For those who've never been through a tropical storm or hurricane, here's a list of what you need to have to get through it. And for those who've been through this before, don't forget to add face masks, wipes and sanitizer due to COVID-19,
The main thing to remember is that after a storm, it may take a while for crews to restore power. The water may not be safe to drink right away. And trees may make it difficult to get anywhere.
That's why you're urged to have a 3 day supply on hand for you and your family. The slogan from a few years ago still applies: "The first 72 are on you."
Oh, and don't forget that ATMs and gas pumps don't work when the power is out. And make sure phones are fully charged.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 21, 2020
For more information contact:
Mark Ingram (251) 989-0229
Tropical Storm Preparation: Make a Plan and Build and Emergency Kit
(SUMMERDALE, Ala.) –With the threat of tropical activity approaching the Gulf Coast next week, Baldwin EMC officials are closely monitoring the weather forecasts. The cooperative encourages everyone in the area to start preparing over the weekend to put both an emergency plan and emergency kit in place.
“While we hope we don’t take a direct hit from these storms, we advise everyone to use the next few days to prepare,” says Baldwin EMC Vice President of Corporate Service and Public Relations Mark Ingram. “It’s critical now to put a plan in place with your family and household, and make sure you have an emergency kit to get you through those first 72 hours, in the event of extended outages.”
Baldwin EMC recommends an emergency kit that includes the following:
Flashlight with fresh batteries
Radio (or portable TV) with fresh batteries
Extra batteries
Candles and holders
Matches
Bottled water
Non-perishable food
Manual can opener
Paper plates and plastic utensils
Paper towels and napkins
Waterless hand sanitizer
Charcoal grill with charcoal and lighter
Blankets
Wind-up clock
“Just like everything else, Covid-19 is making our storm season look a little different this year,” Ingram says. “As families are making a plan, they need to consider how this may affect storm shelter availability or their evacuation arrangements. What has worked in the past may need to be adjusted this time around, and that’s why it’s critical to have the discussion now, while we have a little time on our side.”
Baldwin EMC staff will continue to watch these storms closely and make their own preparations ahead of potential landfall to the service area. A complete list of storm preparation resources and safety tips can be found at their website, www.baldwinemc.com/safety/storm-central/.
Follow Baldwin EMC on Facebook (www.facebook.com/BaldwinEMC/), Instagram (instagram.com/baldwinemc) and Twitter (twitter.com/baldwinemc).
Baldwin EMC is a member-owned electric cooperative serving more than 80,000 accounts in Baldwin and Monroe Counties in southwest Alabama, including Alabama’s Gulf Coast.
(Photo: Getty Images)