Hurricane Safety Tips

Terms to Know:

• Hurricane Watch: Hurricane Conditions are a real possibility for an area.
• Hurricane Warning: A hurricane is expected within 24 hours. BEGIN PRECAUTIONARY ACTION AT ONCE
  

Getting Ready for the Hurricane:

• Stay tuned to local radio and television stations for the latest National Weather Service advisories as well as special instructions from local government.
• Keep your car fueled should evacuation become necessary. Service stations may be inoperable after the storm strikes.
• Be alert for tornado watches and warnings as tornadoes are often spawned by hurricanes.
• Keep a portable radio and flashlight on hand – with fresh batteries.
• Clear your yard of all loose objects.
• Moor your boat securely.
• Store drinking water in clean containers.
• Shutter, board or tape windows.
• Plan a flood-free evacuation route, and know where to go.
• IF ORDERED TO EVACUATE – OBEY IMMEDIATELY! Take your HURRICANE EVACUATION KIT. Let friends and neighbors know where you are going.
• DO NOT ENTER EVACUATED AREAS UNTIL LOCAL OFFICIALS HAVE ISSUED AN ALL-CLEAR.

Hurricane Evacuation Kit

• Keep kit ready to go within hours. Include battery-operated radio and flashlight, plus the following:
• First Aid Kit
• 2-week supply of medicine
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Extra clothing
• Lightweight folding chairs/cots
• Personal items including books and toys
• Infant necessities
• Important papers (valid ID)
• NO SMOKING, ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, WEAPONS, OR PETS ALLOWED IN PUBLIC SHELTERS. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, CALL YOUR LOCAL CIVIL DEFENSE OR EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFICE.

During a Hurricane:

• Stay tuned to local radio and television stations for the latest National Weather Service advisories as well as special instructions from local government.
• 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 other direction.

After the Storm:

• Avoid damaged structures, puddles, fallen wires and river or canal banks.
• Do not go sightseeing. Keep roadways clear of auto traffic. Emergency and cleanup crews need all available roadway space. Downed power lines or water over roadways can cause unavoidable accidents.
• Stay away from downed power lines. Report downed power lines, broken sewer, water or gas lines to local authorities immediately.
• Be patient while waiting on power to be restored, the power company must set priorities based on areas of need. Should medical attention be required please report to a shelter or emergency facility.
• Do not drink water from the faucet until official notification is received from newspaper, radio or TV. Damage to sewer and water-holding facilities is possible during storm.