Hurricane Dorian: Do You Have An Emergency Plan And What Is It?

MIAMI, FL — Everyone from Florida Gov. Rick DeSantis down to our local weatherman or weatherwoman has been telling us that the time is now to review our hurricane plans — before Hurricane Dorian strikes.

Plan, what plan?

"Your family may not be together when disaster strikes so it is important to prepare a family emergency plan that will help you respond to any emergency," Erika Benitez of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue told Patch.

With so many transplants moving to Florida, some people don't even know the basics of hurricane planning. "It is important to discuss the types of disasters that could occur," Benitez stressed.

SEE ALSO:

• Dorian Could Be 'Major Hurricane' With Dangerous Storm Surge: NHC
• Batten Down The Hatches; Coast Guard Declares Hurricane Condition
• Dorian Could Become A Cat 3 Or Even A Cat 4; Here's Why

FloridaDisaster.org is a website that walks Floridians through the process of setting up a family or business plan.

Patch is tracking every move of Tropical Storm Dorian. Get all the updates on the storm by subscribing to Patch's free breaking news alerts and daily newsletters.

It starts by asking you to fill out your name, address and county of residence. It then asks you how many family members you have in your household broken down by adults, infants and toddlers, children, the elderly and any special needs.

Next, it asks you how many dogs, cats or other pets you have in your residence and then it asks you to list an out-of-town contact who your household members can check in with if you become separated.

It also asks you to select a common meeting location in case your home is inaccessible.

That's it. You can now download the plan or go back and edit it as necessary.

"Plan how to prepare for and respond to each type of disaster," Benitez suggested. "Discuss where to go and what to bring if advised to evacuate."

She said each member of the household should be familiar with your predesignated meeting point in the event they become separated.

"Make sure to have a plan for your pets," she said. "Take special considerations when making plans for family members with special needs. Practice and maintain your plan."

Here's some additional tips:

• Make sure that emergency equipment, such as hurricane shutters and battery-powered radios, are in good working order
• Make sure that you have enough emergency supplies like non-perishable food and water for each person in your home to last for at least three days
• Store whatever materials you will need to properly secure your home
• Secure yard and construction debris so they do not pose a hazard during the storm
• Take tree trimmings to a local trash and recycling center
• Find out if you live in an evacuation zone
• If you live in a surge planning zone, determine in advance where you will stay, how you will get there and what supplies you will take with you if you are ordered to evacuate. Plan your departure time so ample time is allowed to get to a safe area.
• If you or someone you know requires skilled nursing care, has medical equipment that relies on electricity, needs assistance with daily living, or may need assistance evacuating during a disaster, be sure to register them with your county or city's local emergency evacuation assistance program.

Tips For Pet Owners

The American Veterinary Medical Association has published "Pets and Disasters," a resource for pet owners that includes tips on how to create a pet evacuation kit, what to do if your pet is lost and what to do after a disaster.

Be prepared for a disaster with a pet evacuation kit. Assemble the kit well in advance of any emergency and store in an easy-to-carry, waterproof container close to an exit.

Food and Medicine To Have For Your Pets:

• Three to seven days worth of dry and canned food
• Two-week supply of medicine for your pet
• Seven-day supply of water for your pet
• Feeding dish and water bowl
• Liquid dish soap

First Aid Kit

• Anti-diarrhea liquid or tablets
• Antibiotic ointment
• Bandage tape and scissors
• Cotton bandage rolls
• Flea and tick prevention (if needed in your area)
• Isopropyl alcohol or alcohol prep pads
• Latex gloves
• Saline solution
• Towel and washcloth
• Tweezers

Sanitation

• Litter, litter pan, and scoop (shirt box with plastic bag works well for pan)
• Newspaper, paper towels, and trash bags
• Household chlorine beach or disinfectant

Important Documents

• Identification papers including proof of ownership
• Medical records and medication instructions
• Emergency contact list, including veterinarian and pharmacy
• Photo of your pet (preferably with you)

Travel Supplies

• Crate or pet carrier labeled with your contact information
• Extra collar/harness with ID tags and leash
• Flashlight, extra batteries
• Muzzle

Comfort Items

• Favorite toys and treats
• Extra blanket or familiar bedding

In addition to these tips, you might also want to make sure your pet is chipped and that you have a recent photo of your pet with you in case they get lost.