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Health & Wellness Committee
Healthy Living Monthly Newsletter
June 2009 Edition
Health Topic of the Month: Hurricane Preparedness Month
While not all of this is entirely HEALTH related (although advance preparation
WILL substantially help you PHYSICALLY!), most of these guidelines will at
LEAST protect your MENTAL health in the event of a storm!!!!
Resource: Flood Smart.gov
Educate Yourself
After getting flood insurance, there are several things you can do to minimize
losses in your home and ensure your family's safety.
1. Safeguard your possessions.
Create a personal "flood file" containing information about all your possessions
and keep it in a secure place, such as a safe deposit box or waterproof container.
This file should have:
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A copy of your insurance policies with your agent's contact information.
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A room-by-room inventory of your possessions, including receipts, photos, and videos.
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Copies of all other critical documents, including finance records or receipts of major purchases.
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2. Prepare your house.
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Make sure your sump pump is working.
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Clear debris from gutters and downspouts.
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Anchor any fuel tanks.
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Raise your electrical components (switches, sockets, circuit breakers,
and wiring) at least 12 inches above your home's projected flood elevation.
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Place the furnace, water heater, washer, and dryer on cement blocks
at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation.
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Move furniture, valuables, and important documents to a safe place.
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3. Develop a family emergency plan.
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Create a safety kit with drinking water, canned food, first aid,
blankets, a radio, and a flashlight.
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Post emergency telephone numbers by the phone and teach your children
how to dial 911.
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Plan and practice a flood evacuation route with your family. Know safe
routes from home, work, and school that are on higher ground.
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Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to be your emergency family contact.
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Have a plan to protect your pets.
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For more information on emergency preparation, talk to your insurance agent or visit ready.gov
Preparing for Events, Hurricanes
Resource: American Red Cross
The Red Cross recommends the following safety steps and tips to prepare for a hurricane:
Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit
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Gather emergency supplies including: emergency medications, nonperishable
foods, a non-electric can opener, bottled water (at least three gallons per
day per person), a battery-powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries, extra
clothes, important documents, cash and credit cards, a first aid kit and other
items for infants, elderly or disabled family members and pets.
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Store supplies in a waterproof, easy-to-carry container, such as plastic tub
with handles.
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Prepare a Personal Evacuation Plan
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Identify an evacuation route ahead of time; discuss with family members.
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If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
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In case of evacuation to an American Red Cross shelter, be sure to bring the
disaster supplies kit, medications, extra clothing, pillows and blankets and
other hygiene and comfort supplies.
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Make advance preparations for pets so you can bring them with you when you
leave, but remember, due to health department regulations, pets aren't allowed
in public shelters.
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Prepare for High Winds
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Measure windows and obtain shutters or cut plywood to cover each one
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Remove diseased and damaged tree limbs well before a storm strikes
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Strengthen garage doors with vertical support beams made from 2x4's and
"L" brackets
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Get professional help if needed.
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Resource: Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Hurricane Readiness: Emergency Supplies You Will Need
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Stock your home with emergency supplies that you and your family may
need during the emergency period.
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Make sure that you have at least a 3-5 day supply of non-perishable
food and water.
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Include prescription medications, baby supplies and any additional
items for special medical needs.
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Place an emergency kit in your car.
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You should stock your home with supplies that may be needed during the emergency period.
At a minimum, these supplies should include:
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Several clean containers for water, large enough for a 3-5 day supply
of water (about five gallons for each person).
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A 3-5 day supply of non-perishable food.
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A first aid kit and manual.
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A battery-powered radio, flashlights, and extra batteries.
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Sleeping bags or extra blankets.
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Water-purifying supplies, such as chlorine or iodine tablets or
unscented, ordinary household chlorine bleach.
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Prescription medicines and special medical needs.
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Baby food and/or prepared formula, diapers, and other baby
supplies.
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Disposable cleaning cloths, such as "baby wipes" for the whole
family to use in case bathing facilities are not available.
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Personal hygiene supplies, such as soap, toothpaste, sanitary napkins,
etc.
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An emergency kit for your car with food, flares, booster cables, maps,
tools, a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, sleeping bags, etc.
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You can find more information on emergency plans and supply kits at www.ready.gov.
The Galleria Chamber of Commerce's Health & Wellness Committee meets monthly on the SECOND Tuesday of each month, unless otherwise notified.
If you would like more information on our meetings or participation,
please contact either of our Committee Co-Chairs:
Mary Joyce Murray at 713-622-4867 or
maryjoyce@mjmurray.com
Or
Jay Donnella at 713-857-2359 or
jdonnella@live.com
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