| |
Hurricanes
| Before
a Hurricane |
Plan
an evacuation route and be ready to drive
up to 50 miles inland to locate a safe
place. Have a plan for family members to
get back together, such as asking an
out-of-state relative or friend to serve
as the family contact.
Have disaster supplies on hand
(flashlights, battery-operated radio,
extra batteries, first-aid kit, emergency
food and water, nonelectric can opener,
essential medicines, cash and credit
cards, and sturdy shoes).
Make arrangements for pets; they may not
be allowed into emergency shelters for
health and space reasons.
Protect your windows, preferably with
permanent shutters. Trim back dead or
weak branches from trees. |
| During
a Hurricane Watch or Warning |
Know
the difference between a hurricane
"warning" and a hurricane
"watch." A watch is issued when
there is a threat of hurricane conditions
within 24 to 36 hours. A warning is
issued when hurricane conditions (winds
of 74 miles per hours or greater, or
dangerously high water and rough seas)
are expected in 24 hours or less.
Listen to a battery-operated radio or
television for hurricane progress
reports. Check emergency supplies and
fuel car. Stay inside, away from windows,
skylights and glass doors.
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. |
| During
a Hurricane Evacuation |
Secure
your home by unplugging appliances and
turning off electricity and the main
water valve.
Leave as soon as possible. Avoid flooded
roads and watch for washed-out bridges.
Take blankets and sleeping bags to
shelter. |
| After
a Hurricane |
Return
home only after authorities advise that
it is safe to do so. Enter your home with
caution. Inspect utilities in a damaged
home. Check for gas leaks, look for
electrical system damage, and check for
sewerage and water lines damage.
Avoid loose or dangling power lines and
report them immediately to the power
company, police, or fire department.
Take pictures of the damage, both to the
house and its contents, for insurance
claims. |
| Quick
Tip |
| Don't Forget to
print this page, and keep it for
handy reference. If your browser
doesn't have printing capabilities, or
you would rather have us email these tip
sheets to you, please go to this page and have
these emailed to you promptly. |
| Source:
Federal Emergency Management Agency |
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