From a friend.....


GOOD OUTLINE FOR DECISION MAKING - from Caribbean Hurricane Agency



Your decision to stay at home or evacuate, should be based on the following considerations:-


1: Remain at home


Having assessed the threat and the ability of the construction of your home, as well as other resources (both human and material), you should do a checklist to see if your home can withstand the expected winds, rain and possibilities of flooding. If there are positive answers then you should indeed consider staying at home.


2. Go to a Private Shelter


If you are not comfortable at home for whatever reason, then consider staying with a family member or friend. If you plan to do this, make arrangements in advance.


3. Go to a Public shelter


If you believe that you would like to be accommodated in a public shelter then find out from the local disaster office when the shelters will be open and if possible, become familiar with the shelter in advance. DO NOT wait until the last minute to learn whether your designated shelter is accessible.


Whether you stay at home or go to a shelter, you must have some basic survival supplies. I am re-producing for your information what I believe is an excellent example of what should be contained in a disaster supply kit::


Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days


Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days
— non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
— foods for infants or the elderly
— snack foods
— non-electric can opener
— cooking tools / fuel
— paper plates / plastic utensils


Blankets / Pillows, etc.


Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes


First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs


Special Items - for babies and the elderly


Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes


Flashlight / Batteries


Radio - Battery operated


Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set


Cash (with some small bills) and credit cards - banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods


Keys


Toys, books and games


Important documents -- in a waterproof container or watertight resalable plastic bag -- insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.


Tools - keep a set with you during the storm


Vehicle fuel tanks filled


Pet care items
— proper identification / immunization records / medications
— ample supply of food and water
— a carrier or cage
— muzzle and leash




*****
Have a battery powered or hand crank radio.
If buying, try it out in the store first!


If possible, pre-program the local stations -
San Pedro (REEF) and Belize City. BC is
much farther south and may stay on the
air much longer than local if the storm gets close.


Call REEF and ask them at what time
of day they will be giving out storm info.


This is important as people can not keep
battery powered radios on 24/7. They should
have specific - on the hour or on the half hour
or at quarter after the hour times for information
about the storm, about conditions in town...


Check with Town Board or Neighborhood
Watch and see who is coordinating storm info.


Some one should be designated and posting
information received by phone from FEMA
at Town Board, or somebody at FEMA should be
posting Storm Related Info on a Blog or Msg.
Board.... Publicize the web-site or radio or blog
before the storm. Do it again for the next one.


This is a NW function.


*****
S. B. S.


1) Shutters - on


2) Boat - away from water and coconuts
3) Stockpile - water; food; meds


Other stuff:
Portable radio
Batteries
T.P.
Pet Food
Bleach
Tinned food
Mac and cheese in a Box! (not gourmet, but!)


Rice and beans take time and energy to cook - you won't have
time, energy or fuel. Get quick heating foods. Also trail bars.
Protein in a can - tinned meat.


*****
IF the storm comes - and it may indeed Swoosh Up between
Cancun and Cuba as 95% of the storms that get in the area
do - it could hit from the north and then west as Keith did,
which is good as you have miles of mangrove to
take the brunt. Just hunker down and let it blow over.


*****
Anyway - take care of you!
That is your first and largest task.
If you are prepared, then you are also
ready to help your neighbor.


If the storm gets close, you will be holed up and
battered by wind and rain.Then a place to look
or listen for Information - web site or radios
station - will be Very Desirable!