CHAPTER SIX: LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT TIME
Even as Chatham emerges from this most recent storm, we look ahead to the next one -- because there will always be a next one. Knowledge is power, and as a community we have accumulated substantial knowledge about the effects of powerful storms like Debby.
CEMA is always monitoring for severe weather or other emergency conditions. To stay in the know, sign up for CEMA alerts to get notifications in real time. Check out CEMA’s website and to stay tuned in to Chatham County Government’s social media for useful and often critical information as emergency situations develop. The Hurricane Registry is a great resource for those with family members whose physical conditions would be endangered if required to evacuate during a storm.
We know that the safety of ourselves and our loved ones is paramount. CEMA provides excellent information on how and why to build an emergency kit for your family in advance, because we know there could always be the possible need for evacuation. We also know we need to have an Emergency Evacuation Plan with a predetermined emergency destination.
We know that our pets are members of our families, so we know never, ever to leave them behind if we need to leave for safety during an emergency. We know that our family emergency kits need to contain essential items for our fur-babies as well: first aid supplies, medications, food & water, leashes & muzzles, vaccination records and current microchip information. We know that storms are scary for animals, so it’s not a bad idea to let them practice getting used to their crates when times are calm. And we know that if they become lost in a storm, having them microchipped in advance is the #1 thing you can do to boost your chances of being reunited with them. We know to check out CCAS website and DisasterPreparedness/ASPCA for all the tips from those who know animals best.
We know that there are things we can do to try to protect our homes from storm damage, and there are also things we can do to help our rcovery process. We know that we live in a beautiful place that is part of The Low Country, surrounded by water at every turn, so we know that flood insurance is key. We know you can check out your Flood Zone Determination with Chatham’s Engineering Department and check with FEMA to see what coverage is appropriate for your home. And while you’re on FEMA’s website, you can download their Emergency Financial First Aid Kit, because we may know we have insurance, but do we know the policy number? And do we know all of our contacts and financial info without working computers? And do we know our pins and our passwords? Do we know our prescriptions if we’re away from our regular doctors' offices or pharmacies? If we take the time in advance to fill out the EFFAK, then yes, WE WILL know all of these things when we need to know them.
