By: Dr. Amy Hedges, Liberty Pediatrics

The tropics are about to start churning up the potential for severe weather here in Hampton Roads. Are you ready? Planning ahead before a storm hits may help keep your family safe in an emergency. The following tips will help you prepare for whatever blows our way.

Build a Kit

Federal emergency management officials urge families to have on hand the essential supplies needed to manage for the first 10 days following a disaster. Including:

• A gallon of water per person, per day, for drinking and sanitation purposes.
• A 10-day supply of non-perishable food for each person in the household. People with special diets and/or allergies, babies, toddlers, and the elderly will need particular attention. Nursing moms may need liquid formula.
• Be sure to have an extra supply of items like hand sanitizer, antibiotic ointment, hygienic products, diapers, and wipes.
• Don’t forget your pets. They will need enough food and water for 10 days. Also, make sure your pet is wearing a collar and has updated identification tags.
• Additional items to pack in your emergency kit can be found here.

Have a Family Communications Plan

Roads may be impassable and cell phone service may be disrupted during a severe weather event. Identify alternative ways to stay in touch with loved ones. Consider the following:

• Choose an out-of-town point of contact.
• Decide on a meeting place in case you and your loved ones are separated.
• Keep important documents and phone numbers with you at all times.
• Make sure children know the communication plan and have emergency contacts memorized or saved in a secure location.
• Identify the closest shelter and make sure all family members know where it is.

Stay Informed

Stay tuned to local media broadcasts before, during, and after the storm.

• Local media will provide evacuation orders, evacuation routes, and shelter locations.
• Have a battery-powered radio and extra batteries on hand in case the power goes out.
• Consider purchasing emergency battery packs for your cell phone as well.
• Receive weather-related alerts from the US National Weather Service by downloading the FEMA APP at fema.gov/mobile-app.
• Contact your local emergency management office or your local chapter of the American Red Cross to learn more about the hurricane risk in your community.

Source: Adapted from FEMA’s Hurricane Preparedness Plan

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Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters has been the region’s most trusted name in pediatric care for more than 50 years. As members of CHKD Health System, our pediatricians work closely with CHKD’s full range of pediatric specialists and surgeons. They also share a commitment to quality, excellence and child-centered care. With 18 practices in 29 locations throughout the region, a CHKD pediatrician is never far.