National Hurricane Preparedness Week - May 24-30.
[Tips, resources, and links are great for non-military families too!]
Military families face unique challenges from deployment and other duties.When there is an impending storm (hurricane), many are weathering the storm without their spouse at home.
Currently there are more than 100 bases and installations in hurricane-prone areas. Especially for military families newly assigned to coastal areas, it is important to become ‘hurricane-savvy’ before the storm season.
USAA's (United Services Automobile Association) catastrophe team offers these tips and advice so that
Be Prepared! Hurricane-Related Tips for Military Families:
- Contact the installation Command Post or your unit's Command Section for directions, including hosting programs at other military base communities for temporarily displaced military families.
- Be alert to guidance provided by the Office of Emergency Management serving your area.
- Keep your unit's Disaster Preparedness Officer, the installation Command Post, or designated Point of Contact informed with your anticipated evacuation location.
- Develop an evacuation and family communication plan.
- Build a communication network in advance with neighbors, friends and relatives, and plan on how you will provide updates on your family's status.
- Create a record of your possessions, including purchase prices, dates purchased, serial numbers and receipts. Keep the inventory in a safe location.
- Check to ensure your property, renters and auto insurance coverage levels are adequate.
- *** IMPORTANT: Flood damage is not covered by a regular homeowners insurance policy. A separate policy to protect against flood/water damage is available through the National Flood Insurance Program.
Safety first and foremost.
"The most important thing any family should do is to make sure your plan focuses first and foremost on your family's safety," says Bill Chandler, USAA executive director, National Catastrophe and Flood Operations.. "Insurance can replace your house, apartment and belongings, but nothing is more important than ensuring your family makes it through the storm." Chandler adds that the plan should include a location to meet and a method by which the family will communicate if the family members become separated.
Other considerations.
Chandler further advises military families to carefully consider the logistical and physical challenges inherent in preparing a home for a hurricane when one spouse may be unavailable to help due to military duty or deployment. Plans should be in place to safely evacuate a family, and communicate with friends and loved ones before and after the storm.
- Is there another family member in another area removed from the danger who can provide updates for both?
- Can an affected family check in with the deployed family member through another common acquaintance or through an employer?
- Is there a pre-designated meeting spot if an evacuation occurs while family members are apart?
Just for Kids- Hurricane Preparedness:
- Don’t forget about the care of your pets!
- Parents & Teachers - activities, curriculum and safety information (classroom & home). [By including your children in hurricane planning activities will help make them less fearful!]
Additional Resources:
- Special Needs Require Special Preparation [Important for families with disabled or elderly members].
- Preparing for Hurricanes: Review Your Coverage [All your current insurance coverage, home, auto and any other policies.]
- The National Flood Insurance Program [Flood policies have a 30-day waiting period before coverage becomes effective!]
- Getting Your Home Hurricane-Ready [What do prepare for now, prior to an impending storm, following a storm.]
- Hurricane Evacuation Checklist [What to do if you have 24 hours or less.]
- Gallons of water [at least a three day supply, 1 gallon per person/daily. Don’t forget about your pets!]
- Flashlights
- Batteries
- Non-perishable food
- Manual can opener
- First-aid kit
- Medications and prescriptions
- **Visit www.Ready.gov, www.FEMA.gov and www.FloridaDisaster.org for a thorough look into disaster preparedness and a more detailed list of emergency supplies. Also, www.Ready.gov/kids is an excellent resource for information on how to involve children in the process of assembling the family's Disaster Supply Kit.
Storm Planning and Survival Resources:
- American Red Cross
- Disaster Insurance Information
- Disaster Safety Organization
- Federal Alliance for Safe Homes
- FEMA
- Insurance Information Institute
- Institute for Business and Home Safety
- National Flood Insurance Program
- The USAA Educational Foundation
- Windstorm Insurance Network
Referenced Sources:
- FEMA: Federal Emergency Management Agency.
- Military Definitions: Federation of American Scientists.
- USAA: United Services Automobile Association (US)
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