Hurricane Season Is Here
The 2011 Hurricane Season is upon us. Although it's early in the season and development is not likely at this time, it's never too early to start preparations.
Need tips for preparing yourself and your family?
See the tips below to help you prepare and plan. You should have a backup plan in the event your first choice is not able to be carried out.
Before The Storm:
- Contact local emergency management to gain a "risk assessment" of the area in which you live.
- Check to see if you have adequate flood insurance.
Create a Disaster Plan:
- Prepare a Personal Evacuation Plan.
- Select your own reliable transportation.
- Arrange to stay with others in an area not at risk.
- Make arrangements in advance for pets. They are not allowed in shelters.
- Select a place to meet family if you are separated and cannot return home.
- Select a place out-of-state to leave messages for separated family members.
- Post emergency numbers by telephones.
- If you evacuate leave a note telling others when you left and where to reach you.
Prepare Your Home:
- Trim overhanging branches and shrubs.
- Pre-cut 5/8-inch plywood for your windows if you do not have shutters.
- Show each family member how to turn off water, gas, and electricity and discuss when it's appropriate to do so.
- Eliminate fire hazards and secure objects that could cause injury in your home during a disaster.
- If in a mobile home, check tie downs.
- Prepare Disaster Supply Kit.
Disaster Supply Kit:
- Water: Store a seven-day supply (one gallon per person per day), preferably in plastic containers.
- Food: Store at least a seven-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, cooking, or preparation. Have a non-electric can opener.
- First Aid Kit: Prepare a first aid kit that includes prescription medicines (two-week supply).
- Tools and Supplies: Include items such as: a battery-powered radio and flashlight with plenty of extra batteries; extra set of car keys; credit card, cash, or traveler's checks; sanitation supplies; extra set of glasses.
- Clothing and Bedding: Set aside one change of clothing and footwear per person, and one blanket or sleeping bag per person.
- Special Items: Include any special items needed for the care of infant, elderly, or disabled family members.
- Remember non-battery operated games for children.
For additional resources visit the Louisiana State Police website at www.getagameplan.com.
In the event of a disaster, please check back for important updates and phone numbers that will help you plan for your medical care in the event of an evacuation or disaster.
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Ochsner Health System is southeast Louisiana’s largest non-profit, academic, multi-specialty, healthcare delivery system with eight hospitals and over 38 health centers in Louisiana. Ochsner has been named the Consumer Choice for Healthcare in New Orleans for 15 consecutive years and is the only Louisiana hospital recognized by U.S. News and World Report as a “Best Hospital” across seven specialty categories. Ochsner employs more than 12,500 employees, over 850 physicians in over 90 medical specialties and subspecialties and conducts over 300 clinical research trials annually. Ochsner Health System is proud to be a tobacco-free environment. For more information, please visit ochsner.org and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
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