Preparedness tips to stay safe this typhoon season

Typhoon season typically runs from June through November in the Marianas. However, they can occur anytime of the year if the conditions are right. To help families prepare and stay safe, the American Red Cross-NMI Chapter is offering some tips should a typhoon or tropical storm head towards the Marianas.

There are simple steps you can take to be prepared:

• Create an evacuation plan. Plan what to do in case you are separated from your family during an emergency and if you have to evacuate. Coordinate your plan with your child’s school, your work and your community’s emergency plans. Plan multiple routes to local shelters, register family members with special medical needs as required and make plans for pets. If you already have an emergency plan, update it and review with family members so everyone knows what to do if an emergency occurs.

• Build an emergency kit with a gallon of water per person, per day, non-perishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered radio, first aid kit, medications, supplies for an infant and pets if applicable, a multi-purpose tool, personal hygiene items, copies of important papers, cell phone chargers, extra cash, blankets, maps of the area and emergency contact information. Because of the pandemic, include a mask for everyone in your household.

• If you already have a disaster kit, now is the time make sure the food and water is still okay to consume and that copies of important documents are up to date.

• Be informed. Find out how local officials will contact you during a disaster and how you will get important information, such as evacuation orders.

• Download the free Red Cross Emergency app to help keep you and your loved ones safe with real-time alerts, and safety advice on typhoons and other emergencies.

• Protect windows with permanent storm shutters or invest in plywood that is pre-cut to fit your doors and windows. Identify a place to store outdoor furniture, toys, tools and trash cans (away from stairs and exits) to prevent them from being moved by high winds and possibly hurting someone.

COVID-19 safety

As the pandemic continues, the Red Cross has procedures and resources in place to help ensure everyone’s safety, especially when it comes to supporting local communities if a typhoon threatens. The Red Cross is still providing the same types of support after disasters as we always have. The Red Cross has put in place additional precautions, in line with CDC and the CNMI’s COVID-19 Task Force’s recommendations, including social distancing protocols, masks, health screenings and enhanced cleaning procedures. (PR)