Mayor Diaz Urges Residents to Have Supplies to Last 72 Hours
MIAMI – With Hurricane Ike projected to possibly affect the City of Miami, residents should be reminded to take proper precautions in case of a disaster.
The first 72 hours after an emergency are the most critical as basic infrastructure, communications, and transportation systems may be inoperable or inaccessible. While the City stands ready to respond to an emergency situation if it occurs, available resources and when those resources become available will vary depending on the severity of the storm.
“Although hurricanes can be unpredictable and Miami has had the good fortune of not being impacted in the past couple of years, we must not be complacent,” said Miami Mayor Manny Diaz. “Although the City’s Departments engage in extensive emergency management training to respond to disasters, your health, safety, and quality of life in the immediate aftermath of a hurricane rely largely on your own preparation efforts.”
Mayor Diaz urges the residents of the City of Miami to prepare during the weekend for a possible strike from Hurricane Ike and not wait until the last minute to gather supplies and protect their belongings and home. They City’s emergency management team will monitor Hurricane Ike closely over the weekend and prepare as needed.
In 2006, the City of Miami through its Neighborhood Enhancement Team (NET) Department, launched the campaign called “For 72, Help Us Help You” to provide city residents with important information and a checklist of items they should have before a disaster strikes. Among the list of items one should have are: one gallon of water per person per day; non-perishable food for each person in the household; baby supplies; cash; and a 2-week supply of prescription drugs.
Checklist of items and preparations needed for a complete disaster supply kit
o Water (one gallon per person per day) stored in plastic containers
o Fill up bathtubs or containers with water for the toilet and personal hygiene
o Non Perishable Food (enough for each person)
o Canned meats, fruits, vegetables and soups, Dried fruits and nuts, Cereal,
crackers and cookies
o Coffee, tea and powdered drinks
o Powdered, evaporated or boxed milk
o Important Documents: Copies of Important documents should be stored
waterproof place that is easily accessible.
o Cooking Supplies: Manual can opener, utility knife, paper plates and utensils
o Cooking Fuel: Sterno, propane gas, charcoal, and/or lighter fluid
o Toiletries: Toothpaste, toothbrush and other items
o Baby Supplies: food and/or formula Diapers, and supplies
o First-aid kit and other over the counter medications and pain relievers
o Toilet paper, towelettes, feminine supplies
o Soap, liquid detergent, disinfectant and bleach
o Flashlight with extra batteries and bulbs
o Battery operated radio
o Make sure you have one phone that is not dependent on electricity (non-cordless)
o Cash (with some small bills) enough for 72 hours
o Tools including shut-off wrench, pliers, nails, rope
o Matches in waterproof container
o Make sure you fill up your gas tank before the storm
o Gasoline and/or Fuel for generators & cars in approved containers
o Plastic storage containers
o Insect repellent and sunscreen
o Camera and film
o Clothing: One complete set per person with sturdy shoes
o Prescription drugs (2-week supply)
o Insulin, cooling system and supplies for those with diabetes
o Eyeglasses, contact lenses and supplies (if appropriate)
o Pet Supplies: Food and Water (72 hour supply) and other pet care items
