September is National Emergency Disaster Month

1. September is National Emergency Disaster Month Great Bridge UMC Team Members Dale McClure – Chairman (District/State ERT member) Joan Kayser – Co-Chairman Gary Stephens – Phone Coordinator Earl & Debbie Hollowell – 1st Aide

2. Are you Prepared !! • Assume that you will be without the following for a minimum of 4 days or as long as 7 days after a disaster such as a hurricane or tornado. • Power • Drinking Water • Phone Service – land lines and cell phones • Gas pumps • ATM machines

3. EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT • A Gallon of water per person, per day (3 days) • Food – at least a 3 day supply • Battery powered radio • Flashlight and batteries (buy them now) • First aid kit and whistle to signal for help • Manual can opener • Dust mask • Basic tools – wrench, pliers, screwdriver • Local maps • Trash bags and twist ties – for several days

4. Evacuation RoutesSouthside Hampton Roads • If you live in Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth or Suffolk you will be directed to leave via: • U.S. Route 460 West • U.S. Route 58 West • If you live in Norfolk you will be directed to leave via: • State Road 10 • U.S. Route 17 north • U.S. Route 60 West – to reversible U.S. 64

5. When to Leave? • If emergency officials declare an evacuation of your city, you need to be ready to leave: **IMMEDIATELY** * An evacuation order will increase traffic on the evacuation routes – so be PATIENT! * Prepare your home – turn off electric/unplug what you can and secure outdoor furniture! • Take your emergency supply kit with you ! • Leave a note taped to inside window !

6. AREA SHELTERS • Family Shelters • Oscar Smith High School • Hickory Middle School • Western Branch High School • Thurgood Marshall Elementary School • The above shelters could change with each storm, depending on availability! • Pet Shelters: • Great Bridge Veterinary Hospital • Las Gaviotas Pet Hotel

7. Pet Care! • Don’t forget to gather supplies for your pets! • Records, medications, and licenses! • Leash and muzzles. • Carriers or cages for transportation. • Blankets and towels for warmth & bedding. • Food, water, bowls, and litter pan/supplies! • AND TOYS ! They get bored too in a hotel!

8. Stay Inside !! • Stay inside until the storm passes! • Do not drive if the street is still flooded! • Listen to your battery operated radio for info. • If an emergency arises, call the church or a **Team Member** • Develop a Family Communication Plan ! • Plan two ways out of your home in case of fire!

9. After the Storm Clean-Up ! • Take inventory of damage: • Inside your home • Outside your home • Lawn and tree damage • Automobile damage • Freezer/Refrigerator loss of food • Put important paperwork back in safe deposit box • File for any damage or loss with insurance

10. Buddy System ! • Something GBUMC began in 2003 ! • Do you live alone? • Do you have a disability and need assistance? • Are you recovering from surgery? • Do you have a new baby in the house? • Are you on oxygen – do you have a generator? • Are you a diabetic and need constant meds? • Do you have a medi-port and need hospital care? • Are you or a spouse/family member bed ridden?

11. Buddy System! • Do you own the following and able to help: Chain saw Drill Generator Power Saw Pick up Truck Ladders Power Washer 4 Wheel Drive Jeep Manual Labor Transportation Hand Tools Ham Operator

12. Emergency Disaster Response Team • We will call you before, during and after the storm if you want us to! • If you still have computer/internet service check the GBUMC website for updates & church event cancelations! • If you need help – PLEASE CALL! • THANK YOU !!