[StBernard] are you ready

[Westley Annis]

Copied from Citybusiness Newspaper
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A game of 20 questions can help determine whether your family is prepared
for a hurricane, according to LSU AgCenter experts.

"Having the right answers before a storm comes your way can help you be
prepared if a hurricane strikes," says Louisiana State University AgCenter
housing specialist Dr. Claudette Reichel. "Even if you've been through a
hurricane before, it's easy to forget some of the preparations that can
protect your property and family. A lot of people learned that lesson the
hard way last year."

The following 20-question quiz can refresh your memory about storm
precautions and help you save time, money and hassles after a storm.

If you answer "no" or "I don't know" to any questions, take action now to
shore up preparation:

. Do you have a disaster survival plan?

. Have you planned an evacuation route and destination?

. Do you have an emergency communication plan for staying in touch or
getting messages to friends and family?

. Is your homeowner's and flood insurance coverage up to date and sufficient
to replace your home and belongings if they are damaged or destroyed?

. Do you have an inventory of your property and belongings?

. Do you have copies of your policies, inventory, other important papers and
valuables in a safe waterproof and fireproof place?

. Do you know how to turn off your utilities (electricity, gas and water)?

. Do you have a plan and supplies on hand to protect and secure your home,
outdoor items, boat, pool and so forth?

. Has your roof been inspected within the past six months?

. Have you trimmed the trees and shrubs around your house?

. Has your car been maintained and are the tires, including the spare, in
good condition?

. Do you have a plan of what to do with food in your refrigerator and
freezer in the event of a possible power outage?

. Is your emergency phone list up to date and handy?

. Do you have emergency survival supplies such as batteries, a
battery-operated radio, flashlights, lanterns, fuel, nonperishable food for
three days, water jugs, manual can opener, medicines, traveler's checks or
cash, and so forth on hand?

. Do you have an emergency supply kit for your car?

. Do you have a plan of how to take care of family members with special
needs (infants, the elderly or those with disabilities) in the event of a
disaster?

. Have you decided what you will do with your animals if you must evacuate
because of various types of hazards?

. Have you budgeted for the added expenses to protect your home, buy
supplies, evacuate, clean up and recover?

. Have you discussed your emergency plans, duties and rules with your
family?

. Do you know that the LSU AgCenter offers publications and other free
information on disaster cleanup and recovery on its Web site
(www.lsuagcenter.com) and through its parish LSU AgCenter Extension offices
across the state?

"Don't flirt with disaster for your family or your home," Skinner cautions.
"Make sure you have the right answers now - before a major storm heads our
way."

For more information on preparing for a disaster or recovering from one,
visit www.lsuagcenter.com and click on the contact your parish LSU AgCenter
Extension office.. Click here to find out more!