|
What To Do
WHEN A WATCH IS ISSUED
Outside your home:
- Locate storm shutters, boards, garage door supports and any hardware or tools necessary for installation.
- Do not prune trees at this time, it is too late. Trash collection will be delayed and loose branches may become dangerous wind-blown projectiles.
- Fill all your vehicles with fuel. If electricity is off after the storm service stations may not be able to pump gas for several days or longer. Park your vehicle in the garage or pull it up as close as possible to the side of the home. - Locate water, gas and electric shutoffs. You should shut them off if you evacuate.
Inside your home:
- Go over your family plan, make sure everyone knows what will be expected of them.
- Check your hurricane supply list. Make sure you have all the items on hand.
- Check medical supplies and prescription medicines, at least a two week supply. Check first-aid kit.
- Make sure all battery operated TV's, radios, flashlights and lanterns are in good working order with plenty of spare batteries.
- Make sure you have enough cash on hand. Lines at the ATM, banks and grocery stores may be long, they could run out of cash or be closed.
- Make sure everyone knows where the fire extinguisher is located.
WHEN A WARNING IS ISSUED
At this point it looks as though you're going to have to deal with at least some of the severe weather associated with the hurricane.
Outside your home:
- Begin installing storm shutters or plywood and door braces. Remember all window openings need to be covered and all doors must withstand hurricane force winds (including garage door). - Unplug your television before attempting to lower an outdoor antenna. Take great care not to allow the antenna anywhere near an electrical line.
- Do not drain in-ground pools completely. Drain approximately one foot to allow for possible heavy rains. Super-chlorinate to avoid contamination. Disconnect and protect electrical pumps.
- Bring in any outdoor objects that could be blown away including lawn furniture, potted plants, barbecue pits, etc. Encourage neighbors to do the same. - Disconnect propane gas tanks and turn off the main gas line.
Inside your home:
- Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings. Freeze water in plastic jugs and fill empty spaces to help keep food cold. - Make sure you have at least 7 gallons of water per person on hand. You can buy bottled water or fill clean empty plastic jugs with tap water. Plenty of fresh drinking water is an absolute must after a major hurricane.
- Clean a bathtub using bleach, rinse thoroughly and let dry. Seal the drain with caulk and fill the tub. This water is to be used for bathing and sanitary purposes only, not for drinking.
- Prepare your safe room. Stock it with a battery-powered TV and/or radio with spare batteries, sleeping bags and pillows, chairs, snacks and drinking water. Don't forget diapers if necessary. Have a mattress nearby in case your home suffers structural damage.
- Place valuables and personal papers in waterproof containers or plastic trash bags. Store them as high as possible. If you are evacuating you may be required to provide proof of residency before being allowed to return to an evacuation area after a storm.
- Close all windows.
- Put as many loose objects as possible in drawers.
- Call your out of town contact and tell them where you will be during the hurricane.
- Mobile home residents should evacuate, do not stay in a mobile home during any hurricane.
- High rise condo residents should bring in loose objects from balconies, install shutters on windows and sliding doors. Evacuate if you are in an evacuation zone or on an upper floor. - Try to eat a meal before you leave for a shelter.
- Stay tuned to your local TV or radio stations for weather updates and evacuation information.
DURING THE STORM
Stay informed by watching or listening to your local TV or radio stations for updates. Talk or read to young children. Reassure them that it may take a little while, but eventually the storm will pass.
- Weather conditions will deteriorate rapidly as the storm gets closer. All your preparations should have been made. If you missed something it's too late. - Stay indoors away from windows. - Consider turning off circuit breakers before the power goes off. Power surges and spikes can damage electronic equipment. You may leave one breaker on that feeds a lamp so you will know when the power is back on.
- When the power goes out use flashlights (not candles or kerosene lamps) during the storm.
- Once you get into your safe room, stay there even if you hear breaking glass or worse.
- If your house begins to break apart cover yourself with the mattress and pillows. If your safe room is a full bathroom you can get into the bathtub and then cover yourself with the mattress. - Stay tuned to your local TV or radio stations. Do not leave your safe room until you hear an official "all's clear". If the wind dies down you may be in the eye of the storm. Winds may resume at any time as strong or stronger.
- Use the phone for urgent calls only.
AFTER THE STORM
Once the "all's clear" has been given by local officials you can come out of your safe room but use extreme caution. If your home has structural damage get out until it is inspected by officials.
- Locate the fire extinguisher before attempting to turn the power back on. - Stay away from all downed power lines and especially water puddles near downed lines.
- Supervise children at all times. - Do not use the telephone except for emergencies. Do not dial 911 unless it is a life threatening emergency.
- Do not report individual power, water, gas or phone problems. Utility companies will restore service as quickly as possible. Be prepared for the possibility of a long wait. Try to be patient. - Do not drink tap water until you have been assured by officials that it is safe. - Do not pile debris near power poles as it may impede repairs.
- When possible, call your out of town contact and tell them you're alright. - Avoid driving. - Tune to your local TV or radio stations or log on to www.Caller.com for the latest updates.
- Be aware of and obey curfew laws. - Use caution in approaching someone else's property, you could be mistaken for a looter.
|
