The Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1.

Take the risk of this natural disaster seriously. Hurricanes and tropical storms cause life-threatening hazards, including high winds, tornadoes, storm surge and flooding.

Preparing today is the best way to protect your family and yourself when a storm does hit.

Your family disaster plan

A family disaster plan helps everyone know what to do in the event of a hurricane, helping you stay safe.

Talk to your family about what you will do when a storm hits. Maintain a written document. Practice your plan and review it every six months. Share it with friends or other family members.

You can learn more and get a starting template for family disaster plans through your county’s emergency management office.

Some items to consider in planning:

• Decide where you would go if local emergency officials call for an evacuation. Make arrangements to stay with an out-of-town friend or relative, at a hotel, campground or public shelter. Know your evacuation route before you leave home. Plan for more than one in case authorities determine your route is unsafe.
• Designate an out-of-state friend as the point person that all family members will contact should you become separated.
• Plan what to do with your pets. Other than service animals, pets usually are not permitted in public shelters.
• Protect your home and property. Fix your home so it’s able to withstand severe weather. Take care of hazards and install protective measures, like storm shutters. Determine the safest place to be in your home if you have to stay there during a storm.
• Ensure you have adequate insurance coverage. Make a complete inventory and a record of the items in your home.
• Keep copies of important personal papers in a secure second location.
• Include emergency telephone numbers with your phones. Teach children how and when to call for help.
• Take first aid and CPR classes.
• Get a NOAA weather radio to stay informed before, during and after storms.
• Create and maintain a disaster supplies kit (for items you’ll need, find the information box in this blog). This should contain items that can help whether or not you evacuate. Check it and update items as necessary every six months.

Help your children cope

Discuss with your children the importance of preparing for a hurricane. Quiz them on your family disaster plan so they remember what to do.

Include emergency telephone numbers with your phones. Teach children how and when to call for help.

In your disaster supply kit, include special items that are important to your children to help them feel secure in the event of a storm. Include photos of your family in case you must evacuate. Have your children carry identification.

If a hurricane hits, be prepared: Children will need extra care to help them cope, even if they don’t show their feelings. They likely will experience a good deal of anxiety. Talk to your children every day and reassure them that you will take care of them, even as your family deals with the consequences of the storm.

Our comprehensive plan

At Plantation General Hospital, we have a comprehensive hurricane preparedness plan to ensure our patients and the staff members who care for them are safe before, during and after the storm. (See our 2010 Community Report on our website at www.plantationgeneral.com.)

We have arrangements and contracts with vendors to provide medical supplies, additional generators, food, fuel, emergency transportation, building supplies and construction crews, which can be dispatched after the storm to make immediate repairs to our facilities.

We are prepared for hurricane season. You should be, too.

Learn how we can help you. Visit us at www.plantationgeneral.com.

Disaster supplies kit (information box)

- At least a three-day supply of water (one gallon per person, per day)

- At least a three-day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food

- At least a seven-day supply of medications

- Medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane, first-aid kit)

- Important documents (medication list, medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)

- Family and emergency contact information

- Map of the area

- Cell phone with chargers

- Extra set of car and house keys

- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA weather radio)

- Flashlight

- Batteries

- Multi-purpose tool

- Cash

- Blanket/sleeping bag (one per person)

- Sanitation and personal hygiene items

- Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)

- Pet supplies (collar, leash, food, bowl, carrier, license, vaccine certifications)

- Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes

- Rain gear

- Insect repellent and sunscreen

- Tools/supplies for securing your home

- Camera for photos of damage