An approaching hurricane can often leave people in a last minute frenzy to prepare for the storm. The Broward Sheriff’s Office works year-round with our local, state and federal partners to ensure the effectiveness of our emergency response during a hurricane. Just as we at BSO plan for unexpected weather emergencies, so should you. As we enter hurricane season, I strongly encourage you to be proactive. Create a disaster supply kit and have an emergency plan in place for you and your family.
When preparing your disaster supply kit, the rule of thumb is, “hope for three, plan for seven.” Ask yourself what you would need if you could not get to a grocery store, pharmacy, bank or gas station for several days. Hurricane reitems to include are:
• one gallon of water per
person per day
• non-perishable food items
• can opener
• specialty food items for
infants, elderly or pets
• blankets and pillows
• rain gear
• comfortable, sturdy
shoes
• seven-day supply of
medicines or prescription
drugs
• first-aid items
• flashlights and an ample
supply of batteries
• battery-operated radio
• fully-charged cell phone
• cash and credit cards
• full tank of gas
• waterproof container filled
with important documents
Emergency and evacuation plans should be discussed in advance. Determine which area in your home would be the safest during a storm, and decide at what point you would move to a shelter. If you have pets, identify in advance which shelters are pet-friendly.
When securing your home, here are some important safety reminders:
• Protect windows and glass
doors with hurricane
shutters.
•If you use plywood, make
sure all pieces are properly
fastened.
• Bring in all patio furniture,
outdoor plants and
decorations so they do not
become airborne debris.
For more information about hurricane preparedness, please visit sheriff.org/safety/hurricane. For additional reference resources, including important phone numbers, please visit broward.org/Hurricane/Pages/Default.aspx.
While you can always count on the Broward Sheriff’s Office during times of emergency, there is plenty you can do to ensure your families and homes are ready for hurricane season. Do not wait for a storm to threaten you.
Be safe this hurricane season!
For more information about BSO’s efforts to end distracted driving, call 954-831-8902.
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