FACT SHEET: HURRICANES

Hurricanes can be dangerous killers. Learning the hurricane warning messages
and planning ahead can reduce the chances of injury or major property damage.

BEFORE

Plan an evacuation route.
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.

Learn safe routes inland.
Be ready to drive 20 to 50 miles inland to locate 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
   * Nonelectric can opener
   * Essential medicines
   * Cash and credit cards
   * Sturdy shoes

Make arrangements for pets.

Pets may not be allowed into emergency shelters for health and space reasons.
Contact your local humane society for information on local animal shelters.

Make sure that all family members know how to respond after a hurricane.
Teach family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water.

Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire department and which
radio station to tune to for emergency information.

Protect your windows.
Permanent shutters are the best protection. A lower-cost approach is to put up
plywood panels. Use 1/2 inch plywood--marine plywood is best--cut to fit each
window. Remember to mark which board fits which window. Pre-drill holes every
18 inches for screws. Do this long before the storm.

Trim back dead or weak branches from trees.

Check into flood insurance. You can find out about the National Flood Insurance
Program through your local insurance agent or emergency management office.
There is normally a 5-day waiting period before a new policy becomes effective.
Homeowners polices do not cover damage from the flooding that accompanies a
hurricane.

Develop an emergency communication plan.
In case family members are separated from one another during a disaster (a real
possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school),
have a plan for getting back together.

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.

Hurricane Watches and Warnings

A hurricane watch is issued when there is a threat of hurricane conditions
within 24-36 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.

DURING A HURRICANE WATCH

   * Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for hurricane progress
     reports.
   * Check emergency supplies.
   * Fuel car.
   * 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.
   * Moor boat 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.
   * Store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container on the
     highest level of your home.
   * 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.

If officials indicate evacuation is necessary:

   * 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 pre-assembled emergency supplies and warm protective clothing.
   * Take blankets and sleeping bags to shelter.
   * Lock up home and leave.

AFTER

Stay tuned to local radio for information.

Help injured or trapped persons.

   * Give first aid where appropriate.
   * Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger
     of further injury. Call for help.

Return home only after authorities advise that it is safe to do so.

   * Avoid loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the
     power company, police, or fire department.
   * Enter your home with caution.
   * Beware of snakes, insects, and animals driven to higher ground by flood
     water.
   * Open windows and doors to ventilate and dry your home.
   * Check refrigerated foods for spoilage.
   * Take pictures of the damage, both to the house and its contents and for
     insurance claims.

Drive only if absolutely necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed-out
bridges.

Use telephone only for emergency calls.

INSPECTING UTILITIES IN A DAMAGED HOME

Check for gas leaks--If you smell gas or hear blowing or hissing noise, open a
window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the outside main
valve if you can and call the gas company from a neighbor's home. If you turn
off the gas for any reason, it must be turned back on by a professional.

Look for electrical system damage--If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires,
or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box
or circuit breaker. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or
circuit breaker, call an electrician first for advice.

Check for sewage and water lines damage--If you suspect sewage lines are
damaged avoid using the toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged,
contact the water company and avoid the water from the tap. You can obtain safe
water by melting ice cubes.

Mitigation

Mitigation includes any activities that prevent an emergency, reduce the chance
of an emergency happening, or lessen the damaging effects of unavoidable
emergencies. Investing in preventive mitigation steps now such as strengthening
unreinforced masonry to withstand wind and flooding and installing shutters on
every window will help reduce the impact of hurricanes in the future. For more
information on mitigation, contact your local emergency management office.