Hurricanes can be dangerous, listening to the hurricane warning messages and planning ahead can reduce the chances of injury or major property damage. Here are a few steps to help you be prepared this hurricane season:
- Know your Emergency Shelters
Contact the National Disaster Office for the closest shelters. Have evacuation routes planned to the emergency shelters near you.
- Have a Hurricane Survival Kit
- 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 label each panel according to its respective window. Pre-drill holes every 18 inches for screws. Do this long before the storm.
- Trim back branches from trees
Trim branches away from your home and cut all dead or weak branches on any trees on your property.
- Check into your Home and Auto Insurance
Confirm that policies are valid and coverage is appropriate.
- Make arrangements for pets and livestock
Pets may not be allowed into emergency shelters for health and space reasons. Contact your local humane society for information on animal shelters.
- Develop an emergency communication plan
Make sure that all family members know what to do. Teach family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water. Teach children how and when to call police or fire department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information. 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.
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.
When a Hurricane is approaching, it is important to know exactly how to prepare and protect you, your family and your possessions.
|