Hurricane Irene Preparations

We've had plenty of warning. Check the list to make sure there's nothing you've missed.

Hurricane Irene is on its way to New England on Sunday, August 28 or early on Monday, August 29.

Lets not forget that:
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is offering personal preparedness tips for the all of the citizens of the Commonwealth.

“Every family should have a basic supply kit that could be used for any emergency,” states MEMA Director Don Boyce. “Everyone should keep certain items around the house in the event of a hurricane or other severe weather. A portable radio, flashlight, extra batteries, and extra non-perishable food and water are all essential to help your family weather the storm.”

Every household should have a supply of canned goods and other non-perishable foods that do not need cooking, along with bottled water, extra prescription medication, and extra food and supplies for infants and pets. A manual can opener and a basic first aid kit are also essential. (Remember 72 Hour Kit in June's Newsletter)

“Every family should develop a ‘Family Communication Plan’ to help ensure everyone is safe. Developing a Family Emergency Communications Plan in case family members are separated from one another during an emergency (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school, camp or at a friend’s house). This plan should also address reunification after the immediate crisis passes.



Preparing a 72 hour kit
There are many types of disasters: floods, fires, earthquakes, hurricanes and tornadoes. It is estimated that after a major disaster, it may take up to three days for relief workers to reach some areas. It would be wise to consider a Go Pack that you could live on for 7-10 days. A 72-hour kit is the minimum you should have available.

Plan your go pack accordingly to your family's' size. Have children make up their own Go Packs.

Here are examples of items you may want to pack:

72 Hour Kit

· Personal comfort kit (include soap, toothbrush and gel, comb, tissue, sanitary napkins, razor), and other needed items

· Extra Clothing

· A complete outfit of appropriate clothing

for each family member. Include extra

socks, underwear, hat, sturdy shoes, and gloves

· Money, at least $50 in small bills in your kit. Be sure to include quarters and dimes for phone calls

· Stress Relievers

Games, books, hard candy, inspirational reading. For children: small toys, paper hand pen, favorite security items

· Important Papers

· Copies of documents important to your family (such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, wills, insurance forms), phone numbers you might need, credit card information

· Medications

· Pet Supplies and pet records

· Additional Items

Þ Extra food

Þ Camp stove Mess kits and other cooking equipment

Þ Sterno cans

Þ Sun block

Þ Insect repellent Portable toilet - Special medication, extra glasses

Þ Portable Container

Þ Durable water resistant duffel bag, frame pack or day pack

· 1-2 gallons of water per person, per day should be stored for sanitation and drinking

· Method of water purification

· Food

· 72 + Hour Supply of Food and Water

· Warmth and Shelter

· Wind proof/waterproof matches

· Second method to start a fire

· Tent/shelter

· Wool-blend blanket or

· Sleeping bag

· Emergency reflective blanket

· Lightweight stove and fuel

· Hand and body warm packs

· Poncho

· Light Sources

· Flashlight with batteries

· Candle

· Light stick

· Tools

· Pocket knife

· Shovel

· Hatchet or Axe

· Sewing kit

· 50-foot nylon rope

· First Aid

· First aid kit and supplies

· Burn gel and dressings

· Bottle of potassium iodide tablets

· Communications

· Radio with batteries or radio with alternate power sources

· Whistle with neck cord

· Personal Sanitation


For those of you that could help at housing shelters or with other duties for your local MRC, please call and let them know that you would be able to help.

"Be Informed/Be Prepared/Be a Volunteer"