Hurricane Preparation

First of all, do you know the difference between a Hurricane Watch and Warning? A Watch means Hurricane conditions are possible in the specified area of the Watch, usually within 36 hours. A Warning means Hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area of the Warning, usually within 24 hours.

1. To get ready , prepare a personal evacuation plan:

- Identify ahead of time where you could go if you are told to evacuate. Choose several places---a friend's home in another town, a motel, or a shelter.
- Keep handy the telephone numbers of these places as well as a road map of your locality. You may need to take alternative or unfamiliar routes if roads are closed or clogged.
- Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for evacuation instructions. If you advised to evacuate, do so immediately.


2. Get together a Disaster Supplies Kit that includes the following items:

- First aid kit and essential medications

- Canned food and can opener

- At least three gallons of water per person (one gallon of water per person for at least 3 days; often more is needed.)

- Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags

- Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries

- Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members

- Written instructions for how to turn off gas and water if authorities advise you to do so (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn them back on.)


3. Prepare for high winds

- Install hurricane shutters or precut ¾" marine plywood for each window of your home. Install anchors for the plywood and predrill holes in the plywood so that you can put it up quickly.

- Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased or damaged limbs, then strategically removing branches so that wind can blow through.

- Know what to do when a hurricane WATCH is issued

- Listen to the advice of local officials, and leave if they tell you to do so.

- Complete preparation activities.

- If you are not advised to evacuate, stay indoors, away from windows.

- Be aware, the calm "eye" is deceptive; the storm is not over. The worst part of the storm will happen once the eye passes over and the winds come from the opposite direction. Trees, shrubs, buildings, and other objects damaged by the first winds can be broken or destroyed by the second winds whose force is opposite the first winds.

- Be alert for tornadoes. Tornadoes can happen during and after a hurricane passes over. Remain indoors, in the center of your home, in a closet or bathroom without windows.

- Stay away from flood waters. If you come upon a flooded road, turn around and go another way. If waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car and climb to higher ground.

- Know what to do after a hurricane is over

- Keep listening to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for instructions.

- If you evacuated, return home when local officials tell you it is safe to do so. Inspect your home for damage. Use flashlights in the dark; do not use candles.

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