Word of the Week is Shelter

Word of the Week for November 15th, 2021 is: Shelter

Do you remember the rule of threes?

Three hours without shelter can kill you.

If the environment is too hot or too cold, it will be uncomfortable. And can become deadly. The optimum body temperature is 79 – 86 degrees F (26 – 30 degrees C). The shelter is an extension of our clothing intended to regulate your body temperature.

One of three things will happen after a natural disaster.

A: You will shelter at home, not to be confused with sheltering in place

B: You live in a mandatory evacuation zone, or your home has been damaged or destroyed. You will need to evacuate to a safe place to take shelter.

C: You will shelter at home until forced to leave because it is no longer safe to stay there.

All disaster management considerations will need to be based on one of these outcomes.

If sheltering at home, it is in our best interest to minimize any hazards that may cause personal injury by conducting a home hazard hunt. You can find the Home Hazard Hunt Checklist here.

It is recommended to have a minimum of 72 hours of water, food, and sanitation supplies on hand.

Learn how to control your utilities and have multiple escape routes from the house. If you live in a high-rise apartment or condo complex, this will require additional planning.

Alternate shelter options can be:

Friends and family

Commercial Properties

Public Shelters

Remember, a plan will only work if you have one.

Till next time