Tips for Preparing for Climate-Induced Disasters

For the first time, the National Hurricane Center has issued a tropical storm watch for California, EVER. Many people are worried about what this means for their lives, the people they love, and their property as Hurricane Hilary is projected to be a significant rain event for Southern California. Here are some recommendations related to #health : 1. **Medications and Prescriptions:** - Stock up on a minimum of a two-week supply. - Keep a list of all your medications, dosages, and any allergies. 2. **Clean Water:** - Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. - Use bottled water for drinking and cleaning wounds. 3. **Non-perishable Food:** - Stock up on items like canned goods, protein bars, and dried fruits. - Ensure you have a manual can opener. 4. **First Aid Kit:** - Include bandages, antiseptics, tweezers, scissors, pain relievers, and any special medical equipment or supplies. 5. **Hygiene Supplies:** - Stock up on hand sanitizers, wet wipes, feminine hygiene products, and other personal hygiene items. 6. **Chronic Health Conditions:** - Plan for power outages if you rely on electric-powered health devices. - Have backup supplies for diabetes, respiratory problems, etc. 7. **Protect Against Contaminants:** - Have a supply of face masks and latex or nitrile gloves to protect against flood water contaminants. 8. **Special Needs and Elderly:** - Plan for mobility and healthcare needs, like wheelchairs or oxygen tanks. 9. **Communication:** - Have a battery-operated radio or NOAA Weather Radio. - Inform loved ones of your plan and whereabouts. 10. **Evacuation Plan:** - Know the local evacuation routes. - Ensure your car has a full tank of gas. 11. **Mental Health:** - Pack comforting items or activities to reduce stress. - Stay connected with loved ones or neighbors for support. 12. **Important Documents:** - Keep copies of health insurance, identification, medical records, and bank account records in a waterproof container. 13. **Mosquito Protection:** - Standing water from a hurricane can breed mosquitoes. Have repellents and nets if necessary. 14. **Pets:** - Stock up on their medications, food, and water. - Plan for their evacuation and sheltering. 15. **Stay Informed:** - Follow updates from local authorities and the National Hurricane Center. - Adhere to warnings and advisories. Remember, these are general recommendations. Tailor your preparations to your unique health needs and local guidelines. Safety is paramount. If local authorities advise evacuation, do so promptly. #bestadvice #california #hurricanepreparedness

I moved my family to the beach after 26 years of living in metro Atlanta where we typically didn't plan for hurricanes. As I was preparing for #hurricanehelene, here are some key steps I've been taking that are similar to a business preparing for a natural disaster. Is your business ready for #hurricanehelene? Preparing for a #hurricane is crucial to ensuring safety and minimizing damage. Here's a step-by-step guide: 1. Stay Informed/Keep employees and clients informed 2. Monitor Weather Alerts: Follow the National Hurricane Center or local weather channels for updates, while communicating to clients and loved ones 3. Sign Up for Alerts: Enable emergency notifications on your phone or radio. 4. Create an Emergency Plan/DR plan - where and when to failover, #RPO and #RTO requirements defined and tested 5. Evacuation Routes/ #DR plan: Know your area’s evacuation routes and shelter locations. 6. Family/Company Communication Plan: Agree on a meeting place and ensure everyone knows how to contact each other. 7. Employee Pet Safety: Include plans for your pets, identifying pet-friendly shelters if needed for our furry friends 8. Prepare an Emergency Kit Essentials: Pack enough food, water, and supplies to last at least 3 days. Supplies: Bottled water (1 gallon per person per day) Non-perishable food Flashlights and extra batteries First aid kit Medications and prescriptions Personal hygiene items Important documents (IDs, insurance papers) in waterproof containers Portable phone chargers Cash (in case ATMs or card services are down) Tools and basic repair supplies Whistle (to signal for help) Face masks and hand sanitizer 9. Protect Your Home Windows and Doors: Board up windows with plywood or install hurricane shutters. Outdoor Items: Secure loose outdoor items (e.g., lawn furniture, grills, etc.) or bring them indoors. Roof and Gutters: Check for loose tiles or shingles and clear gutters to prevent flooding. Emergency Generator: If you have one, ensure it’s operational and has enough fuel. Flood Proofing: Elevate electrical appliances and utilities. Use sandbags to protect your property if in a flood zone. 11. Follow Evacuation Orders If local authorities advise evacuation, leave early to avoid being trapped by flooding or road closures. Secure your home before leaving—turn off water, gas, and electricity if advised. 12. Stay Indoors During the Storm Stay in a safe room or an interior space away from windows. Use flashlights instead of candles to avoid fire hazards. Keep listening to updates and stay informed about the storm's progress. 13. After the Storm Wait for official confirmation that it's safe to go outside. Be cautious of hazards such as downed power lines or flooded areas. Avoid driving in flooded streets and be cautious of weakened structures. #apnproud #apnpartners #naturaldisaster #dot #aws #cloud

We are in the midst of hurricane season, and Hurricane Beryl recently caused significant damage and disruption across the Caribbean, Mexico, and the United States, particularly Texas. It had significant impacts on logistics operations in Houston with multiple ports closing, including The Port of Houston, a critical hub for US gasoline and imports. Although we cannot plan around Mother Nature, we can prepare for future weather disruptions. Running from June 1st through November 30th, Hurricane Season coincides with peak shipping volumes for back-to-school, fall harvest, and holiday preparations. The convergence of increased demand and extreme weather creates unique challenges for the logistics industry. Be prepared and ensure minimal disruption by following these steps: 🦺 First and foremost - Prioritize Driver Safety: Encourage carriers to avoid driving through hazardous conditions and to seek shelter if needed. 🗂️ Review Insurance Coverage: Ensure your cargo insurance covers potential hurricane-related damages and delays. ☎️ Develop Emergency Communication Plan: Establish protocols for communicating with drivers and carriers in case of evacuation or operational changes. 🌧️ Monitor Weather Alerts: Stay informed about hurricane forecasts and potential impact zones to adjust shipment schedules. 🗺️ Implement Contingency Plans: Develop alternative routing plans and secure backup carriers to handle rerouted shipments. ⛓️ Check Equipment Readiness: Ensure all trucks and trailers are in good condition and have necessary supplies (chains, tarps, etc.) for secure transport of loads. 📍 Monitor Load Status: Continuously track shipments using real-time visibility tools to anticipate delays. 💬 Stay in Communication: Keep open lines of communication with drivers, carriers, and customers to provide updates on changing weather conditions and schedules. 🚧 Prepare for Post-Storm Recovery: Have a plan to quickly resume operations, including assessing damages, arranging repairs, and prioritizing critical shipments. What did I miss? How have you stayed nimble throughout hurricane season?

The Rule of Threes (in survival): Shelter — Three hours Water — Three days Food — Three weeks In other words, you should assume you can survive without shelter for three hours, without water for three days, and without food for three weeks. In an urban environment, the Rule of Threes still applies. The solutions are just easier to find, probably as close as your nearest Costco. At the very least, go out and purchase the following: Emergency blankets and sleeping bags. Make sure they’re rated for the lowest recorded temperature in your area. In a home robbed of power, “shelter” equals warmth. If you have a chimney, get seasoned wood; if not, get a vent-free gas stove. Don’t forget the fuel. Two weeks’ worth of water. Budget at least one gallon per person per day, and backup water purification tablets are a good idea. If you live close to the ocean, you could also buy a desalinator for turning salt water into potable water. Two weeks’ worth of food with a long shelf life. Lentils, rice, beans, canned vegetables, etc. Protein bars are a good supplement and provide some variety, as do military MREs. Emergency lighting, including a few headlamps, and a ton of batteries. First-aid kit and (for the ambitious) extra antibiotics. Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and Azithromycin (Z-Paks), while imperfect, are good broad-spectrum antibiotics. This basic prep might seem crazy if you’ve never been caught in a disaster. No one in SF expected the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, either, but it left thousands without running water for 10 days, and without power for four days.