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Planning for Before, During and After
Hurricanes can be dangerous killers. Learning the hurricane warning messages and planning ahead can reduce the chances of injury or major property damage.
Before The Season
- Plan an evacuation route. Contact the county 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.
- Make arrangements for pets. Pets may not be allowed into emergency shelters for health and space reasons. Contact local humane society for information on local animal shelters.
- Make sure 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 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. Find out about the National Flood Insurance Program through insurance agent or emergency management office. There is normally a 30-day waiting period before a new policy becomes effective. Much of the damage caused by hurricanes comes from flooding. 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.
- Cover small and large windows with boards and storm shutters. Wind-thrown debris and wind pressure can break windows. Secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors.
- Fuel all vehicles. Service stations may be closed after the storm, especially if the electricity is out.
- Be prepared for possible evacuation instructions if:
- Local authorities announce an evacuation.
- You live in a mobile home.
- You live in a flood prone area of the county.
- During a Hurricane Watch
- Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for hurricane progress reports.
- Check emergency supplies.
- Fuel car.
- Take in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys, and garden tools and anchor objects that cannot be taken 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 tie-downs 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.
- Store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container on the highest level of the home.
- 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 Evacuation is Ordered
- Leave as soon as possible. Avoid flooded roads and watch for washed-out bridges.
- Secure the 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, elevate furniture to protect it from flooding.
- Take preassembled emergency supplies and warm protective clothing.
- Take blankets and sleeping bags to the shelter.
- Lock up home and leave.
- After The Storm
- Remain in the shelter until officials say it is safe to leave. 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 say 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 home with caution.
- Beware of snakes, insects and animals driven to higher ground by flood water.
- Open windows and doors to ventilate and dry 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. The streets will be filled with debris and downed power lines.
- Use telephone only for emergency calls.
- Report broken gas, sewer or water mains.
- Stay away from river and creek banks until all potential flooding has passed.
- Inspecting Utilities in a Damaged Home
- Look for electrical system damage. Sparks or broken or frayed wires, or the smell of hot insulation are indications that the electricity should be turned off at the main fuse box or circuit breaker.
- If there is standing water near the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for advice.
- Check for sewage and water lines damage. If 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.
Mitigate to Reduce Impact of Storm
- Mitigation includes any activities that prevent an emergency, reduce the chance of an emergency happening, or lessen the damaging effects of unavoidable emergencies.
- Investing in preventive mitigation steps now, such as strengthening unreinforced masonry to withstand wind and flooding and installing shutters on every window, will help reduce the impact of hurricanes in the future.
- For more information on mitigation, contact the county emergency management office.
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