BIRMINGHAM, Ala. —
Tropical storm Nate will bring wind and rain over the weekend but waiting until any damage happens is the wrong move
ABC 33/40 shares what a natural disaster expert says about being ready for anything.
We see the destruction on our televisions from Hurricane Harvey, to Hurricane Irma and on to Hurricane Maria. But UAB public health expert Dr. Lisa McCormick has an interesting take. Dr. McCormick said, “We think, ‘if it happens it won’t be so bad for me’.” She’s talking about natural disaster preparedness. “I think that we can become complacent over time, and we forget the things that we should be thinking about when severe weather is threatening,” said Dr. McCormick.
We handed Joseph Baker a sheet about it on the street. “There’s a lot of folks who are not well prepared for things,” said Baker.
Dr. McCormick said you should always know what to do before, during, and after storms. Tropical Storm Nate could bring damage so plan ahead. The FDA said freeze containers or jugs of water to keep perishable foods like meat, fish and poultry cold. Be sure to keep a cooler handy. If power goes out, you’re able to transfer ice to a cooler to keep food safe. Baker said he was unknowingly prepared. Baker explained, “I have a bunch of cold packs already in my freezer but not by design.”
For infants, toddlers and the elderly, strategies save lives. Stock up on bottled water. You may have to mix it with powdered formula for your baby. Clean hands with soap if possible, alcohol-based sanitizer if necessary. Put medications in a zip lock bag. Electricity could be out at a pharmacy, which means no refills. Dr. McCormick explained, “It can become a crisis for your family. Make sure you have everything on hand that you think that you are going to need.”
A refrigerator without power keeps food safe for four hours but when in doubt Doctor McCormick said, “Throw it out.” And don’t forget to store non-perishable items, like canned goods, on higher shelves to avoid flood waters.
Ready.gov recommends putting together a go-bag- disaster supply-kit.
That should include a flashlight, batteries, some cash, first aid supplies, your medications and copies of your critical information.
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