 Hello, this is Demetrius Rumpf, the Director of Safety and Risk Management for the City of Columbia. This is your monthly safety message for the City of Columbia employees and the public. Today I'm here to talk about hurricane safety information. The Atlantic hurricane season is here now and it normally lasts from June to November. Typically we experience bouts of heavy rain, but in the past our region has been hit by hurricanes. So if you don't mind, I suggest you pay attention and try some of these short listed safety tips to help prepare you and your family for this season. Pre-plan, make sure you know about flooded prone areas and evacuation shelters. Replenish or create emergency kit with supplies. Make sure you list important phone numbers. Secure important documents so they don't get damaged. Also make sure that your pets have an identification tag and a column. Prior to a hurricane, make sure you fuel up your vehicle because typically during a hurricane, gas stations tend to lose gasoline. Make sure you charge up all your batteries, cell phones, lamps, radios, and flashlights. Make sure you listen to the nearest hurricane broadcasting TV stations to be aware of what's going on. Next, prior to a hurricane, tie down all loose objects outside your home. Make sure that everything is boarded up. Again, make sure you have documents that are protected just in case you have to evacuate. And make sure you pack critical medication just in case you have to evacuate. During a hurricane, make sure you stay inside. Make sure you stay on the inner part of a facility or building, preferably the bathroom or closet. Make sure you do not use any electrical appliances and do not take a shower and do not be on your telephone. After the hurricane, typically people get so anxious they want to go out and survey their property or damaged equipment. That's when you can come in contact with down power lines. Make sure that you call the utility company or the police to report any hazards such as down power lines, broken gas, and water mains. Make sure that you are aware of where your family members are and follow up and check up on them. And continue to watch your local broadcast to find out where any people are located in their shelters. Again, these are just some helpful tips to help you during the hurricane season. Remember, safety starts with an S, but it begins with you. Thank you.