Tips for a Safe Summer Season

Not only is the summer our busiest travel season, it’s also hurricane season.  Many of us leave town for anything from a long weekend to a summer-long vacation.  No matter how experienced a traveler you are, it can be a mad scramble to take everything you and your family need and leave your house in good order. Even if you stay close to home there are a few things to have on hand in the event of a power outage. Here’s a handy checklist that can save you a world of trouble…

Prepare your home:

• If you have a sump pump, be sure it's in good working order; a battery-powered backup is ideal, if you have that option
• Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed so they are more wind resistant
• Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts
• Store loose patio and pool furniture
• Arrange with a neighbor or friend to check on your property regularly
• Stop mail and newspaper deliveries
• Put some interior lights on timers
• Consider programming the radio to come on during the day
• Keep important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
• Keep vital medical information in the same container

 Supplies to have on hand:

• Paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
• Water! (one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days),  for both drinking and sanitation
• Food: at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Manual can opener
• Battery-powered or hand crank NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert; consider one with a cell phone charger
• Flashlight; extra batteries (of recent vintage); 12-hr glow sticks; kerosene lanterns and fuel
• First aid kit
• Cash
• Warm blankets and/or sleeping bags
• Waterproof matches
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Personal hygiene suppliesWhistle to signal for help
  • Moist wipes
  • Feminine supplies
  • Toilet paper
  • Garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Books, games, puzzles, playing cards or other activities to help pass the time
• Prescription medications and glasses
• And don’t’ forget:
  • extra infant formula and diapers
  • pet food and extra water for your pet

  Travel safely:

• Leave a copy of your itinerary with a trusted family member or friend
• Make a list of important emergency information
• Cash
• Go over basic safety information, rules, and procedures with family members and travel companions
  • what to do if you get lost or sick
  • backup meeting location(s) and 3rd party contact info
• First Aid kit
• Auto Emergency kit (jumper cables, flares, thermal blanket, whistle, etc.)Check your cell phone battery before you leave and bring your charger
  • Emergency window hammer with seat belt cutter
• Sturdy shoes
• Extra water and high-energy foods (granola bars, trail mix)
• Local maps
• Secure loose items in the vehicle: during a sudden stop loose items can be thrown around the car like missiles
• Check for local weather alerts to avoid flooded areas, etc.

Click Here for printable checklist.