Hurricane Preparedness

Basic steps that you can take to make sure that you are prepared should a hurricane strike:

• Create a “Family Emergency Plan” – you want to ensure that every family member knows how to reach or reconnect with each other.
  • Post emergency numbers (fire, police, ambulance) by the phone. Teach children how to call 911 for help. Identify family meeting places in case you are separated. Choose a place in a building or a park outside your neighborhood. Everyone should be clear about this location.
  • Develop an emergency communication plan. Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the family’s contact.
  • Make sure everyone knows the telephone number of this contact.
• Assemble an “Emergency Supply Kit” – your kit should include basic food supplies and water to keep you and your family going for a minimum of 3 days. In addition, you should have a 30-day supply of medications that you or your family members may take. More information on what to include is listed below.
• Make sure that you and family members are aware of evacuation routes and the location of potential emergency shelters in case you feel that it is prudent to leave your home.
• Don’t forget about your car! Your car should be placed in a garage or away from potential flood waters. Well before the storm arrives, fill up the gas in your car in the event you need to evacuate. Remember, forewarned is forearmed – so keep your ears open for potential weather coming your way.

Generally, hurricanes that impact New England come from the south and you will have several days notice prior to landfall. Check weather.com or The Weather Channel on a regular basis to stay up-to-date regarding developing weather systems that may impact you.

An Emergency Supply Kit Should Include:

• At least a 3-day supply of water (one gallon per person, per day)
• At least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food (and can opener for food if kit contains canned food) 
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First-aid kit
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio if possible)
• Extra batteries
• Whistle to signal for help
• At least a 14-day supply of prescription medication and contact lenses
• Toiletries, moist wipes, hygiene items, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Emergency tools: wrench or pliers to turn off utilities and multi-purpose tool
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers
• Credit card and cash
• Copies of personal documents such as insurance policies, identification, bank records, passports, and birth certificates in a waterproof, portable container 
• Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members
• Extra set of car and house keys
• At least, one change of clothing and shoes per person
• One blanket or sleeping bag per person
• Pet food and extra water for your pet

Find additional safety and preparedness material online at

• Federal Emergency Management Agency
• American Red Cross
• NOAA National Weather Service

To all our customers at Donald J. Medeiros Insurance Agency, our emergency contact numbers are 508-642-3685 and 508-642-4878. Please note that these are to be used in the event you need to reach us for emergency purposes only.

Please be safe and stay indoors!!