Hurricane Safety Tips

Hurricane Damage Restoration and Clean-up readiness

Hurricane Damage Restoration and Clean-up readiness should begin long before the event occurs. If you live in a hurricane-prone area, you can prepare far in advance for the possible dangers to health and safety resulting from a hurricane by:

• learning about your community's emergency plans, warning signals, evacuation routes, and locations of emergency shelters;
• taking a first aid and CPR course.

You should also prepare for a weather emergency by taking the following actions:
• identify potential home hazards that could develop during a hurricane, such as those involving gas, electricity, chemicals, and structural damage;
• install a smoke detector and check it monthly;
• buy a fire extinguisher and make sure your family knows where to find it and how to use it;
• conduct an evacuation drill for at least two ways out of your home;
• provide escape ladders for multi-story structures;
• establish an assembly point where the family meets in the event of fire or if a disaster occurs when the family is not together at home;
• give your relatives and friends the name of a contact person who will know where you are and how you are doing;
• know the location of your important papers, such as insurance policies, wills, licenses, stocks, etc.;
• instruct family members about how to shut off the gas, water, and electric mains;
• post emergency phone numbers at every phone;
• inform local authorities about any special needs, i.e., elderly or bedridden people,or anyone with a disability; and • properly dispose of all chemicals, pesticides, and solvents not being used.

You should stock your home with supplies that may be needed during the emergency period. These supplies should include: • several clean containers for water, large enough for a 3-5 day supply of water(about five gallons for each person);
• a 3-5 day supply of nonperishable food;
• a first aid kit and manual;
• a battery-powered radio, flashlights, and extra batteries;
• sleeping bags or extra blankets;
• a large supply of non breakable spoons, forks, knives, cups, plates, etc.;
• water-purifying supplies, such as chlorine or iodine tablets or unscented, ordinary household chlorine bleach;
• prescription medicines and special medical needs;
• baby food and/or prepared formula, diapers, and other baby supplies;
• disposable cleaning cloths, such as "baby wipes" for the whole family to use in case bathing facilities are not available;
• a portable toilet, and toilet paper;
• personal hygiene supplies, such as soap, toothpaste, sanitary napkins, etc.;
• alternate heat and cooking sources, such as a kerosene heater and a camp stove -- use these only in well-ventilated areas;
• shovels and hand tools;
• candles and matches;
• a mop, bucket, and towels;
• one or more rolls of plastic sheeting, a staple gun with staples, and duct tape;
• plastic trash bags and ties;
• an emergency kit for your car with food, flares, booster cables, maps, tools, a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, sleeping bags, etc.;
• a citizens band radio or a cellular phone, if possible;
• games and favorite toys, etc.;
• extra cash;
• pet food;
• insect repellent; and
• rubber boots/rubber gloves.

BEFORE THE STORM
The National Weather Service will issue a hurricane watch when there is a threat to coastal areas of hurricane conditions within 24-36 hours. When a hurricane watch is issued, you should: • BE PREPARED TO EVACUATE;
• fill your automobile's gas tank;
• if no vehicle is available, make arrangements with friends or family for transportation;
• fill your clean water containers;
• review your emergency plans and supplies, checking to see if any items are missing;
• tune in the radio or television for weather updates;
• listen for disaster sirens and warning signals;
• if you must evacuate your home, pack only essential items, such as clothing, bedding, food, water, medicines, infant needs, vital family papers, and extra cash;
• outside, secure any items which may damage property in a storm, such as bicycles, grills, propane tanks, etc.; • cover windows and doors with plywood or boards if possible. Otherwise, place large strips of masking tape or adhesive tape on the windows to reduce the risk of breakage and flying glass;
• put livestock and family pets in a safe area if possible. Due to food and sanitation requirements, emergency shelters cannot accept animals;
• place vehicles under cover, if at all possible;
• fill sinks and bathtubs with water as an extra supply for washing; and
• adjust the thermostat on refrigerators and freezers to the coolest possible temperature.

EVACUATION
Expect the need to evacuate and prepare for it. Authorities will be most likely to direct you to leave if you are in a low-lying area, or within the greatest potential path of the storm. The National Weather Service will issue a hurricane warning when hurricane conditions are expected in a specified coastal area in 24 hours or less. If a hurricane warning is issued for your area or you are directed by authorities to evacuate the area:
• take only essential items with you;
• leave pets indoors in a safe, covered area with ample food and water;
• if you have time, turn off the gas, electricity, and water;
• disconnect appliances to reduce the likelihood of electrical shock when power is restored;
• make sure your automobile's emergency kit is ready;
• follow the designated evacuation routes -- others may be blocked -- and expect heavy traffic; and
• listen to the radio for emergency updates.

DURING THE STORM
To get through the storm in the safest possible manner: • monitor the radio or television for weather conditions, if possible;
• stay indoors until the authorities declare the storm is over;
• do not go outside, even if the weather appears to have calmed the calm "eye" of the storm can pass quickly, leaving you outside when strong winds resume;
• expect the loss of electricity, gas, and water;
• stay away from all windows and exterior doors, seeking shelter in a bathroom or basement. Bathtubs can provide some shelter if you cover yourself with plywood or other materials;
• prepare to evacuate to a shelter or to a neighbor's home if your home is damaged, or if you are instructed to do so by emergency personnel; and
• if you should lose electrical power, eat perishable food first.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WHEN RETURNING HOME
If your area is under a curfew, allow travel time to and from your home. Although unusual following a hurricane, crime can also increase. If your area is under martial law, obey all orders by authorities because they will be armed. During a hurricane and in the cleanup, injuries occur. To avoid injury, use common sense and wear proper clothing, including clothes with long sleeves and long pants, and safety shoes or boots. When returning to your home after a hurricane:
• find out if the authorities have declared the area safe;
• watch for debris on the road while driving;
• Return to your pre-determined assembly point and/or contact your pre-established out-of-area contact person. Make sure all family members have been accounted for and let others know of your status;
• make sure the main electrical switch to your home is off before entering the structure;
• be careful when entering a structure that has been damaged;
• if you suspect a gas leak, leave immediately and notify the gas company;
• if possible, listen to the radio or contact authorities to find out if sewage lines are intact before turning on the water or using the toilet;
• report utility damage to the proper authorities;
• Continue to monitor your radio or television for up-to-date emergency information.

OTHER HAZARDS
Downed Power lines
If power lines are lying on the ground or dangling near the ground, do not touch the lines. Notify your utility company as soon as possible that the lines have been damaged, or that the power lines are down. Do not attempt to move or repair the power lines.
Do not drive through standing water if downed power lines are in the water. If a power line falls across your car while you are driving, continue to drive away from the line. If the engine stalls, do not turn off the ignition. Stay in your car and wait for emergency personnel. Do not allow anyone other than emergency personnel to approach your vehicle. Animals
Wild or stray domestic animals can pose a danger during or after the passage of a hurricane. Remember, most animals are disoriented and displaced, too. Do not corner an animal. If an animal must be removed, contact your local animal control authorities.
If you are bitten by any animal, seek immediate medical attention. If you are bitten by a snake, first try to accurately identify the type of snake so that, if poisonous, the correct anti-venom can be administered. Do not cut the wound or attempt to suck the venom out.
Certain animals may carry rabies. Although the virus is rare, care should be taken to avoid contact with stray animals and rodents. Health departments can provide information on the types of animals that carry rabies in your area. Rats may also be a problem during and after a hurricane. Take care to secure all food supplies, and remove any animal carcasses in the vicinity by contacting your local animal control authorities. Drowning
Although hurricane winds can cause an enormous amount of damage, wind is not the biggest killer in such a storm. Nine of every ten hurricane fatalities are drowning associated with swiftly moving waters. People who enter moving water with their cars, or who get on boats on lakes or bays when a hurricane strikes the area are at grave risk of drowning, regardless of their ability to swim. Even very shallow water that is moving swiftly can be deadly. Cars or other vehicles do not provide adequate protection. Cars can be swept away or may break down in moving water. Be alert and follow hazard warnings on roadways or those broadcasts by the media. Police and public works departments should be contacted for up-to-date information regarding safe roadways.

Chemical Hazards
Be aware of potential chemical hazards you may encounter when returning to your home, especially if the hurricane is accompanied by flooding. Floodwaters and high winds may have moved or buried hazardous chemical containers of solvents or other industrial chemicals. Contact your local fire department about inspecting and removing hazardous chemical containers. Avoid inhaling chemical fumes.
If any propane tanks (whether 20-lb. tanks from a gas grill or household propane tanks) are discovered, do not attempt to move them yourself. These represent a very real danger of fire or explosion, and if any are found, the fire department, police, or your State Fire Marshal's office should be contacted immediately.
Car batteries, while flooded, may still contain an electrical charge and should be removed with extreme caution by using insulated gloves. Avoid coming in contact with any acid that may have spilled from a damaged car battery.