SAFETY TIPS FOR HURRICANES
Enter the season prepared -
If you live in a coastal area, identify your evacuation route. Your community's evacuation plan includes designated safe areas, areas to be evacuated during a hurricane emergency and safe evacuation routes to shelter. Get information on emergency planning in your area by contacting your local emergency management office.
Hurricanes can cause extensive flooding, not just along the coastline, but far inland as well. Flood insurance is valuable financial protection. You should be aware, however, that your homeowner's policy does not cover damage from flooding. Check the availability of flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program by contacting your local insurance agent or broker.
Your annual preparations for the hurricane season should include checking to see that you have a supply of non-perishable food, drinking water containers, waterproof matches, lantern with fuel, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, battery-powered radio, flashlights, and extra batteries.
Advisories and warnings -
Thanks to modern detection and tracking devices, the National Weather Service can usually provide twelve to twenty-four hours of advance warning. Advisories are issued by the Weather Service of NOAA when hurricanes approach land.
A "hurricane watch" is issued whenever a hurricane becomes a threat to coastal areas. Everyone in the area covered by the "watch" should listen for further advisories and be prepared to act promptly if a hurricane warning or evacuation order is issued.
A "hurricane warning" is issued when hurricane winds are seventy-four miles an hour or higher, or a combination of dangerously high water and very rough seas are expected in a specific coastal area within twenty-four hours. Precautionary actions should begin immediately.
LEAVE EARLY- from low-lying beach areas that may be swept by high tides or storm waves. Leave mobile homes for more substantial shelter - they are particularly vulnerable to overturning in strong winds.
BE AWARE - that some areas may flood long before the arrival of the storm. Your escape routes may be further complicated by the fact that the high density of population of some areas may require evacuation orders to be issued earlier than one day before the storm's arrival. Don't get caught by the hurricane in your car on an open coastal road.
If local government officials advises evacuation of your area, DO SO IMMEDIATELY. Keep your car radio on to listen for further instructions, such as road closures and the location of emergency public shelters.
Getting ready for the hurricane -
Keep tuned to a local radio or television station for the latest National Weather Service advisories as well as special instructions from your local officials.
Check battery-powered equipment. Your battery-operated radio could be your only source of information and flashlights will be needed if utility services are interrupted. Buy extra batteries.
Keep your car fueled should evacuation be necessary. Some service stations may be closed or inoperable after the storm strikes.
Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs and bottles and have cooking utensils available as your town's water system could be contaminated or damaged by the storm. You should have a gallon of water per family member for a minimum of three days.
Obtain extra prescription medications and medical supplies. You should have a minimum of three days supply.
Board up windows or protect them with storm shutters. Windows are broken mainly from wind-driven debris. Wind pressure may break large windows, garage doors and double entry doors.
Secure outdoor objects that might become caught in the wind. Garbage cans, garden tools, toys, signs, lawn and deck furniture, lawn ornaments, and a number of other harmless items may become deadly missiles in hurricane force winds.
Moor your boat securely, well before the storm arrives or move it to a designated safe area early. Do not stay on your boat or you may drown.
If you live inland away from the beaches and low-lying coastal areas, your home is well constructed and your local authorities have not called for evacuation in your area, stay home and make emergency preparations.
Be alert for tornado watches and warnings as tornados are frequently spawned by hurricanes. Should your area receive a tornado warning, seek shelter immediately in an interior bathroom or small hallway, preferably below ground level.
During the hurricane -
Remain indoors during the hurricane. Blowing debris can injure and kill. Travel is extremely dangerous. Be especially wary of the "eye" of the hurricane. If the storm center passes directly overhead, there will be a lull in the wind lasting from a few minutes to half-an-hour or more. At the other side of the "eye" the winds will increase rapidly to hurricane force and will come from the opposite direction.
After the hurricane has passed
If you are in a public shelter, remain there until you are informed by those in charge that it is safe to leave.
Keep tuned to your local radio or television station for advice and instructions from local government about emergency medical, food, housing, and other forms of assistance.
Stay out of disaster areas which could be dangerous and where your presence will interfere with essential rescue and recovery work. Do not use the telephone except for rescue, serious injuries or emergencies.
Do not drive unless you must. Roads should be left clear for emergency vehicles. Debri filled streets are dangerous. Along the coast, soil may be washed from beneath the pavement or bridge supports, which could collapse under the weight of a car.
Avoid loose or dangling wires and report them to your power company or local police or fire department. Report broken sewer, gas or water mains to the appropriate utility company or service authority.
Prevent fires. Do not use candles if at all possible. Check buildings for possible collapse or weakened structure before re-entry.
Hurricanes moving inland can cause severe flooding. Stay away from river banks and streams until all potential flooding has passed.
If power is off, check refrigerated food for spoilage. Do not use tap or well water until you
are sure
that it is not contaminated.
