In light of Tropical Storm Karen the Yale-Tulane ESF #8 Planning and Response Program has produced this special report. The Yale-Tulane ESF #8 Program is a multi-disciplinary, multi-center, graduate-level, program designed to produce ESF #8 planners and responders with standardized skill sets that are consistent with evolving public policy, technologies, and best practices. The group that produced this summary and analysis of the current situation are graduate students from Yale and Tulane Universities. It was compiled entirely from open source materials. Please feel free to forward the report to anyone who might be interested.

1. FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
FEMA
Facebook full site
Twitter full site
Ready. Gov
HHS
Public Health Emergency – ASPR
Twitter | Facebook
CDC
Twitter | Facebook
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Team New Orleans
National Weather Service
National Hurricane Center
National Weather Service – Lake Charles
National Weather Service - New Orleans/Baton Rouge
National Weather Service – Mobile/Pensacola
National Weather Service - Tallahassee
STATES
LOUISIANA
Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness
Facebook | Twitter
Louisiana Health and Hospitals
Louisiana National Guard
Louisiana Dept of Wildlife and Fisheries
MISSISSIPPI
Mississippi Emergency Management Agency
Facebook | Twitter
Mississippi Department of Health
ALABAMA
Alabama Emergency Management
Facebook | Twitter
Alabama Department of Public Health
FLORIDA
Florida Division of Emergency Management
Facebook | Twitter
Florida Department of Health
TRAVEL
FAA Flight Delays
AMTRAK Service Alerts
ORGANIZATION
American Red Cross
POTENTIAL TROPICAL
STORM FORCE WINDS
CURRENT SITUATION
HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS
CHECKLIST
YALE/TULANE ESF-8 PLANNING AND RESPONSE PROGRAM SPECIAL REPORT
TOPICAL STORM KAREN KEY LINKSMAPS
ACTIVE WATCH AND WARNING
POTENTIAL HEALTH
THREATS FROM HURRICANES
PERSONAL HURRICANE
PREPAREDNESS ACTIVITIES
72 HOUR RAINFALL FORECAST
PREPARATIONS
DECISION MATRIX
STORM SURGE
4 OCTOBER 2013
2100 EDT

2. CURRENT SITUATION
WHERE: Gulf Coast region of eth United States
WHEN: Developing Situation.
SITUATION: TROICAL STORM KAREN
As of the 5:00 PM (CDT 2100) advisory, the center of Tropical Storm
Karen was located near 25.9N 90.3W about 235 miles southwest of
the mouth of the Mississippi River. Maximum sustained winds are
currently at 50 mph with higher gusts.
Karen remains highly disorganized with most of its shower and
storm activity displaced to the east of the center.
This is likely to continue with environmental conditions promoting
strong wind shear and dry air near the center. Beyond that time,
some additional strengthening will be possible on Saturday night
and Sunday before it makes landfall.
Karen is presently moving toward the north-northwest at 7 mph.
Minimum central pressure is currently 1003mb.
Karen is expected to make a turn toward the north and a decrease
in forward speed are expected by early Saturday. A turn toward the
northeast is expected on Sunday with an increase in forward speed.
TS WARNING: Morgan City Louisiana to the mouth of the Pearl
River
TS WATCH: Metro New Orleans; Lakes Maurepas & Pontchartrain;
East of the Mouth of the Pearl River to Indian Pass, Florida
WINDS:
• 25-35 mph over land and Lake Pontchartrain
• 40-60 mph near immediate coast and off shore
• Hurricane force gust possible in hurricane watch area
STORM SURGE:
• 1-3 feet West of Mississippi and Lake 3-5 feet East of
river and Mississippi coast
• Highest on East and Southeast facing shores
RAIN: 4 – 8 in over central & eastern Gulf; isolated 12
inches
SOURCE:
NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER
FEMA DAILY OPERATIONS BRIEF – 4 OCT 2013
NOAA

3. TS KAREN PREPARATIONS - LOUISIANA
• Governor declared a State of Emergency Oct 3
• GOHSEP - activated to Level III (Crisis Action Team)
• 650 National Guard personnel activated Oct 3 additional 7,000 on
standby
• Preparatory actions underway; working with USACE & staging
assets
• Grand Isle, located on a barrier island, is under a state of
emergency. The mayor called for voluntary evacuations
FEMA DAILY OPERATIONS BRIEF – 4 OCT 2013
• Plaquemines Parish authorities have called a mandatory
evacuation for the east bank of the Mississippi River, as well as for
Plaquemines communities on the west bank that are not
protected by levees
• New Orleans says it's monitoring the storm and asks residents to
call 311 for preparation info
• Louisiana’s price gouging laws are in effect: prices must remain
the same as they were before unless the increase is to offset
reasonable extra costs incurred by the business because of the
state of emergency.
• The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals have closed
oyster harvest areas 1-23, which are located from Lake Borne in
St. Bernard Parish to Oyster Bayou in Terrebonne Parish, effective
on Friday, October 4, 2013.LINKS
Louisiana Health and Hospitals
Department of Public Health
http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/subhome/
17/n/173
Louisiana Governor's Office
Homeland Security and
Emergency Preparedness
http://gohsep.la.gov/
Twitter
http://twitter.com/#!/GOHSEP
Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lagohsep/
Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/gohsep
NOAA Weather Radio for LA
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/Maps/PHP/Louisian
a.php
National Weather Service Watches,
http://www.weather.gov/alerts-beta/la.php?x=1

4. TS KAREN PREPARATIONS - MISSISSIPPI
FEMA DAILY OPERATIONS BRIEF – 4 OCT 2013
MSEMA – 4 OCT
• Traffic at the mouth of the Mississippi River stopped at 6 a.m.
Friday as coastal Louisiana prepares for a possible strike.
• A spokesman for the Port of New Orleans says cargo operations will
continue as scheduled Friday, despite the river's closure at
Southwest Pass. The Associated Branch Pilots, who guide ships
through the river's twists and turns, are shutting down at daybreak.
• MDOT moving equipment (front end loaders, bull dozers, etc.) to the
coast to stage them; immediately after the storm they can start
removing sand from U.S. Highway 90.
• Miss. Department of Humans Services county directors in the
potentially affected counties are working closely with local EMA
Directors and Red Cross to open and staff shelters as requested.
• American Red Cross staff is communicating with local emergency
managers and Department of Human Services to coordinate shelter
openings if needed. Volunteers, shelter teams, and 11 emergency
response vehicles have been placed on alert.
• Search and Rescue teams have been sent to support Jackson,
Harrison and Hancock counties.
• State Emergency Response Team has deployed to the Combat
Readiness Training Center in Gulfport.
• 300 Mississippi National Guard troops with high water vehicles have
been deployed to affected areas.
Mississippi Department of Public
Health
http://www.healthyms.com/msdhsite/index.cfm/44,0,122,2
92,html
Mississippi Emergency
Management Agency
http://www.msema.org/
Twitter http://twitter.com/msema
Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Pearl-
MS/Mississippi-Emergency-Management-
Agency/81599105731?ref=sgm
NOAA Weather Radio for
Mississippi
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/Maps/PHP/Mississippi.php
National Weather Service
Watches, Warnings and
Advisories
http://www.weather.gov/alerts-beta/ms.php?x=1
MS - LINKS
As Tropical Storm Karen approaches the Gulf Coast and is expected
to affect Mississippi with rising storm surge, high winds and
torrential rains, state agencies are making preparations in
anticipation of landfall.
• State EOC is at Level I (Fully Activated)
• Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant declared a state of emergency
as Karen approaches the state on October 3MEMA has asked
people in flood-prone areas to start thinking about a evacuation
plan.
• Mississippi Dept. of Marine Resources said oyster reefs that had
opened earlier in the week were closed as a precaution.

5. TS KAREN PREPARATIONS
ALABAMA
• Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley declares state of
emergency on 4 Oct.
• Mobile Ferry will not run Friday
• Dauphin Island Sea Lab Estuarium will be closed Friday
• Organizers of the Bayfest music festival say the show will
go on as much as possible
FEMA DAILY OPERATIONS BRIEF – 4 OCT 2013
THE WEATHER CHANNEL – 4 OCT 2013 6:11 PM EDT
FLORIDA
• State EOC is activated to Level II (Partial Activation)
• National Guard personnel activated
• Tropical Storm emergency declaration for 18 counties:
Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes,
Washington, Bay, Gulf, Calhoun, Jackson, Franklin,
Liberty, Gadsden, Wakulla, Leon, Jefferson, Madison,
and Taylor Counties.
Alabama Department of Public
Health
http://www.healthyms.com/msdhsite/index.cfm/44,0,
122,292,html
Alabama Emergency Management http://www.ema.alabama.gov/
Twitter https://twitter.com/alabamaema
RSS Feeds: http://www.msema.org/wordpress/?feed=rss2
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AlabamaEMA
NOAA Weather Radio for Alabama http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/CntyCov/nwrAL.htm
National Weather Service Watches,
Warnings and Advisories
http://www.weather.gov/alerts-beta/ms.php?x=1
AL - LINKS
Florida Department of Health
http://www.doh.state.fl.us/
Florida Division of Emergency
Management
http://www.floridadisaster.org/index.asp
Twitter https://twitter.com/flsert
RSS Feed http://floridadisaster.org/feeds/pressreleases.asp
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FloridaSERT
NOAA Weather Radio for Florida http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/CntyCov/nwrFL.htm
National Weather Service Watches,
Warnings and Advisories
http://alerts.weather.gov/cap/fl.php?x=1
FL - LINKS

6. TS KAREN PREPARATIONS - FEMA
FEMA HEADQUARTERS:
• National Response Coordination Center (NRCC) -
activated to Level III (Day only)
• National Watch Center - Enhanced Watch Level (8:00
pm to 8:00 am EDT)
• Resource Support - Atlanta Distribution Center (DC)
has been activated
• National Processing Service Centers - activated from
7:00 a.m. to 1:00 am
• National IMAT-East - deploying to Florida EOC today
• Urban Search & Rescue - on Advisory status
FEMA DAILY OPERATIONS BRIEF – 4 OCT 2013
NOAA
FEMA REGION IV:
• RRCC activated to Level III
w/ ESFs 1,3,6,8
• LNOs deployed to Florida,
Mississippi & Alabama
• Region IV IMATs deploying
to AL & MS today
FEMA REGION IV:
• RRCC activated to Level III
w/ ESFs 1,3,6,8
• LNOs deployed to Florida,
Mississippi & Alabama
• Region IV IMATs deploying
to AL & MS today

7. ACTIVE WATCH / WARNINGS
National Weather Service
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Weather Statement
Civil Emergency Message
Blizzard Warning
Winter Storm Warning
High Wind Warning
Tropical Storm Warning
Flood Warning
Gale Warning
Freeze Warning
Red Flag Warning
Hurricane Watch
Tropical Storm Watch
Winter Weather Advisory
Coastal Flood Advisory
Dense Fog Advisory
Small Craft Advisory For HazardousSeas
Small Craft Advisory For Winds
Small Craft Advisory
Lake Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory
Blowing Dust Advisory
Frost Advisory
Rip Current Statement
Winter Storm Watch
Hard Freeze Watch
Freeze Watch
Fire Weather Watch
Special Weather Statement
Marine Weather Statement
Air Quality Alert
Hazardous Weather Outlook
Hydrologic Outlook

8. ACTIVE WATCH / WARNINGS
Tropical Storm Warning
Hurricane Watch
Tropical Storm Watch
Coastal Flood Advisory
Small Craft Advisory
Rip Current Statement
Hazardous Weather Outlook
LAKE CHARLES BATON ROUGE/NEW ORLEANS
MOBILE/ PENSACOLA TALLAHASSEE

9. 72 HOUR RAINFALL FORECAST
Image Source: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_at2+shtml/144417.shtml?rainqpf?large#contents
• Karen is expected to
produce rainfall amounts of
3 to 6 inches over portions
of the Central and Eastern
gulf coast through Sunday
night, mainly near and to
the right of the path of the
center.
• Isolated storm total
amounts of 10 inches are
possible.
Tropical Storm KAREN Public Advisory #7

10. STORM SURGE
The combination of storm surge and the tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters.
The water could reach the following heights above ground if the peak surge occurs at the time of high tide:
• West of the Mississippi river to Terrebonne Bay 1 to 3 feet
• Mouth of the Mississippi River to Mobile Bay 3 to 5 feet
• East of Mobile Bay to West of Apalachee Bay 1 to 3 feet
• Apalachee Bay including Cedar Key 2 to 4 feet
• South of Apalachee Bay to Tampa Bay 1 to 2 feet
The highest water will occur:
• Along the immediate coast near and to the east of where landfall occurs.
• Where the surge will be accompanied by dangerous waves .
Tropical Storm KAREN Public Advisory #7

11. POTENTIAL TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS
Image Source: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_at2+shtml/205419.shtml?tswind120#contents
• Tropical storm conditions
are expected within
portions of the tropical
storm warning area on
Saturday.
• Hurricane conditions are
possible in portions of the
hurricane watch area by
Sunday morning.

12. Water-Borne Disease
Vector-Borne Disease
Rodent-Borne Disease
Molds/Allergens
Infections
Infectious Diseases
Food safety
HAZMAT Exposure
Patient Evacuation
Patient Care
Drowning
Waterborne Illnesses
Foodborne
Chronic Diseases
Infectious Disease
CO Poisoning
Acute Respiratory Infections
Meningitis
Measles
Dehydration
Diarrhea
Chronic Disease
Hurricane
Environmental
Infrastructure
Socio-Economic
Loss of Assets
Contamination of
Drinking Water
Sanitation
Health
Facilities
Utilities
Road Networks
Loss of Employment
Essential
Services
Displacement
Loss of Shelter
Surveillance
- Water Quality
- Air Quality
- Spills/Releases
- Breeding Sites
- Harborage Areas
- Health Services
- Shelters
- Food Service
- DNBI
- Animal
Assessment
- Operational Risk
Coordination
- Who
- What
- Where
- When
- How
Fill Gaps
- Health Services
- Vet Services
- Immunizations
- Pharmaceuticals
- Medical Supplies
- Vector Control
- Rodent Control
- Sanitation Inspections
- Outbreak Response
- Transportation
- Evacuation
Build Capacity
- Education
- Training
Airports/Sea Ports
Loss of Access
To Food/Water
Government
Emergency Services
911
Public Health
Homecare
Animal Control
Increased
Morbidity &
Mortality
TIC/TIM
Debris and Waste
Flooding
Services
Command and Control
Info - Communication
Coordination
POTENTIAL HEALTH
THREATS FROM HURRICANES

13. 1
Decision Point 1: (TROPICAL STORM)
Prepare
PRIOR TO IMPACT
Primary Activities:
• Monitor the developing situation
• Review appropriate plans and policies
• Consider activation of Emergency Operations
• Contact headquarters and subordinate organizations
• Consider cancellation of elective procedures and early discharge
• Consider executing evacuation operations
• Consider if it is safe to Shelter in Place
• Consider reducing the patient population within the facility using
early discharging and cancelling elected procedures
• Determine staffing/material needs based on eth threat and the
selected COA
• Initiate and complete buildings and grounds preparations
• Communicate
THREAT INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS CRITICAL INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS
 Has an alert or warning been issued?
 Has the situation altered in any way?
 What are the characteristics of the threat?
 Size and magnitude
 Strength
 Duration
 What is the geographic area likely to be impacted?
 At what time will the threat impact the area?
 What is the threats expected impacts on the :
 Population
 Utilities
 Healthcare Systems
 Infrastructure
 Security
 What are the possible cascading effects
 Has the time for impact changed?
 If flooding is possible, what is the predicted depth of the
flooding?
 What security issues will arise because of the threat?
 What is the evacuation or SIP status of neighboring
facilities (hospitals, facilities, etc.)?
 Have shelters been established, if so where?
 Have any APOEs and APODs been activated for evacuation,
if so where?
 Has a state of emergency been declared?
 Have local and State EOCs been activated?
 What is the status of local municipality response
elements?
 What mandatory evacuation procedures are being
considered?
 Have evacuation resources have been requested
ACTIONS
COMMAND OPERATIONS PLANNING FACILITIES/LOGISTICS ADMIN/FINANCE
 Consider full activation of the
Emergency Command Center
 Consider cancellation of elected
surgeries
 Consider cancellation of
appointments
 Consider early discharge of patients
 Consider evacuating
 Consider evacuation procedures for
staff, employee , and family
members
 Approve the IAP for next operational
period
 Maintain close coordination with
departments and address
requirements
 Establish approved methods of
updated information dissemination
(e.g. website) to inform staff and
patients of the hospital’s status
 Provide regularly scheduled status
updates to staff
 Maintain full operational status
 Run available models based on
current track/intensity forecasts
 Monitor for any alerts or
warnings
 Monitor current and developing
weather conditions including
areas vulnerable to flooding
 Synchronize activities with
appropriate agencies.
 Determine status and needs,
coordinate relief as necessary,
continue regular conference
calls
 Initiate C2 structure for
response
 Execute evacuation operation if
necessary
 Execute shelter in place
preparations if it is possible.
 Evaluate the developing
situation
 Develop Incident objectives
 Recommend courses of action
(COA)
 Identify which resources will be
needed to achieve the
objectives.
 Develop an IAP for next
operational period
 Disseminate approved IAP
 Begin buildings and ground
preparations
 Contact necessary vendors
and ensure that all
necessary supplies are fully
stocked prior to landfall
 Ensure generator fuel
storage is at full capacity
 Ensure that the following
supplies are sufficient to
support partial or full
operational for at least 72
hours
 Medical Supplies
 Linen
 Water
 Food
 Pharmaceuticals
 Medical Gases
 Blood
 Coordinate for the back-up of
critical files and materials to a
safe location outside the
impacted zone
 Capture cost
 Implement emergency
financial procedures
 Obtain current patient census
 Monitor changes to Medicaid,
Medicare due to the
emergency

14. 2
Decision Point 2: (TROPICAL STORM)
Prepare
24 hours to 12 hours prior to impact
Primary Activities:
Complete evacuation operations
Execute Shelter in Place activities
Complete early discharge activities
Harden facility through protective measures
Monitor facility and area conditions as impact occurs
Finalize staffing arrangement
Take appropriate actions to maintain operations
THREAT INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS CRITICAL INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS
 What is the level of the threat?
 How large is the area projected to be impacted?
 How much of the populations are projected to
be impacted?
 Is the facility located in the impacted zone
 Has the facility been impacted?
 Have services been impacted?
 Which ones?
 To what degree?
 Are any of your remote facilities in the impacted
zone?
 Do any of your employees or staff live in the
impacted zone?
ACTIONS
COMMAND OPERATIONS PLANNING FACILITIES/LOGISTICS ADMIN/FINANCE
 Review all policies, plans and procedures to
ensure that they are current and reflect any
changes to the facility or infrastructure since
last season
 Review Shelter in Place and Evacuation
decision-making requirements
 Review various agreements with area
hospitals, agencies and vendors
 Ensure that the staff is familiar with the All
Hazards Plan
 Ensure that families have a care plan in case
of emergencies
 Conduct/review hazard vulnerability
assessment for each activity. Include
specific projects and research vulnerability.
 Prioritize resources for response and
recovery efforts based on cost-benefit
analysis.
 Monitor forecasted flood areas,
track current, impending, and
potential impact
 Begin movement to secondary
facilities for operational integrity
if severe flooding is imminent
 Synchronize activities with
appropriate local/regional/State
agencies
 Determine status and needs,
coordinate relief as necessary,
continue regular conference calls
 Test redundant communications
systems
 Implement facility physical
security plan
 Draft and maintain IAP for next
operational period
 Disseminate approved IAP
 Review all applicable plans
 Review gap analysis
 Review dormant contracts
 Identify requirements for
sheltering in place (SIP)
 Identify requirements for
evacuation
 Vertically
 People
 Specimens
 Primates
 Review MOUs, MOAs and Mutual
Aid Agreements
 Elevate the generator, furnace,
water heater, and electric panel
if susceptible to flooding.
 Inventory stockpiles to determine
(and augment) self-sustainability
when municipal systems are
inoperable
 Inspect Alternate Sites
 Review Regulated Medical Waste
disposal surge contract s and
processes
 Review Trash disposal/storage
plan
 Review mortuary plans
 Capture cost
 Ensure continuity of
current staff throughout
operational period

15. 3
Primary Activities:
• Assess damages to the facility and injuries to employees and staff
• Maintain accountability
• Safety for employees and staff
• Make emergency repairs
• Take appropriate actions to maintain operations
• Evacuate if necessary
• Move to an alternate facility if necessary
• Information Dissemination
• Report status
Decision Point 3 (TROPICAL STORM)
Response
Impact +24 Hours
THREAT INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS CRITICAL INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS
 Have/When will adverse conditions subside?
 How large was the impact?
 What are the cascading effects as a result of
the threat?
 What is forecasted for the next 24 hours?
 What additional information is being
provided by the local weather forecasters?
 Has criminal activities increased?
 What is status of your facility?
 What is the status of your remote facilities?
 What services have been impacted?
 What capabilities have been degraded?
 What is the status of your staff and their families? Are all accountable for? Any
fatalities?
 Has the disaster generated a mass casualty incident?
 What is the status of municipal utilities, water and waste water?
 What roads are closed due to the impact?
 What is the status of local emergency response agencies?
 Has NDMS been activated? If so, which portions
 Has the FEMA ambulance contract been activated?
 What information is being provided to the public?
 What is the status of airports being used for additional evacuations?
 What resources are available to assist your facility?
 What capability shortfalls are there?
 Has patient care been compromised?
ACTIONS
COMMAND OPERATIONS PLANNING FACILITIES/LOGISTICS ADMIN/FINANCE
 Assess the threat and the damage
 Determine the need to evacuate the facility,
continue Sheltering in Place
 Is an alternative care sites for patient treatment
needed?
 Is an effective patient ID and tracking system in
place?
 Contact and notify staff of the facility status,
operational capacity and timeline for return to work
 Contact higher headquarters with status and relay
needs
 Report situation to :
 Higher HQ
 Local government
 Health authorities
 Maintain staff and employee accountability
 Maintain full activation of the Command Center
 Approve the IAP for next operational period
 Maintain close coordination with departments and
address requirements
 Ensure Shelter in Place needs/provisions are in
place and being met
 Determine if it is necessary to evacuate the facility
completely
 Determine if it is necessary to close down
operations or limit services
 Contact staff to relay needs and operability
 Determine if it is necessary to move to some or all
services an alternate facility
 Conduct damage, risk and injury
assessments to determine
operational status and capacity of
the facility
 Coordinate search an d rescue
activities
 Establish triage areas if needed
 Synchronize activities with
appropriate local/regional/State
agencies
 Ensure EOC is fully operational at
current facility, if necessary
relocate or work remotely
 Determine operational status of
remote clinics
 Determine status and needs,
coordinate relief as necessary,
continue regular conference calls
 Implement redundant
communications as necessary
 Account for staff and employees
 Review staffing requirements
 Coordinate evacuation if
necessary
 Establish accountability methods
for patient counts & movements
 Issue needed risk communication
messages
 Identify critical objectives
based on the planning
requirement, provide a
complete and integrated
picture of the sequence and
scope of the tasks to achieve
the objectives, and ensure the
objectives are implementable
within the time frame
contemplated within the plan
using available resources for
prevention-related plans.
 Develop and execute
appropriate courses of action
in coordination with Federal,
state, local, and private sector
entities in order to prevent an
imminent terrorist attack
within the United States.
 Maintain an Incident Action
Plan (IAP) for next operational
period
 Disseminate approved IAP
 Assess the damage
 Prioritize and perform repairs
to the facility as necessary
 Monitor all departments and
portions of the facility, take
appropriate actions to harden
the facility and take any
protective measures to
prevent damages
 Conduct periodic inventory
checks to ensure there is
adequate supply for sustained
operation and allow plenty of
time to obtain additional
supplies if necessary.
 Coordinate needs and actions
through the Command Center
 Review staffing requirements
 Assess facility functionality,
determine operational
capacity and requirements for
repairs
 Monitor emergency systems
and determine fuel capacities
to inform sustainability
requirements
 Identify most urgent food &
non-food requirements
 Capture cost
 Ensure continuity of
current staff throughout
operational period
 Set up disaster
accounting systems
 Work with appointed
authorities to determine
applicant and
reimbursement eligibility
for disaster-related
expenses

16. PERSONAL HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS ACTIVITIES
DEVELOP / UPDATE / REVIEW PERSONAL PLAN STOCK DISASTER SUPPLY KIT
 Know your home’s vulnerabilities to Storm Surge, Flooding and Wind
 Locate a safe room or safe area in your home or community for each hazard
 Determine escape routes and places to meet
 Have an out-of-state friend or family contact as a single point for all persons in the home
 Have a place to go for evacuations
 Be aware of traffic considerations
 If using a hotel/motel, make reservations first
 Ensure that destination is pet-friendly ,if necessary
 Plan for what to do with pets if you need to evacuate
 Post emergency phone numbers and ensure children know how and when to call 9-1-1
 Review insurance coverage – flood damage may not be covered
 Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and a Disaster Supply Kit
 Ensure First Aid Kits are stocked
 Water (1 gallon per person per day)
 Food for 3 to 7 days
 Non-perishable food items
 Foods for infants/elderly
 Snack foods
 Non-electric can opener
 Cooking tools/fuel
 Plates/utensils
 Blankets/Pillows
 Medications
 Ice Chest
 Matches
 Clothing
 First Aid Kit
 Toiletries
 Special Items – Babies/Elderly
 Flashlight/Batteries
 Radio (Battery Operated NOAA)
 Phones – Fully Charged w/Extra Batteries
 Keys
 Toys/Books/Games
 Important Documents (In Waterproof
Container)
 Tools and Tape
 Pet Care Items
 Identification and Photos
 Ample food and water
 Medications
 Immunization Records
 Muzzle, collar, leash
 Crate
PREPARE YOURSELF AND YOUR HOME FOR THE STORM
 Bring in everything not attached to the house (plants, wind chimes, patio furniture, etc.)
 Fill clean 2 liter bottles with water and place in freezer
 Make and store ice (if possible)
 Refill medications
 Ensure vehicles are fully fueled
 Charge all cell phone batteries
 Board windows
 Place changes of clothing in plastic bags
 Fill trash can or tub with water
 Turn refrigerator and freezer to their lowest setting (coldest)
 Unplug valuable electronics and turn off gas/electricity to house
 Place memorabilia in plastic bags
 Detach propane tank(s) from gas grill(s)
 Cover pools and super-chlorinate
 Tie down any boats that are on trailers or move into a garage
 Get extra cash, ATMs will not work without electricity
 Gather additional radios, verify battery needs (batteries should be changed every 6 months)
 Gather lanterns and extra oil (do not use in high wind conditions)

17. HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS CHECKLIST
DURING THE STORM AFTER LANDFALL
 Listen to the radio or TV for information.
 Secure your home, close storm shutters and secure outdoor
objects or bring them indoors.
 Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the
refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors
closed.
 Turn off propane tanks
 Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.
 Moor your boat if time permits.
 Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purpose such as cleaning
and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other larger containers
with water.
 Find out how to keep food safe during and after and emergency.
YOU SHOULD EVACUATE UNDER THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
 If you are directed by local authorities to do so. Be sure to follow
their instructions.
 If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure – such shelter
are particularly hazardous during hurricane no matter how well
fastened to the ground.
 If you live in a high-rise building – hurricane winds are stronger at
higher elevations.
 If you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river, or on an
island waterway.
READ MORE ABOUT EVACUATING YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY. IF
YOU ARE UNABLE TO EVACUATE, GO TO YOUR WIND-SAFE ROOM.
IF YOU DO NOT HAVE ONE, FOLLOW THESE GUIDELINES:
 Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and
glass doors.
 Close all interior doors – secure and brace external doors.
 Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull;
it could be the eye of the storm – winds will pick up again.
 Take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the
lowest level.
 Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.
 Avoid elevators.
 Continue listening to a NOAA Weather Radio or the local news for the latest updates.
 Stay alert for extended rainfall and subsequent flooding even after the storm has ended.
 If you have become separated from your family, use your family communications plan or contact
FEMA or the American Red Cross.
 FEMA has established the National Emergency Family Registry and Locator System (NEFRLS),
which has been developed to help reunite families who are separated during a disaster.
 The American Red Cross also maintains a database to help you find family. Contact the local
American Red Cross chapter where you are staying for information.
 If you evacuated, return home only when officials say it is safe.
 If you cannot return home and have immediate housing needs. Text SHELTER + your ZIP code to
43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area (example: shelter 12345).
 For those who have longer-term housing needs, FEMA offers several types of assistance,
including services and grants to help people repair their homes and find replacement housing.
Apply for assistance or search for information about housing rental resources
 Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed¬ out bridges. Stay off the streets. If
you must go out watch for fallen objects; downed electrical wires; and weakened walls, bridges,
roads, and sidewalks.
 Keep away from loose or dangling power lines. Report them immediately to the power company.
 Walk carefully around the outside your home and check for loose power lines, gas leaks and
structural damage before entering.
 Stay out of any building if you smell gas, floodwaters remain around the building or your home
was damaged by fire and the authorities have not declared it safe.
 Inspect your home for damage. Take pictures of damage, both of the building and its contents,
for insurance purposes. If you have any doubts about safety, have your residence inspected by a
qualified building inspector or structural engineer before entering.
 Use battery-powered flashlights in the dark. Do NOT use candles. Note: The flashlight should be
turned on outside before entering - the battery may produce a spark that could ignite leaking
gas, if present.
 Watch your pets closely and keep them under your direct control. Watch out for wild animals,
especially poisonous snakes. Use a stick to poke through debris.
 Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are sure it’s not contaminated.
 Check refrigerated food for spoilage. If in doubt, throw it out.
 Wear protective clothing and be cautious when cleaning up to avoid injury.
 Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
 NEVER use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds, or similar areas, even when
using fans or opening doors and windows for ventilation. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can
quickly build up in these areas and can linger for hours, even after the generator has shut off.Ready.Gov