We all live in a community. If a plan isn't in place for family, home and community, take initiative and see if you can help out.
“We can no longer believe it won’t happen to us,” said Dr. Sherrie Raz. “We have seen the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and we have heard predictions of more storms to come. Now is the time to take action, physically and emotionally.”
Many people realize the importance of conducting a family and a community disaster planning meeting, but most don’t do it. Or, if they have, it likely has not taken into account the strong emotional issues that people confront when faced with major life decisions.
Here are some important steps to take:
1. Call a family meeting now. Discuss what you saw on television and share your emotions and fears. Be honest and listen to each other carefully.
2. Make a pact never to jeopardize any family member’s health or emotional well being. We saw too many scenarios of family members staying because one family member was being stubborn. This is not to be tolerated and this should be made clear now.
3. Create a care plan for any family member who may be unexpectedly infirm or immobile at the time of impending disaster.
4. A contact plan needs to be implemented so each family member is immediately notified should a disaster be pending, and each person must know the family’s chosen out-of-town contact, their telephone number and address.
5. Create a written list of all important tasks that need to be done prior to a storm, both for staying and evacuating. Keep this list visible. Assign tasks according to what each member is capable of achieving. The family leader will review that all tasks have been completed. (Please see StormTips.com for comprehensive advice.)
6. Do tasks well in advance whenever possible. Stock up on supplies. Have extra copies of all important papers, and find safe, easily deployable window protection for your home are all jobs that can be done prior.
7. Make sure an emergency bag is packed and ready to go at any time for each family member and that it is has current photos of each family member, cash, and a credit card.
8. Have several plans ready for pets. There has been some leniency about shelters taking pets after Katrina, but you still may have to make some difficult decisions. Prepare early and you will have the most options.
9. Instigate a community meeting immediately. Whether it’s your condo, homeowners association or enclave, meet with your neighbors. Most people in South Florida don’t even know who their neighbors, yet these potential friends may be a great source of information and shared knowledge. Discuss the problems you saw on television. Make a community evacuation plan so all people who want to leave will be able to do so in an orderly manner. Also create a plan to for neighbors to assist each other. Dr. Raz has some wonderful information to provide on having people get along during these times of stress.
10. Discuss evacuation routes with your local officials now. Determine when roads will open in one-way directions and what routes are the best ones to use.
11. Talk to community leaders about what hospitals or emergency facilities will be operational during a storm.
12. Be prepared to leave early. Getting out of town will be more difficult than you expect. Have alternative plans.
13. Create rituals. Despite the impending disaster, take brief family emotional check-ups. These short but regular meetings are important.
