Here are a few tips you can use to PREPARE FOR A HURRICANE:
What you can do BEFORE the hurricane:
- Monitor NOAA Weather Radio, local television and radio stations, or go to weather.gov.
- Stock up on key items. Make sure you have enough batteries, flashlights, candles, battery-operated radio, one gallon of water for each person, first aid supplies, and non-perishable food items that can last you and your family for three days. Charge cell phones and have charged phone banks on hand.
- Secure your property. Make sure any patio furniture, fountains, or decorations are securely tied down or move them into the garage. Make sure all windows and doors are properly shut and locked.
- Take an inventory of what’s in your home. In case of damage or loss from a storm, make sure you have a record of items in your home and take pictures. This will be helpful if you need to submit any claims to your insurance company.
- Have an emergency plan in place. In the event you need to evacuate, make sure your family knows exactly what to do and where to go. Make sure your car has a full tank of gas and you have an extra gas can on hand. Before leaving your home, shut off water, gas, and electricity.
What you can do to stay safe DURING a hurricane:
- If there is area flooding: Don’t drive unless you have to. If you must get on the road, avoid areas subject to flooding and never, ever try to drive through water.
- If the power goes out: Listen to a battery-operated radio for the latest storm information. Limit cell phone use to prevent draining the battery too quickly.
- If water rises into your home: Head up to the top floor of your home. If the top floor of your home is taking on water, do not go into the attic. Get on your roof. Call 911 and give them your location.
What NOT TO DO during a flood.
- Never try to walk or swim through flowing water.
- Do not drive around a barricade. Turn around and go another way!
- NEVER drive through flooded roadways. STOP! Turn Around Don’t Drown.
- NEVER allow children to play around high water, storm drains, creeks, or rivers.
For more information on Hurricane Preparedness, visit the National Hurricane Center site at: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/ready.php