FACT SHEET: HURRICANES
Hurricanes can be dangerous killers. Learning the hurricane warning
messages and planning ahead can reduce the chances of injury or major
property damage.
BEFORE
Plan an evacuation route.
Contact the local 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.
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries
- First aid kit and manual
- Emergency food and water
- Non-electric can opener
- Essential medicines
- Cash and credit cards
- Sturdy shoes
Make arrangements for pets.
Pets may not be allowed into emergency shelters for health and
space reasons. Contact your local humane society for information on
local animal shelters.
Make sure that 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 your 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. You can find out about the National
Flood Insurance Program through your local insurance agent or
emergency management office.
There is normally a 30-day waiting period before a new policy becomes
effective. 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.
Hurricane Watches and Warnings
A hurricane watch is issued when there is a threat of hurricane
conditions within 24-36 hours. A hurricane warning is issued when
hurricane conditions (winds of 74 miles per hour or greater, or
dangerously high water and rough seas) are expected in 24 hours or
less.
DURING A HURRICANE WATCH
- Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for hurricane
progress reports.
- Check emergency supplies.
- Fuel car.
- 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 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 tiedowns 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 tiedowns and evacuate immediately.
- Store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container on
the highest level of your 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 officials indicate evacuation is necessary:
- Leave as soon as possible. Avoid flooded roads and watch for
washed-out bridges.
- Secure your 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, and you live in an identified surge zone,
elevate furniture to protect it from flooding or better yet, move
it to a higher floor.
- Bring pre-assembled emergency supplies and warm protective
clothing.
- Take blankets and sleeping bags to shelter.
- Lock up home and leave.
AFTER
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 advise that 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 your home with caution.
- Beware of snakes, insects, and animals driven to higher ground
by flood water.
- Open windows and doors to ventilate and dry your 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.
Use telephone only for emergency calls.
INSPECTING UTILITIES IN A DAMAGED HOME
Check for gas leaks--If you smell gas or hear blowing or hissing
noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas
at the outside main valve if you can and call the gas company from a
neighbor's home. If you turn off the gas for any reason, it must be
turned back on by a professional.
Look for electrical system damage--If you see sparks or broken or
frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity
at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have to step in water
to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first
for advice.
Check for sewage and water lines damage--If you suspect 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.
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