Hurricane Preparedness

“Preparation through education is less costly than learning through tragedy.” Max Mayfield, Director of National Hurricane Center. “History teaches that a lack of hurricane preparedness and awareness are common threads among all major hurricane disasters. By knowing your vulnerability and what actions you should take, you can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster.” The above quotes are from the website of the National Hurricane Center. Hurricanes can be dangerous killers. Learning the warning signals and planning ahead can reduce the chance of injury or major property damage. The United States Government offers multiple websites with information and resources for hurricane preparedness, such as the one mentioned above. The following is a checklist of information to use before, during and after a hurricane from the FEMA web site. Various links are provided to take you to products on www.beprepared.com that may help you prepare for hurricanes.

Before Hurricane Season Starts

• Plan an evacuation route.
• Contact the local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter, and ask for the community hurricane preparedness plan. This plan should include information on the safest evacuation routes and nearby shelters.
• Learn safe routes inland.
• Be ready to drive 20 to 50 miles inland to locate a safe place

Have disaster supplies on hand

• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries
• First aid kit and manual
• Emergency food and water
• Non-electric can opener
• Essential medicines
• Cash and credit cards
• Sturdy shoes

Make arrangements for pets and educate family members on hurricane preparedness

• Pets may not be allowed into emergency shelters for health and space reasons.
• Contact your local humane society for information on local animal shelters.
• Make sure that all family members know how to respond after a hurricane.
• Teach family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water.
• Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.

Protect your windows

• Permanent shutters are the best protection. A lower-cost approach is to put up plywood panels. Use 1/2 inch plywood--marine plywood is best--cut to fit each window. Remember to mark which board fits which window.
• Pre-drill holes every 18 inches for screws. Do this long before the storm.
• Trim back dead or weak branches from trees.

Check into flood insurance

• You can Replace out about the National Flood Insurance Program through your local insurance agent or emergency management office. There is normally a 30-day waiting period before a new policy becomes effective. For information on flood insurance you can go to www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-CALL-FLOOD ext. 445 or TDD# 1-800-427-5593.
• Homeowners polices do not cover damage from the flooding that accompanies a hurricane.

Develop an emergency communication plan

• In case family members are separated from one another during a disaster (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), have a plan for getting back together.
• Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.

During Hurricane Watches and Warnings

Education is one of the best forms of emergency preparedness. Knowing what a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning means is important. A hurricane watch is issued when there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 24-36 hours. A hurricane warning is issued when hurricane conditions (winds of 74 miles per hour or greater, or dangerously high water and rough seas) are expected in 24 hours or less. During A Hurricane Watch

• Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for hurricane progress reports.
• Check emergency supplies.
• Fuel the car.
• Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys, and garden tools and anchor objects that cannot be brought inside.
• Secure buildings by closing and boarding up windows. Remove outside antennas.
• Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings. Open only when absolutely necessary and close quickly.
• Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs, bottles, and cooking utensils.
• Review evacuation plan.
• Moor boat securely or move it to a designated safe place. Use rope or chain to secure boat to trailer. Use tiedowns to anchor trailer to the ground or house.

During A Hurricane Warning

• Listen constantly to a battery-operated radio or television for official instructions.
• If in a mobile home, check tie downs and evacuate immediately.
• Avoid elevators.

If at home:

• Stay inside, away from windows, skylights, and glass doors.
• Keep a supply of flashlights and extra batteries handy. Avoid open flames, such as candles and kerosene lamps, as a source of light.
• If power is lost, turn off major appliances to reduce power "surge" when electricity is restored.
• If officials indicate evacuation is necessary: Leave as soon as possible. Avoid flooded roads and watch for washed-out bridges.
• Secure your home by unplugging appliances and turning off electricity and the main water valve.
• Tell someone outside of the storm area where you are going.
• If time permits, and you live in an identified surge zone, elevate furniture to protect it from flooding or better yet, move it to a higher floor.
• Bring pre-assembled emergency supplies and warm protective clothing.
• Take blankets and sleeping bags to shelter.
• Lock up home and leave.

After The Storm

• Stay tuned to local radio for information.
• Help injured or trapped persons.
• Give first aid where appropriate.
• Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Call for help.
• Return home only after authorities advise that it is safe to do so.
• Avoid loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company, police, or fire department.
• Enter your home with caution.
• Beware of snakes, insects, and animals driven to higher ground by flood water.
• Open windows and doors to ventilate and dry your home.
• Check refrigerated foods for spoilage.
• Take pictures of the damage, both to the house and its contents and for insurance claims.
• Drive only if absolutely necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges.
• Use telephone only for emergency calls.

Inspecting Utilities in a Damaged Home

• Check for gas leaks--If you smell gas or hear blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if you can and call the gas company from a neighbor's home. If you turn off the gas for any reason, it must be turned back on by a professional.
• Look for electrical system damage--If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for advice.
• Check for sewage and water lines damage--If you suspect sewage lines are damaged avoid using the toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid the water from the tap. You can obtain safe water by melting ice cubes.