Emergency Preparedness

First-Aid Kit

Disasters come in a variety of phenomenons from tornados, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes etc... Some disasters occur naturally, some are man made. Some are caused by carelessness some are caused on purpose. Bottom line for you and your family, it doesn’t matter what caused it, a disaster is a disaster.

In the event of a disaster, will you and your family have the supplies on hand to meet your needs? The following is a list to help you determine what to include in your disaster supply kit to meet your family’s needs. Obviously, not all of these items will need to be in your kit. You should review the list; pick out what you think would apply to you and your family and prepare the kit. Discuss the use and purpose of the kit with your family and its location.

Check out our First-Aid Kit list by clicking here*.

*this list is based on texasready.gov and the American Red Cross Suggestions

Storm Stats:

In North America an average year has:

100,000 thunderstorms
10,000 severe thunderstorms
5,000 floods
1,000 tornadoes
2 deadly hurricanes

More specifically North Central Texas in an average year has:

258 severe thunderstorm events (large hail, damaging winds)
68 flash flood events
12 tornadoes
Less than 1 hurricane

Lightning Safety

If you hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning—find safe shelter immediately.
Move to a sturdy building and stay away from the windows (don’t take shelter in a shed, under isolated trees or in a convertible vehicle).
If a sturdy shelter is not available, get inside a hardtop vehicle and keep the windows up.
Get out of boats and away from water.
Unplug appliances and avoid using the telephone except in an emergency (cell phones are okay, corded phones are not)

Flood Safety

Get out of areas subject to flooding, like dips, low spots, canyons, washes, etc.
Avoid already flooded and high-velocity flow areas—don’t attempt to cross a flowing stream.
Never drive through flooded roadways in case the roadbed is no longer intact.
If your vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground.
Be cautious at night when it’s harder to recognize flood dangers.
Don’t camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions.

Hail Safety

If weather conditions are prime for a storm, move cars,boats, RVs and lawn and patio furniture into a covered area.
During a storm, seek shelter. Hail of any size can bedangerous when pelted in high winds.
Surfaces may become slick, so use caution if you’re outside.
When driving into a hailstorm, find a safe place to pull over and turn your car so the hail is hitting the windshield. The safety glass will protect you. The hail could break the glass in other windows.

Tornado Safety

In a home or building, move to a pre-designated shelter, such as a basement.
If underground shelter is not available, move to an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor and get under a sturdy piece of furniture.
Stay away from windows.
Don’t try to outrun a tornado in your car—leave it immediately and seek shelter in a sturdy building.
Mobile homes should always be abandoned.
If no shelter is available, get out of vehicles and find the most low-lying area (ditch, ravine, etc.), lay flat on your stomach and cover your head with your hands.

Extreme Heat Safety

STAY OUT OF THE SUN.- Use sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher).
STAY HYDRATED. - Drink plenty of non-alcoholic and caffeine-free fluids.
INSULATE.Install window air conditioners snugly. - Check air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation. Weather-strip doors and sills to keep cool air in.
HELP PREVENT DROUGHT. - Water your lawn only when necessary and by adhering to local water restrictions.
HELP PREVENT WILDFIRES. - Respect ”no burn” days.
AVOID FIRES. - Dispose of cigarettes responsibly. Dispose of hot charcoal in a non-flammable container or hose down before dumping