Hurricanes and Storms

Put a plan together by discussing the questions below with your family, friends or household to start your emergency plan:

1. How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings? Sign up to receive emergency notifications from St. Lucie County at stlucieco.gov/alert.
2. What is my shelter plan?
3. What is my evacuation route?
4. What is my family/household communication plan?
5. Do I need to update my emergency preparedness kit?

As you prepare your plan tailor your plans and supplies to your specific daily living needs and responsibilities. Discuss your needs and responsibilities and how people in the network can assist each other with communication, care of children, business, pets or specific needs like operating medical equipment. Create your own personal network for specific areas where you need assistance. Keep in mind some these factors when developing your plan:

• Different ages of members within your household
• Responsibilities for assisting others
• Locations frequented
• Dietary needs
• Medical needs including prescriptions and equipment
• Disabilities or access and functional needs including devices and equipment
• Languages spoken
• Cultural and religious considerations
• Pets or service animals
• Households with school-aged children

Download and fill out a family emergency plan or use it as a guide to create your own.

• Family Emergency Communication Guide (PDF)
• Family Communication Plan Fillable Card (PDF)
• Emergency Plan for Families or (PDF)
• Emergency Plan for Parents (PDF)
• Emergency Plan for Kids or (PDF)
• Emergency Plan for Commuters (PDF)
• Pet Owners (PDF)
• Family Emergency Communication Planning Document (PDF)
• Family Emergency Communication Plan Wallet Cards (PDF)

To assemble your kit store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.

A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

• Water (one gallon per person per day for at least 1 week, for drinking and sanitation)
• Food (at least a 1 week supply of non-perishable food)
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Extra batteries
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
• Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
• Manual can opener (for food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
• Consider protective facemasks (for everyone ages 2 and above), soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces
• Prescription medications
• Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
• Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
• Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Cash or traveler's checks
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
• Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Download the Recommended Supplies List (PDF)

After assembling your kit remember to maintain it so it's ready when needed:

• Keep canned food in a cool, dry place.
• Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers.
• Replace expired items as needed.
• Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family's needs change.

Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work and cars.

• Home: Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept.
• Work: Be prepared to shelter at work for at least 24 hours. Your work kit should include food, water and other necessities like medicines, as well as comfortable walking shoes, stored in a "grab and go" case.
• Car: In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car.

Whether you are away from home for a day or a week, you will need essential supplies to care for your pet. Keep items in an accessible place and store them in sturdy containers that can be carried easily (duffle bags, covered trash containers, etc.). Your pet disaster supply kit should include:

• Medications and medical records (stored in a waterproof container) and a first aid kit.
• Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and/or carriers to transport pets safely and ensure that your animals cannot escape.
• Photo of you and your pet(s) - in the event you are separated from your pet, having an updated photo with your pet will help validate pet ownership.
• Food, potable water, bowls, cat litter/pan, and can opener.
• Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets.
• Pet beds and toys, if easily transportable.

Learn more about assembling a plan for your pet.

www.stlucieco.gov/alert

Get alerted about emergencies and other important community news by signing up for Alert St. Lucie public safety alert program . This system enables us to provide you with critical information quickly in a variety of situations, such as severe weather, unexpected road closures, missing persons and evacuations of buildings or neighborhoods.

You will receive time-sensitive messages wherever you specify, such as your:

• Home, mobile or business phones
• Email address
• Text messages and more. You pick where, you pick how.

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are just one of the ways public safety officials can quickly and effectively alert the public to serious emergencies. They are sent through the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), which integrates the nation's alert and warning systems, technologies and infrastructure.

What you need to know about WEAs:

• WEAs can be sent by state and local public safety officials, the National Weather Service, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the president of the United States.
• WEAs can be issued for three alert categories: imminent threat, AMBER and presidential.
• WEAs look like text messages but are designed to get your attention with a unique sound and vibration repeated twice.
• WEAs are no more than 90 characters and include the type and time of the alert, any action you should take and the agency issuing the alert.
• WEAs are not affected by network congestion and will not disrupt texts, calls or data sessions that are in progress.
• Mobile users are not charged for receiving WEAs and there is no need to subscribe.
• To make sure your device is WEA-capable check with your service provider.

NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR) is a nationwide network of radio stations that broadcast continuous weather information from the nearest National Weather Service office.

• NWR broadcasts official warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• NWR also broadcasts alerts of non-weather emergencies such as national security or public safety threats through the Emergency Alert System.

Download the FEMA app for free on the App Store and Google Play. Learn safety tips about what to do before, during, and after disasters. Receive notifications about severe weather for up to five locations nationwide.

The FEMA App: A simple and easy-to-use tool

• Receive fast and reliable weather alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five different locations nationwide.
• Learn how to prepare for emergencies and useful tips to keep you and your loved ones safe before, during and after disasters.
• Locate open shelters and disaster resource centers near you.
• Submit photos of damage in your area.
• Prepare your emergency kit, make a family plan, and set reminders.