Watches & Warnings
Hurricane Watch
A hurricane watch is issued when there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 36 hours.
- Bring in outdoor objects such as toys and garden tools
- Check your family's emergency supplies
- Fill up your car with gas
- Listen to a radio or television for official instructions
- Review evacuation plan
- Secure buildings
- Secure outdoor objects which cannot be brought inside, such as boats and lawnmowers
- Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs, bottles, and cooking utensils
- Turn your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings
Hurricane Warning
A hurricane warning is issued when hurricane conditions are expected in 24 hours or less.
- Avoid open flames, such as candles and kerosene lamps, as a source of light
- If in a mobile home, check tie downs and prepare to evacuate
- If power is lost, turn major appliances off to reduce a power surge when electricity is restored
- Keep a supply of flashlights and extra batteries handy
- Listen to a radio or television for official instructions
- Stay inside, away from windows, skylights, and glass doors
- Store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container
Evacuating
If you are asked to evacuate, please keep in mind that the decision was based on your safety.
- Bring pre-assembled emergency supplies and warm protective clothing
- Leave as soon as possible - avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges
- Lock up home and leave
- Take blankets and sleeping bags to the shelter
- Tell someone outside of the storm area where you are going
Protecting Your Family
Develop a Family Disaster Supply Kit for use in the event you are affected by an emergency. Your kit may include:
- 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
Protecting Your Home
Your home is one of your most valuable assets. The information provided serves as a guide to help you protect it.
- Check into flood insurance. There is a 30 day waiting period before a new policy takes effect. Homeowner policies do not cover flooding damage from hurricanes
- Permanent shutters are the best protection. A lower-cost approach is plywood panels, at least 1/2 inch thick, cut to fit each window
- Pre-drill holes every 18 inches for screws
- Remember to mark which board fits which window
- Trim back dead or weak branches from trees
The Aftermath
After the storm hits, be alert and watch for news from your area.
- Avoid loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately
- Beware of snakes, insects, and animals driven to higher ground by flood water
- Check refrigerated foods for spoilage
- Do not move seriously injured persons. Call for help
- Drive only if absolutely necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed out bridges
- Enter your home with caution
- Give first aid where appropriate
- Help injured or trapped persons
- If you are unsure of the stability of the structure, do not enter
- Inspect the outside of your home and surrounding area before attempting to enter
- Open windows and doors to ventilate and dry your home
- Return home only after authorities advise it is safe to do so
- Stay tuned to local radio for information
- Take pictures of the damage to the house and its contents for insurance claims
- Use telephone only for emergency calls
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