Preparing You & Your Family For Bad Weather

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Living in Boston, I am used to the high winds and precipitation...especially in the winter. With Hurricane Irene at my doorstep, I thought it would be a wise decision to post precautions families should take when dealing with bad weather in their city. Cleveland isn't prone to hurricanes, but we do know a thing or two about bad thunderstorms and snow/ice storms. Here are some safety tips when dealing with bad weather:

1. Food: Buy sufficient food for a few days, including water. Consider canned food (beans, soup, fish) and a can opener as well as fresh food, in case of downed electricity lines.
2. Pets: Make a plan for your pets: sufficient water, exercise, sanitation.
3. Health, Meds & Drug Store Essentials : Make sure you have sufficient prescription meds if you are on an important daily regimen, and get an adequate supply of other essentials such as diapers or baby formula. Call your physician before the storm hits if something's urgent.
4. Flashlights and candles: Buy or find several flashlights with batteries; candles and matches. But make sure you have someplace safe for the candles.
5. Evacuation Plan If you think you might need to evacuate, make an evacuation plan and leave contact information with key family or friends.
6. Stay Informed: Keep track of the storm on TV, radio or online. Just in case you get cut off, get a battery-powered radio.
7. Make a "Go Bag" in case you have to leave suddenly.
8. Charge Up: Charge your battery powered essentials, such as mobile phones.
9. Protect Your Car: Park your car indoors if possible. If you are located in a flood zone, move it out of that area. (Alternate side of the street parking will be suspended during the storm; stay tuned to the news.)
10. Don't Let Things Fly: Indoors, move personal possessions to the center of your home, away from windows and doors. Outdoors, tie down or bring garden furniture, bikes, flower planters, bird feeders, portable BBQs and so on inside.
11. Garbage: Secure garbage pails if they are outside, or bring them inside.

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