Rules for Co-Existing with Hurricanes

Rules for Co-Existing with Hurricanes

BEFORE THE STORM:

1. Build structures that are hurricane resistant or removable
2. Insure your property and content
3. Invest in a generator, a water tank and power banks for charging phones.
4. Have a plan to survive for a week or longer without public electricity or aid
5. Make an inventory of your possessions with photos or video.
6. Plan for your pets.
7. Gather important papers such as insurance and financial records, birth certificates and lists of possessions.
8. Place them in a waterproof container.
9. Take in loose outdoor items that might become airborne during a storm.
10. Move vehicles away from flood-prone areas.
11. Check food, water and medical supplies.
12. Service and fuel your generator.
13. Make sure you have flashlights, a radio and batteries.
14. Put supplies/disaster kit in your safe room if you plan to ride the storm out.
15. Fill containers with extra drinking water.
16. Fill bathtubs with water for sanitary use after sealing the drain with a silicone caulk that can be removed later.
17. Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings. Place plastic bottles or freezer bags filled with water in both to eliminate air pockets.
18. Locate the shutoffs for electricity, water and gas.
19. When in doubt, evacuate early

During the storm

1. Stay in the safest room, away from doors and windows.
2. Turn off electricity if flooding begins.
3. Use flashlights, not candles, for lighting.
4. Remain in your shelter if the storm suddenly eases. You may be in the eye of the storm. Its passage will be brief and when winds resume, they will come from the opposite direction and quickly return to full force.
5. If you must flee at the last minute, seek a well-structured building with several stories. If possible, go to the second or third floors to avoid flooding, but avoid higher floors where wind pressure will be greater.
6. Remain inside until officials give the "all clear."

After the storm

1. Check for damage to your home.
2. Use caution.
3. More people die after a hurricane than during one.
4. Beware of downed power lines.
5. If possible, make repairs to minimize further damage but keep records and receipts.
6. Call your insurance agent.If the power remains out, consider using food in the refrigerator before it spoils.
7. Discard any food that may have come in contact with floodwaters.
8. If you cook with a grill, keep it outdoors.
9. Operate your generator in a well ventilated area.Minimize flashlight use to conserve batteries.
10. When driving, remember power outages might be widespread. Stop at all intersections where a traffic light is inoperative and proceed with caution.
11. Never drive through floodwater. There may be no road left or the water may carry your vehicle off.
12. Don't allow children to play in standing water – it could contain harmful bacteria.Limit use of cell phones to emergencies.
13. Avoid smoking when walking in damaged areas as gas lines could be leaking.
14. Wear thick-soled shoes or boots. Broken glass or nails could be underfoot.
15. Check on and work with your neighbors.
16. Report any sparking or downed power lines.
17. Stay away from trees touching power lines.
18. Report individual problems with utilities only after neighborhood service has been restored.