GUSTAV LOOMS

click the picture for a current link to the NOAA Hurricane Update.

As the news about the hurricane gets more intense I have started to wonder about what role the Coast Guard will play in the next few days and weeks. It will no doubt be interesting to watch. More importantly this has made me rethink what disasters we are susceptible to here in California and if we as a station or as a family are prepared for them.

JUST A THOUGHT.....
From an ombudsman point of view, I think it would be helpful to have a plan in place, with all of the phone numbers and contact information for each of the families at the station. In the event of an emergency or earthquake, etc. it would be helpful to have a procedure and a point of contact and a phone tree to make sure each of the members of our unit and their loved ones are accounted for, safe and have their needs met. It would also be less hectic in terms of contacting our loved ones, and finding out information as the Station would no doubt be involved in some sort of relief/rescue effort.

I think I'll get to work on that. Any thoughts???? - please feel free to comment below.

In the meantime, here is a listing given by FEMA about a basic survival kit that each family should have. I know we used ours in the aftermath of hurricane Isabel when we were stationed in Virginia and it was a great relief to have been prepared!

Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

The following items are recommended for inclusion in your basic disaster supplies kit:

• Three-day supply of non-perishable food.
• Three-day supply of water - one gallon of water per person, per day.
• Portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries.
• Flashlight and extra batteries.
• First aid kit and manual.
• Sanitation and hygiene items (moist towelettes and toilet paper).
• Matches and waterproof container.
• Whistle.
• Extra clothing.
• Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils, including a can opener.
• Photocopies of credit and identification cards.
• Cash and coins.
• Special needs items, such as prescription medications, eye glasses, contact lens solutions, and hearing aid batteries.
• Items for infants, such as formula, diapers, bottles, and pacifiers.
• Other items to meet your unique family needs.

Click here for more extensive information from FEMA
about emergency kits and disaster preparation.