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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

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
  • Non electric can opener
  • Essential medicines
  • Cash, credit cards, EBT Cards and food stamps
  • 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. It will not be possible for the Housing Authority to provide plywood for each window in the complexes, but you can reduce the chance of damage by using strong tape such as "duct tape" across window panes, especially large windows.

Check into renter's insurance. You can find out about renter's insurance through your local insurance agent. There is normally a 30-day waiting period before a new policy becomes effective.

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 calf 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.
  • 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.

DURING A HURRICANE WARNING

  • Listen constantly to a battery-operated radio or television for official instructions.
  • Store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container on the highest level of your home.

If at home:

  • Stay inside, away from windows 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. Do not use any open flame as a method of cooking if gas service is out.
  • 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.
  • 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.

If you were evacuated, return home only after authorities advise that it is safe to do so.

  • 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.
  • Avoid loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to maintenance, 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.
  • Drive only if absolutely necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges. Use telephone only for emergency calls.

INSPECTING UTILITIES IN A DAMAGED APARTMENT

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 maintenance 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 maintenance.

Check for sewage and water lines damage-If you suspect sewage lines are damaged avoid using the toilets and call maintenance. If water pipes are damaged, contact maintenance and avoid the water from the tap.