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Insights > Make a Plan with Entergy for National Preparedness Month
Make a Plan with Entergy for National Preparedness Month
08/28/2018
September is National Preparedness Month and Entergy is joining Ready.gov in preparing our communities.
When weather phenomena strike, Entergy is well prepared to get your lights back on safely and as quickly as possible. We rely on our continuous cycle of planning, preparation and training. We call it Operation: Storm Ready.
Throughout September, we’ll share information to help you learn how Operation: Storm Ready prepares us year-round to deal with weather threats that affect our system and customers like you. You will find valuable information and tips to help you create your own plan and prepare for severe weather to help keep you and your loved ones safe. You will also learn how to find information to keep you informed about outages and the status of repairs on our website, entergystormcenter.com.
Remember, disasters happen. It's important to prepare now.
This week, we’re talking about your emergency plan for yourself, family and friends.
Experts agree that having a family emergency plan and a kit of the basic supplies you’ll need in an emergency is the best way to be prepared for severe weather. Entergy has plans in place for how we will react to severe weather, and we urge our customers to have one, too.
Preparing your family emergency plan is not complicated. If your family is separated when disaster strikes, having a plan in advance will help you know how you will contact one another and how you will get back together. A kit of basic emergency supplies and a first aid kit are easy to assemble and are smart ways you can prepare for severe weather. Remember to check the expiration dates on your supplies often and replace the expired items.
After a storm passes, it likely will be some time before things return to normal. It could be hours or days. The best way to accomplish that is to have a kit ready containing the basic supplies you’ll need in an emergency. You can find lists from many sources to help you make your kit, including entergystormcenter.com, ready.gov, and the American Red Cross. In general, experts agree your kit could include:
- Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation.
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both. Cell phone with charger, inverter or solar charger.
- Flashlight and extra batteries.
- First aid kit with emergency reference material such as a first aid book.
- Complete change of clothing including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container.
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation.
- Personal hygiene items including feminine supplies.
- Matches in a waterproof container.
- Paper towels.
- Paper cups, plates and plastic utensils or mess kits.
- Cash or traveler’s checks and change.
- Paper and pencil.
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.
- Whistle to signal for help.
- Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place.
- Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper. When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
- Fire extinguisher.
- Local maps.
- Prescription medications and glasses.
- Infant formula and diapers.
- Pet food and extra water for your pet.
- Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children.
Download this one-page Storm Ready checklist from Entergy that includes additional information you should consider as you prepare your family emergency plan.
Be sure to check out our newly launched Storm Center and learn more about making your plan and preparing your kit.
