In Case Of Emergency, Read Blog

Using particularly demonstrative language, FEMA is warning people on the Gulf Coast to ready themselves for Hurricane Ike. In a press release today, titled “Hurricane Ike Nearing Landfall: Act Now!”, the agency is asking residents:

Do you know what your local community’s evacuation plan is? If not, do you know where to locate it? Listen to the local officials on television and radio. When they tell you it is time to evacuate, pay attention. Go without delay!

Do you have your evacuation kit ready? Your supplies should last three to seven days, and put them in easy-to-carry containers. Also, make sure your vehicle has a full tank of gas. Get all of your important documents together.

Have you reviewed and updated your communications plan? Make sure you and your family members have the name and phone number of a friend or relative outside your city or state — so anyone who becomes separated from the group can telephone to let others know their situation. Share that number with every member of your family and double check that everyone has a cell phone, coins or a prepaid phone card to call the emergency contact.

Have you shared your plans with a family member or friend outside of the potentially impacted area? Be sure to let someone else know where you plan to go, where you will be staying (provide them with the hotel/shelter information) and call them when you are leaving and again when you arrive at your planned destination.

Does everyone in your family know what to do? Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important that everyone knows in advance: how you will contact one another; how you will get back together; and what you will do in different situations.

Don’t wait. Act now. Don’t place you or your family in harm’s way.

These are important questions to answer when a major hurricane is just hours away from striking. But as some emergencies cannot be predicted, I think these are important questions for all of us to start answering wherever we live.