Here are a few things you can do to prepare for a hurricane or other weather emergency:

1. Invest in a First Aid Kit

You can buy a kit, or assemble one of your own. The Red Cross provides a great list of what a first aid kit should include for a family of four.

In addition, prepare a list of your doctors’ names and phone numbers, the dosage and frequency for all prescription and over-the-counter medications, and emergency contacts. To prepare for possible evacuation, make sure you have a solid supply of prescription medications on hand for anyone in the family who needs them.

2. Get CPR Certified

Everyone, but especially parents, should get CPR certified. If someone has drowned or is unconscious and not breathing, it’s important to perform CPR right away — particularly in the event of drowning. The most important point is to start quickly. Remember that CPR no longer requires mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. When in doubt, start chest compressions quickly.

3. Learn How to Treat Heavily Bleeding Wounds

Here’s what to do in the event someone is bleeding heavily:

• Apply firm pressure on the wound using a sterile cloth. Keep the cloth in place using a bandage or gauze. If blood seeps through, don’t remove the material, but continue to apply pressure. You want clotting to occur.
• If the cut can be raised above heart level, this may help slow the bleeding.
• If there is a foreign object embedded in the wound, do not remove it; apply padding around it and continue to hold pressure.
• If a finger or other appendage is amputated, place it in a clean bag and then into cold water or ice.

4. Prepare to Deal with Burns or Lightning Strikes

If someone has been struck by lightning and is unresponsive, check for spontaneous breathing and a pulse, and begin CPR if you don’t detect them. Don’t worry — you won’t be electrocuted.

In case of a burn from any cause, unless clothing is burned to the skin, remove jewelry or restrictive clothing near the wound to prevent constriction. Cool the affected area with cool running water or a cold compress. Be careful around open bodies of water if the burn was caused by electrical currents, including lightning.

5. Know How to Stabilize a Broken Bone

If a head, neck, or back injury is suspected, do not move the victim. Call 911 right away. For extremity injuries, attempt to keep the injured limb stable and free from movement. Apply ice if you have it. Prepare a temporary splint using common items such as thin boards, newspapers, magazines, or cardboard. Wrap with a bandage or tape until you can get to emergency care.

6. Use RICE for Strains or Sprains

In the case of a strain or sprain — always remember R.I.C.E!

• Rest and do not put weight on the sprain or strain.
• Ice the injury to keep swelling down. Use a barrier, such as a shirt or cloth, between ice and skin to prevent cold-related skin injuries
• Compress — apply compression to help control swelling. An ACE wrap works great.
• Elevate the injured extremity above the heart.

Finally, be sure to follow official instructions when a hurricane or other weather disaster is happening. Do not put yourself in jeopardy to rescue another person.

In the case of a natural or man-made disaster where there are limited medical resources, there will probably be some sort of triaging system to determine priority based on the severity of a person’s injury. In this situation, try to be mindful and patient. Smaller injuries, such as broken bones or minor bleeding, might not be as urgent as those of drowning victims or someone suffering a heart attack. In the case of an emergency, do what you can to remain calm, and only call 911 if it’s a true emergency.

Remember, these tips for hurricane preparedness should not replace professional medical advice, or be considered or used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a healthcare provider. You should always speak to a doctor, and call your doctor or 911 immediately after an event when there are injuries.