Here are some tips to help us be prepared for Hurricane Season.
*Learn safe routes inland.
*Learn the location of official shelters.
*Ensure that enough non-perishable food and water supplies are
on hand.
*Have at least a one week supply of medications on hand.
*Obtain and store materials, such as plywood, necessary to properly secure your home.
*Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
*Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed of dead wood.
*Review your insurance policy.
*Determine where to move your boat in an emergency.
*Make plans now on what to do with your pets should you be required to evacuate your
residence. Public health regulations do not allow pets in public shelters, nor do most
hotels/motels allow them.
*Individuals with special needs or others requiring more information should contact their
County Emergency Management Office.
Family Emergency Supplies
Have these items in your residence ready to use in the event of an emergency:
*Flashlights with extra batteries. Keep flashlights with extra, fresh batteries and keep them
beside your bed and in several other locations. Try not to use matches.
*Portable radio with extra batteries. Most telephones will be out of order or limited to
emergency use. The radio, including NOAA Weather Radio, will be the best source of
emergency information.
*First aid kit. Keep your first-aid kit well stocked and in a central location.
*Fire extinguisher. Your fire extinguisher should be suitable for all types of fires and should
be easily accessible. Teach all family members how to use it.
*Food. Store a three-day supply of food for each person. Items such as canned or
dehydrated food, powdered milk and canned juices can be rotated into your daily diet and
replenished on a regular basis. Include food for infants or the elderly, snack foods and
items such as a non-electric can opener, cooking utensils, paper/plastic plates and plastic
utensils.
*Water. Store a 3-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day). Store in air-tight
containers and replace them every six months. Keep a disinfectant, such as iodine tablets
or chlorine bleach, to purify water, if necessary.
*Extra blankets and clothing may be required to keep warm. Sturdy shoes protect feet from
broken glass and debris.
*Alternate cooking source. Store barbecue, charcoal, starter and matches in case utilities
are out of service. Do not use these methods of cooking within a confined area.
*Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members. Have at least a one week
supply of medications and foods for infants and those on special diets.
*Tools. Have a crescent or pipe wrench to turn off gas and water if necessary and know the
location of the shut-off valves.
*Important documents should be stored in a waterproof container. Examples: insurance
policies, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc. Also,
checkbook, cash, credit cards, ATM cards.
Family Response Plan
*Prepare a plan for your family and loved ones in advance of hazardous weather. You
should:
*Contact your local National Weather Service office or Emergency Management office to
learn what types of disasters could occur and how you should respond.
*Learn the warning signals and evacuation plans of your community.
*Discuss with family members what they should do in the event of a disaster, such as a
hurricane or severe storm. Pick two places to meet: a spot outside your home for an
emergency, such as a fire, and a place away from your neighborhood in case you cannot
return home.
*Designate an out-of-area friend or relative whom separated family members should call to
report their whereabouts. Make certain all family members have the phone number.
*Make a plan now for what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate.
*Check your home and property for potential hazards to see what actions need to be taken
to ensure your safety and to protect your belongings.
*Check your insurance coverage. Flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners
insurance. Inventory household items with photographs.
*Install safety features in your residence such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
*Know how and when to turn off water, gas and electricity in your home.
*Know where the designated shelters are within your community and how to get to them.
*Determine if your family has any special needs and develop a plan for meeting those
needs. For example: If you have a family member on a life-support system, does your
electric utility know about it?
*Post emergency telephone numbers by phones.
*Teach all family members, including children, how and when to call 911 or your local EMS
phone number.
Weathering the Storm
Follow these tips if/when a hurricane / coastal storm approaches:
*If you are traveling, find safe shelter immediately.
*If you are at home or at work:
*Only stay in a home if you have NOT been ordered to leave. Stay inside a well constructed
building.
*In structures, such as a home, examine the building and plan in advance what you will do if
winds become strong. Strong winds can produce deadly missiles and structural failure.
*Turn refrigerator to maximum cold and open only when necessary.
*Turn off utilities if told to do so by authorities.
*Turn off propane tanks.
*Unplug major appliances.
*Fill large containers with water.
If winds become strong:
*Stay away from windows and doors even if they are covered. Take refuge in a small interior
room, closet or hallway.
*Close all interior doors. Secure and brace external doors.
*If you are in a two-story house, go to an interior first-floor room, such as a bathroom or
closet.
*If you are in a multiple-story building and away from the water, go to the first or second
floors and take refuge in the halls or other interior rooms away from the windows.
*Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.
*Remain indoors during the hurricane. Do not be fooled by the "eye" or the lull that occurs
as the storm center moves overhead. The other side of the hurricane "eye" has winds that
will rapidly increase and will come from the opposite direction.
Evacuation
*If an EVACUATION is ordered by local government officials:
*If instructed to leave - do so! The temptation to "tough it out" can put lives at risk.
Better to be safe, than sorry.
*Learn safe routes inland.
*Learn the location of official shelters.
*Ensure that enough non-perishable food and water supplies are
on hand.
*Have at least a one week supply of medications on hand.
*Obtain and store materials, such as plywood, necessary to properly secure your home.
*Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
*Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed of dead wood.
*Review your insurance policy.
*Determine where to move your boat in an emergency.
*Make plans now on what to do with your pets should you be required to evacuate your
residence. Public health regulations do not allow pets in public shelters, nor do most
hotels/motels allow them.
*Individuals with special needs or others requiring more information should contact their
County Emergency Management Office.
Family Emergency Supplies
Have these items in your residence ready to use in the event of an emergency:
*Flashlights with extra batteries. Keep flashlights with extra, fresh batteries and keep them
beside your bed and in several other locations. Try not to use matches.
*Portable radio with extra batteries. Most telephones will be out of order or limited to
emergency use. The radio, including NOAA Weather Radio, will be the best source of
emergency information.
*First aid kit. Keep your first-aid kit well stocked and in a central location.
*Fire extinguisher. Your fire extinguisher should be suitable for all types of fires and should
be easily accessible. Teach all family members how to use it.
*Food. Store a three-day supply of food for each person. Items such as canned or
dehydrated food, powdered milk and canned juices can be rotated into your daily diet and
replenished on a regular basis. Include food for infants or the elderly, snack foods and
items such as a non-electric can opener, cooking utensils, paper/plastic plates and plastic
utensils.
*Water. Store a 3-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day). Store in air-tight
containers and replace them every six months. Keep a disinfectant, such as iodine tablets
or chlorine bleach, to purify water, if necessary.
*Extra blankets and clothing may be required to keep warm. Sturdy shoes protect feet from
broken glass and debris.
*Alternate cooking source. Store barbecue, charcoal, starter and matches in case utilities
are out of service. Do not use these methods of cooking within a confined area.
*Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members. Have at least a one week
supply of medications and foods for infants and those on special diets.
*Tools. Have a crescent or pipe wrench to turn off gas and water if necessary and know the
location of the shut-off valves.
*Important documents should be stored in a waterproof container. Examples: insurance
policies, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc. Also,
checkbook, cash, credit cards, ATM cards.
Family Response Plan
*Prepare a plan for your family and loved ones in advance of hazardous weather. You
should:
*Contact your local National Weather Service office or Emergency Management office to
learn what types of disasters could occur and how you should respond.
*Learn the warning signals and evacuation plans of your community.
*Discuss with family members what they should do in the event of a disaster, such as a
hurricane or severe storm. Pick two places to meet: a spot outside your home for an
emergency, such as a fire, and a place away from your neighborhood in case you cannot
return home.
*Designate an out-of-area friend or relative whom separated family members should call to
report their whereabouts. Make certain all family members have the phone number.
*Make a plan now for what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate.
*Check your home and property for potential hazards to see what actions need to be taken
to ensure your safety and to protect your belongings.
*Check your insurance coverage. Flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners
insurance. Inventory household items with photographs.
*Install safety features in your residence such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
*Know how and when to turn off water, gas and electricity in your home.
*Know where the designated shelters are within your community and how to get to them.
*Determine if your family has any special needs and develop a plan for meeting those
needs. For example: If you have a family member on a life-support system, does your
electric utility know about it?
*Post emergency telephone numbers by phones.
*Teach all family members, including children, how and when to call 911 or your local EMS
phone number.
Weathering the Storm
Follow these tips if/when a hurricane / coastal storm approaches:
*If you are traveling, find safe shelter immediately.
*If you are at home or at work:
*Only stay in a home if you have NOT been ordered to leave. Stay inside a well constructed
building.
*In structures, such as a home, examine the building and plan in advance what you will do if
winds become strong. Strong winds can produce deadly missiles and structural failure.
*Turn refrigerator to maximum cold and open only when necessary.
*Turn off utilities if told to do so by authorities.
*Turn off propane tanks.
*Unplug major appliances.
*Fill large containers with water.
If winds become strong:
*Stay away from windows and doors even if they are covered. Take refuge in a small interior
room, closet or hallway.
*Close all interior doors. Secure and brace external doors.
*If you are in a two-story house, go to an interior first-floor room, such as a bathroom or
closet.
*If you are in a multiple-story building and away from the water, go to the first or second
floors and take refuge in the halls or other interior rooms away from the windows.
*Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.
*Remain indoors during the hurricane. Do not be fooled by the "eye" or the lull that occurs
as the storm center moves overhead. The other side of the hurricane "eye" has winds that
will rapidly increase and will come from the opposite direction.
Evacuation
*If an EVACUATION is ordered by local government officials:
*If instructed to leave - do so! The temptation to "tough it out" can put lives at risk.
Better to be safe, than sorry.
