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Hurricane Safety Tips
Terms to Know
Hurricane Watch: issued when hurricane conditions are a real possibility for an area.
Hurricane Warning: issued when a hurricane is expected within 24 hours. BEGIN PRECAUTIONARY ACTION AT ONCE.
Act Now to be Prepared
- Develop a family plan for survival and property protection.
- If your residence is in a potential flood or storm surge zone, be prepared to evacuate when officials recommend it.
- Stay away from the incident site to minimize the risk of contamination.
- Make arrangements now for elderly and others with special needs such as those who depend on electrical life support.
- Identify a friend or family member, from a non-threatened area, that you will keep informed about your family's plans.
- Plan what you will do with your pet.
- Inventory personal property; safely secure all records and valuable documents in a watertight place.
- Have materials available to protect your doors and windows.
- Have emergency cash or traveler's checks saved.
- If your job requires you to work during a storm, make sure now that at least one adult will be with the children, elderly or those with special needs.
- Put together a family hurricane evacuation kit.
Hurricane Warning
- Listen for weather updates and stay informed.
- Keep a portable radio and flashlight on had - with fresh batteries.
- Re-check all emergency supplies and equipment.
- Clear your yard of all loose objects.
- Moor your boat securely.
- Store drinking water in clean containers.
- Shutter, board or tape all windows.
- Plan a flood-free evacuation route, and know where to go.
- If ordered to evacuate - comply immediately! Take your Hurricane Evacuation Kit. Let your friends, family know where you are going.
- No smoking, alcoholic beverages, weapons or pets are allowed in public shelters.
Hurricane Evacuation Kit
Keep a kit ready to go within hours. Include battery-operated radio and flashlight, plus the following:
- First aid kit.
- Two-week supply of medicine.
- Blankets or sleeping bags.
- Extra clothing, infant necessities.
- Personal items including books and toys.
- Important papers (valid ID).
- Checkbook, cash, credit card, ATM cards.
- See Emergency Supplies Checklist.
After the Storm
Do not enter evacuated areas until local officials have issued an all clear.
- Stay away from disaster areas. Do not sightsee!
- Obey all curfews and emergency orders that are issued.
- If you must drive, use caution. Be aware of road and bridge washouts, and storm debris on roadways.
- Advise interested parties that you are safe.
- Use caution when using food from your refrigerator or ice chest. Check for spoilage.
- Avoid all downed power lines. Assume that all have live electricity.
- Take extra precautions to prevent fire. Lowered pressure in water mains may make fire fighting extremely difficult.
- Have your electric, gas, and water connections checked before turning them back on.
- Use your emergency supply or boil water before using until there is official word that the water is safe.
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