Are you ready for a Hurricane?

 

Here's what you can do to prepare for such an emergency



   A hurricane WATCH                                           A hurricane WARNING
   is when conditions are possible                              is when conditions are expected
   in the specified area of the Watch,                         in the specified area of the Warning,
   usually within 36 hours.                                        usually within 24 hours.
 
 
Prepare a Personal Evacuation Plan
  • Identify ahead of time where you could go if you are told to evacuate.  Choose several places as well as a road map of your locality. Choose several places - a friend's home in another town, a motel, or a shelter.
  • Keep handy the telephone numbers of these places as well as a road map of your
    locality.  You may need to take alternative or unfamiliar routes if major roads are
    closed or clogged.
  • Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for evaluation instructions.  If advised to evacuate, do so immediately!

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit

Include the following items in your kit:
  • First aid kit and essential medications            See Anatomy of a First Aid Kit
  • Canned food and can opener
  • At least three gallons of water per person
  • Protective clothing, rainwear and bedding or sleeping bags
  • Battery powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries
  • Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members
  • Written instructions for how to turn off gas & water (if authorities advise you to do so).  You will need a professional to turn them back on.
Prepare for high winds
  • Install hurricane shutters or precut 3/4" plywood for each window of your home
  • Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased or damaged limbs, then
    strategically remove branches so the wind can blow through.
What to do when a hurricane WATCH is issued
  • Listen to a radio or TV station for local up-to-date storm information
  • Bring inside any lawn furniture, trash cans, hanging plants, or anything else that can
    blow away
What to do when a hurricane WARNING is issued
  • Listen to the advice of local officials, and leave if they tell you to do so
  • Complete preparation activities
  • If you are not advised to evacuate, stay indoors, away from windows.
  • The calm "eye" is deceptive, the storm is not over.  The worst part of the storm will
    happen once the eye passes over and the winds blow from the opposite direction.
  • Be alert for tornadoes
  • Stay away from flood waters.  If waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car and climb to higher ground.
For more information regarding hurricane safety, please come to our office and we will be
glad to help you.

 

And remember, when a hurricane, fire, flood, or other emergency happens, you can count on the American Red Cross, Milford Chapter to be there to help you and your family.

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