“What To Do If You Are In The Path Of A Hurricane”
It is always a good idea to plan ahead for any type of weather emergency. Whether it be a hurricane, tornado, or earthquake being prepared is always necessary.
As Hurricane Florence aims herself at the East Coast, it is not too late to prepare yourself and your family in case of emergency.
A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions are possible in the watch area and is issued 48 hours before the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.
What to Do First
- #1 Listen to your state and local officials. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
- Download an application to your smartphone that can notify people where you are, and if you need help or are safe. The Red Cross has a Hurricane App available in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store as well as a shelter finder app. A first aid app is also available.
- Use hurricane shutters or board up windows and doors with 5/8-inch plywood.
- Bring outside items in if they could be picked up by the wind.
- Clear gutters of debris.
- Reinforce the garage door.
- Turn the refrigerator to its coldest setting in case power goes off. Use a cooler to keep from opening the doors on the freezer or refrigerator.
- Fill a bathtub with water.
- Get a full tank of gas in one car.
- Go over the evacuation plan with the family, and learn alternate routes to safety.
- Learn the location of the nearest shelter or nearest pet-friendly shelter.
- Put an ax in your attic in case of severe flooding.
- Evacuate if ordered and stick to marked evacuation routes if possible.
- Store important documents - passports, Social Security cards, birth certificates, deeds -- in a watertight container.
- Have a current inventory of household property.
- Leave a note to say where you are going.
- Unplug small appliances and electronics before you leave.
- If possible, turn off the electricity, gas, and water for the residence.
- If you have outer door animals, for example, horses, provide them with some type of identification. For example, braid a tag into the horse's mane.
List of Supplies
- A three-day supply of water, one gallon per person per day, one gallon per pet.
- Three days of food, with suggested items including: canned meats, canned or dried fruits, canned vegetables, canned juice, peanut butter, jelly, salt-free crackers, energy/protein bars, trail mix/nuts, dry cereal, cookies or other comfort food.
- A can opener.
- Flashlight(s).
- A battery-powered radio, preferably a weather radio.
- Extra batteries.
- A first aid kit, including latex gloves; sterile dressings; soap/cleaning agent; antibiotic ointment; burn ointment; adhesive bandages in small, medium and large sizes; eye wash; a thermometer; aspirin/pain reliever; anti-diarrhea tablets; antacids; laxatives; small scissors; tweezers; petroleum jelly.
- A small fire extinguisher.
- Whistles for each person.
- A seven-day supply of medications.
- Vitamins.
- A multipurpose tool, with pliers and a screwdriver.
- Cell phones and chargers.
- Contact information for the family.
- A sleeping bag for each person.
- Extra cash.
- A silver foil emergency blanket.
- A map of the area.
- Baby supplies.
- Pet supplies.
- Wet wipes.
- A camera (to document storm damage).
- Insect repellent.
- Rain gear.
- Tools and supplies for securing your home.
- Plastic Sheeting.
- Duct tape.
- Dust masks.
- An extra set of house keys.
- An extra set of car keys.
- An emergency ladder to evacuate the second floor.
- Household bleach.
- Paper cups, plates, and paper towels.
- Activities for children.
- Charcoal and matches, if you have a portable grill. But only use it outside.
What to Do After the Storm Hits
- Continue listening to an NOAA Weather Radio or the local news for the latest updates.
- Stay alert for extended rainfall and subsequent flooding even after the hurricane or tropical storm has ended.
- Use the Facebook Safety Check to let family and friends know you're safe.
- If you evacuated, return home only when officials say it is safe.
- Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed out bridges.
- Keep away from loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company.
- Stay out of any building that has water around it.
- Inspect your home for damage. Take pictures of the damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance purposes.
- Use flashlights in the dark. Do NOT use candles.
- Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are sure it's not contaminated.
- Check refrigerated food for spoilage. If in doubt, throw it out.
- Wear protective clothing and be cautious when cleaning up to avoid injury.
- Watch animals closely and keep them under your direct control.
- Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
Sources: American Red Cross, Federal Emergency Management Agency, National Hurricane Center
