Preparing for Hurricanes
Aug
26
Written by:
8/26/2011 1:46 PM
Hurricanes and hurricane warnings are stressful events but being prepared can help. Here are some basic steps to help:
Prepare
- Learn your communities emergency plans, warning signals, evacuation routes and shelter locations.
- Identify hazards around the home and figure out how to protect or secure them before the hurricane arrives. Know how to turn off the electricity in case of standing water, fallen trees or prior to evacuating. Secure unstable building materials.
- Get a fire extinguisher and make sure your family knows how to use it.
- Locate and secure imporant papers such as insurance policies, wills, licenses, stocks.
- Post emergency phone numbers or know how to easily locate them.
- Special needs should be reported to the local authorites. These include the elderly, bedridden or anyone with a disability.
- Make plans to ensure pet safety.
Essential Emergency Supplies
- Secure several large clean containers, large enough for 3-5 days of supply or about 5 gallons for each person.
- 3-5 day supply of non-perishable food.
- First-aid kit and manual.
- Battery-powered radio, flashlights and extra batteries.
- Sleeping bags or extra blankets.
- Water-purifying supplies such as chlorine tablets, iodine tablets or unscented ordinary household chlorine bleach.
- Prescription medicines and special medical needs.
- Baby food, formula, diapers and baby supplies.
- Disposable cleaning cloths for the whole family in case bathing facilities are not available.
- Persona hygiene supllies. Soap, toothbrush and tootpaste, sanitary napkins and such.
- Auto emergency kit that includes food, flares, booster cables, maps, tools, first aid kit, fire extinguisher and blankets.
Prepare to Evacuate
Anticipate the need to evacuate and prepare for it. The National Weather Service issues a hurricane watch when a hurricane threat exists to coastal areas within 24-36 hours. Do the following:
- Fill your car with gas.
- If you do not have a vehicle, make arrangements with friends or family for transportation.
- Fill your water containers.
- Verify your emergency supplies are complete.
- Tune in to weather updates.
- Listen for disaster warnings.
- Verify your auto emergency kit is complete and make sure it is in the automobile in which you are to evacuate.
- Secure items outside that can damage the home such as bicycles, grills, propane tanks, yard furniture and so forth.
- Cover windows and doors with plywood or place large strips of tape on glass to reduce the flying glass risk.
- Put livestock and pets in a safe area. Emergy shelters usually cannot accept animals.
- Place vehicles under cover if possible.
- Fill bathtubs and sinks with water for an extra supply.
- Adjust the thermostat on refriderators and freezers to the coolest temperature.
If You are Ordered to Evacuate
Do not ignore an order to evacuate. Be aware that some hotels and shelters to not accept pets. If you are ignored to evacuate the area:
- Take essential items only.
- Turn of the gas, electricity and water.
- Disconnect appliances from the power outlet.
- Double check you have your automobile emergency kit.
- Follow evacuation routes and expect heavy traffic.
If You are NOT Ordered to Evacuate
- Monitor the radio, television or internet for conditions if possible.
- Stay indorrs until the storm is declared over.
- Do not go outside during the "eye" of the storm. It can pass quickly leaving you outside when the strong winds resume.
- Stay away from doors and windows seeking shelter in the bathroom or basement. Bathtubs will provide some shelter if covered with plywood or other material.
- Prepare to evacuate if your home is damages or instructed to do so.