WATCHES AND WORNINGS:
A hurricane watch is issued when hurricane conditions are possible within 24 to 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.
LONG-TERM PLANNING :
Much of the U.S. population lives within striking distance of a hurricane. It is important for people who live in these areas to have preparation plans well before a hurricane threatens. Here are some planning tips:
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.
Include all family members in a plan. Teach them how and when to turn off gas, electricity and water. Teach children how and when to call 911, police, or fire department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information. Make sure all family members know how to respond after a hurricane. 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.
Learn safe routes inland. Be ready to drive 20 to 50 miles to 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, which may not be allowed into emergency shelters for health and space reasons. Contact your local humane society for information on local animal shelters.
WHOT TO DO :
During a hurricane watch:
Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for progress reports. Check emergency supplies. Fill your car with gas. 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.
If you have a boat, moor it 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.
Protect your windows. Permanent shutters are the best protection. A lower-cost approach is to put up plywood panels. Use 1/2 inch marine plywood and mark which board fits which window. Pre-drill holes every 18 inches for screws.
Store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container on the highest level of your home. Remove outdoor furniture, container plants and decorative objects from patios, terraces, verandas and porches. Store them inside so they will not become flying missiles.
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.
Place towels on the window sills to absorb leaking water. Wedge patio doors so they cannot be torn off.
IF YOUR ORDERED TO EVACUATE :
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 preassembled emergency supplies and warm protective clothing. Take blankets and sleeping bags to shelter. Lock up home and leave.
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On a boat in the middle of Hurricane Ikeby jbuseboy33,325 views
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