, or solar charger
- A medication list for renewals and a three-day supply
- Medications such as Advil, Tylenol and Tums
- Paper plates, cups, napkins, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hair brush, soap, contact lens solution, feminine supplies, and diapers.
- Extra clothes and shoes
- Blankets, hats, mittens
- Copies of important documents such as birth certificates, passports, and insurance information.
TIP; Freeze your water jugs to help keep items colder longer, and to store needed water for drinking.
Things to keep in mind…
- Pets; water, food, medication, food, carriers, and leashes.
- Infants: formula and diapers
- Elderly: List of prescriptions, walker, cane, dentures, glasses, and hearing aids.
First Aid Kit supplies should include…
- Adhesive bandages of various sizes
- Eyewash
- Roller Gauze bandage and tape
- Germicidal hand wipes or antiseptic wipes
- Gloves
- CPR breathing barrier
- Scissors and tweezers
- Cold pack
- Aspirin, Tylenol, Benadryl, Advil and Tums
These kits can be made, or ordered online. The dollar store has many of these items making it even more cost-effective to put a kit together.
Emergency kits should be kept in your car, at home, and at work. Disasters don’t care where you are when they happen.
TIP; Did you know that the headrest on your seat in your vehicle detaches easily so that in an emergency you can break the glass to escape the vehicle?
As always, if a disaster should affect your home or business, Bouchard Cleaning & Restoration will be there to help you recover. We are your local, family-owned company servicing all of Maine with offices in Westbrook, Hampden, and Presque Isle.
