As the Storm Approaches

  During a Hurricane Watch:

Know what hurricane WATCH means.

Watch: Hurricane conditions are possible in the specified area of the Watch, usually within 36 hours.

• Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for hurricane progress reports.
• Check emergency home supplies. Check chain saw and spare supplies.
• Fuel your car or truck. Fill up the lawn mower spare fuel tank. Fill up the spare BBQ grill tank.
• 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 radio and CB 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.
• Disconnect power to television antennas and lower or remove them.
• Review family evacuation plan with everyone present.
• 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.

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  During a Hurricane Warning:

Know what hurricane WARNING means.

Warning: Hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area of the Warning, usually within 24 hours.

• Listen constantly to a battery-operated radio or television for official instructions.
• If in a mobile home, check tiedowns and evacuate immediately.
• Store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container on the highest level of your home.
• Tape (cross fashion 'x') or cover large windows.
• Shelter and secure pets and animals.
• If you must go out, avoid using elevators.
• If outdoors find emergency shelter (not under a tree).
• If driving, stop clear of trees, power lines or streams (Flash flooding).

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  If you must evacuate:

• 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.
• Quiet games, books, cards and favorite toys for children.
• Precious commodities before and after a storm: power, banks may be closed, credit cards unaccepted, and ATMs may not work).
• Lock up home and leave.

  Should you go to a shelter...?

If you or your family have health problems, or if you live in a low, inaccessible, or particularly exposed area, or in a mobile home, you should plan on going to a refuge shelter as soon as you hear that the one near you is open. Bring a non-perishable food and drink supply along with a blanket, pillow, medicines, flashlight, extra clothing, etc. Intoxicants and pets are not permitted in a refuge shelter. If transportation is required call your local emergency or disaster headquarters. (Listen to your radio or watch television for shelter openings)

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  Prepare an emergency kit for your car:

Have emergency disaster supplies on hand. Stock up today and store in a water-resistant container. Replenish as necessary, especially at the beginning of hurricane or storm season.

• Battery powered radio and extra batteries.
• Flashlight and extra batteries and spare bulb.
• Blanket, Booster cables, Fire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type).
• First Aid Kit and manual, rubber gloves.
• Bottled water and non-perishable high energy foods, such as granola bars, raisins and peanut butter.
• Current Road Maps - Any Major Construction Projects in your Area...???
• Two (2) spare quarts motor oil, along with brake and steering fluid.
• Instant tire sealer and a roll of Electrical tape.
• Tire repair kit and tire air pump. Check your spare tire.
• Emergency Flares and a roll of toilet paper.
• Shovel - Regular or Folding.
• Tow Strap and/or Rope.

Source: Various Emergency Management Agencies

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