HURRICANE IRENE -- PASSING THE TIME SAFELY
Below are two of the handouts passed out from my past presentations about DISASTER PREPAREDNESS! Below the second handout is a new tip sheet with handy information that is less urgent and some of which is more fun, perhaps!
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HANDOUT #1
STRESSED.PRESSED.MESSED
Advanced Professional Organizing Services
N e w Y o r k | A t l a n t a | C h a r l e s t o n
DISASTER AWARENESS & PREPAREDNESS RESOURCES
SIESTA MAGAZINE (September 2009 issue)
HOMELAND SECURITY
READY
FEMA
RED CROSS
WEATHER
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
DELPHI VIM
++ Everyone could benefit from reading the book "Organize for Disaster" by Judith Kolberg.
> There are over 35 different disasters- both natural and manmade.
Find a comprehensive list on SIESTA MAGAZINE
> Draft a complete list of emergency contacts, including family, friends, neighbors, emergency services, disaster services
> Purchase a battery powered weather radio and collect items needed for a first aid kit. NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE or WEATHER RADIOS
> Declutter your residence and your work space and keep it well maintained. This is to avoid fire hazards, injuries from falling and helps to avoid mold and mildew growth and holds off dust mites and other pest infestations.
> Review all of your insurance policies to become very familiar with what your coverage is, exactly. Most people do not have complete understanding as to what their insurance policies cover.
> Gather up all vital documents, including proof of identity, medical records, various insurance papers, most recent financial papers, etc. and organize them properly in a portable filing box in case of quick escape.
> Safeguard all of your records and online data against identity theft. Shred paperwork with your social security number, birthdates, address, etc. other than what you keep filed for your own reference. Do not leave such paperwork in your vehicle and always check your purse, wallet and/or luggage when away from home to make certain you have not been distracted by a clever thief.
> Keep medications in one place to collect quickly in case of urgent departure. Keep your prescription information with the medications in case a refill is needed.
> Research the possible risks that can follow certain disasters.
EXAMPLES:
- respiratory risks after mold and mildew growth from hurricanes or floods,
- infestation risks from floods or poor sanitation
- structure failures after earthquakes
- live power lines
> Study your residence as well as your workplace to create plans of escape that offer the least amount of trouble and review and practice this plan with those living or working with you.
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HANDOUT #2
STRESSED.PRESSED.MESSED
Advanced Professional Organizing Services
N e w Y o r k | A t l a n t a | C h a r l e s t o n
DISASTER AWARENESS & PREPAREDNESS SURVEY QUESTIONS
1. How many disasters have you endured?
2. Name the three most memorable disasters that you have experienced and recovered from.
1.
2.
3.
3. How devastating were these three disasters?
4. Were you prepared for each disaster? Or, was there absolutely no warning?
5. Are you now prepared for any possible future disasters?
6. Do you know where all of your most important documents are right now?
7. Are your documents portable for a quick escape?
8. Do you have set emergency contacts and meeting spots planned out?
9. If you have any routine prescriptions, are they stored in a portable container where they can be grabbed in a hurry, along with refill information?
10. Do you have an emergency first aid kit?
11. Is your home prepared for disaster?
- Is it clutter free?
- Would it be considered a fire hazard?
- Is it easy to plan out an escape route?
12. How familiar with your insurance policies are you?
- home - flood - medical - auto - business - life - other
13. How familiar are you with the various types of disasters, their effects and any possible lingering risks that follow, such as respiratory problems or infestations, as examples.
14. In the case of something as simple as a power outage lasting longer than two hours, are you always prepared with alternatives to power for lighting, cooking, bathing and listening to news updates and warnings?
15. Do you feel that your documents and online personal data are secured enough to prevent your identity from being stolen?
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TIP SHEET!!
DURING the storm...
Other last minute hurricane tips... not as urgent... but still handy...
Listed below are tips for just before the first pounding rains begin and then during those stormy hours.
1. Wash your dishes and as much laundry as you can before possible power outages. Who wants to be stuck at home with no power and possibly not water or gas with which to properly clean, only to be stuck viewing and smelllling dirty items? Also, this is one of those times when disposable cups and plates are excusable and helpful.
2. No yard? If you still happen to have a porch, balcony or simply have loose items at your front door, move them indoors or secure them from being lifted into the air as missles.
3. Does your automobile have a sunroof? It's not a bad idea to cover such a vehicle with a tarp to prevent leaks from such severe rain pounding over it for such a great length of time.
4. Eat everything from the freezer than you can before the storm hits in case of power outage. This is a good time to not feel guilty about emptying the ice cream container-- oops!
5. Do as much work on your computer as you can before the storm really hits. Shut it completely down and unplug it. If you feel you are missing out of work, you can, at the very least, gather your work thoughts and use a pen a paper --imagine that!--to jot them down before losing those precious ideas!
6. Plan simple meals that don't require electricity. If you are fortunate to have a gas stove, be careful to light the burners so that you can boil noodles to make a pasta salad or other pasta dish. Have plenty of bread on hand for sandwiches, such as tuna salad. Fruits are great for strength and vitamins and are portable, which is a plus. Boxed or canned soups work in a pinch, but with gas, you can still plan for fresh ingredients and make your own.
7. Face it, you are probably stuck indoors for hours upon hours. It might be a good time to collect those items around the house you have been meaning to donate and stash them in a nice big bag with a label and set by the front door to be delivered or picked up by your local charity.
8. Gather up all of your coolers and freezing gel packs and freeze all of them overnight, just in case you need them to keep foods colder longer in your freezer or moved to coolers, depending on the situation.
9. Use the time stuck indoors as a positive and reflect on your week ahead, your plans, your goals, your lists of things to do, places you want to go, etc. This is a great time to make lists.
10. In the daylight hours, when there is actually light, though darker that you would like for it to be, you can still use that time for catching up on paperwork and filing. You can at least tear through mail that you might have become behind on and recycle what you don't need and handle the papers that you do.
11. If you happen to have battery powered dvd player, you can pass some time with movies. Or, you can use your Nooks and Kindles-- OR, even those REAL books, made out of paper, which is what people used to do without power.
12. Pull out photographs, board games and other activities you claim you never have time for and miss.
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