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Best Ways To Be Disaster-Ready In Boston

Boston sits on a coast that is prone to bad storms, with hurricanes and blizzards being the most common. Either of these in a bad scenario can mean serious injury or property damage for an unprepared resident or guest. Even in the best situation, it is good to be prepared in order to ensure comfort and safety until the storm passes.
Emergency kit
(Image: iStockphoto)

Make A Disaster Kit
Hilton's Tent City, 272 Friend St.
Boston, MA 02114
(800) 362-8368
www.hiltonstentcity.com

A disaster kit can be the difference between infection and clean wounds, hunger and food and light and dark. Hilton Tent City is an outdoor supply store that sells such wares as warm blankets, lanterns, first aid kits, water filtration and more. Bostonians should have blankets, extra water, non-perishable food items, light and first aid in a pack for emergencies, at minimum. Other possibilities are small shovels, multitools and daily medications.

Evacuation Route Sign
Evacuation routes are in place if needed as Hurricane Irene approaches.

Learn Shelters And Evacuation Procedures
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
400 Worcester Road
Framingham, MA 01702
(508) 820-2000
www.mass.gov

One of the most important things a family can know before a disaster strikes is not what to have, but what to do. Shelters can provide a place of safety and community during a time of distress. Evacuation may become necessary and knowing the correct routes will mean the difference between getting out in time and potentially being caught out in the open in a storm. Contact MEMA for help compiling the information that is relevant for emergencies in the area.

CPR
(Image: iStockphoto)

Take A First Aid/CPR Course
American Red Cross, 139 Main St.
Cambridge, MA 02142
(617) 274-5200
www.redcross.org

The American Red Cross of Massachusetts can help individuals become ready for any disaster. They are even able to provide professional training for health care hopefuls. In Boston, the proximity to the ocean, likelihood of heavy snow and high winds make it important to know skills like first aid, CPR and aquatic rescue. Even simple training can help people complete very important tasks, such as wound cleaning and chest compressions.

Related: Disaster-Proof Your Home

Icy Car
(Photo by Pete LaGace)

Prepare Your Vehicles 
Mike's Automotive, 1 Union Square
Somerville, MA 02143
(617) 623-1009
www.mikesauto.com

According to Mike's Automotive, there are preparations that most car owners can do themselves, there are those that must be done by a professional and there is a list of items that should be in every Boston car. A car's emergency kit should have vitamin- and protein-packed items that will stay good, such as cans of nuts and fruits. There should be basic automotive items, such as jumper cables and a screwdriver. There should also be medication, first aid, clean water and blankets.

Get Insured 
Atlantic Insurance Group, 230 Adams St.
Boston, MA 02186
(617) 698-2200
www.atlanticquotes.com

Disasters are unavoidable. No one in Boston can stop a hurricane, but an insurance company can help clean up the mess afterwards. Being properly insured means protecting loved ones and property from the backlash of emergencies. Home, auto and life insurance are the primary concerns when it comes to disaster preparedness, apart from medical, which every Bostonian must have. Make sure they all cover more likely disasters and medical problems that can arise from them.

Related: Fisher College Offers Emergency Assistance Smartphone App

Shelly Barclay is a professional freelance writer and amateur author. She writes on a variety of topics from food to mysteries. She loves to share the culture and rich history of her birthplace and home, Boston, with the rest of the world. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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