|
ARE YOU PREPARED?
A Guide for Hurricane
Preparedness
BE PREPARED
Think ahead about what you will do in case of a hurricane.
Determine with your family when and how you will evacuate the city.
Plan in advance where you will go, how you will get there and
supplies you will take.
Rental and flood insurance
- Purchase insurance for and inventory your personal
possessions.
Develop an emergency communication plan
- Have an out-of-state relative or friend serve as a "family
contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long
distance.
- Compile a list of emergency numbers including family members,
doctors and emergency agencies.
Hurricane Preparation Kit
- Buy emergency stocks such as canned and dried foods that don't
require cooking (non-perishable), juices, soft drinks, bottled
water (at least one quart per person per day), water purification
tablets, manual can opener, first-aid kit, insect repellant,
portable radio, flashlights, fresh batteries, plastic and tape.
- Avoid candles and kerosene lamps as sources of light.
- You may want to have vitamin, mineral and protein supplements
on hand.
- Keep a hammer, nails, hatchet and saw inside your safe room.
They may be useful should you need to provide extra ventilation or
create an emergency exit.
- Keep at least a week's supply of prescription medicines on
hand, more if feasible.
- Fill clean, airtight containers to store as much water as
possible. If your apartment has a bathtub, clean and fill with
water.
Secure your property
- Board up windows and glassed areas. Remove furniture in their
vicinity, if possible. Otherwise, cover with plastics and secure
with tape all that cannot be stowed or moved away from windows.
Remove valuables from the floor if possible.
- Secure movable objects on your property: doors, shutters,
outdoor furniture, hoses, gates, garbage cans, garden tools, etc.
- Turn your refrigerator and freezer temperature gauges to
maximum. Open only when absolutely necessary and close quickly.
- Be prepared to turn off gas, water and electricity where it
enters your home, if necessary.
Computers & electronics
- Back up computer data and take a copy with you. Cover your
computer and other electronic equipment with plastic sheeting or
large plastic garbage bags.
Protect important documents
- Place in waterproof containers and take with you or store at
the highest, most secure point in your room or apartment.
Gas up your vehicle
- Check all fluids and tire pressures (including spare).
Have cash on hand
- ATM's will not operate should we experience a power failure.
Pets
- Secure provisions for your pets (seeing-eye dogs may be the
only animals allowed in hurricane shelters).
TAKING ACTION
Remain vigilant throughout the storm period. Read your newspaper
and listen to the radio and television for official announcements
and current weather reports.
EVACUATING
Leave as soon as possible. Avoid flooded roads and watch for
washed-out bridges.
Tell someone outside of the storm area (a family member or
friend) where you are going.
Take your pre-assembled Hurricane Preparation Kit plus: a change
of clothing, sturdy shoes, toiletries, blankets and pillows,
utensils, cash, photo identification, books and games.
Consider the following shelter options for evacuating the city:
- Make reservations at a hotel or motel.
- Go to a friend or relative's house
- Go to a Red Cross shelter
(specific locations will be posted at the time of the storm).
Stay indoors and away from all windows and glassed areas,
preferably in an interior room with no windows, hallway or closet.
Remain calm.
Listen for continuing weather bulletins and official reports.
Follow all officially issued instructions.
Use your telephone only during an emergency.
Beware of the "eye of the hurricane." A lull in the wind is not
an indication that a storm has passed. Remain indoors, unless
emergency repairs are necessary. Exercise caution. Winds may resume
suddenly, in the opposite direction and with greater force than
before. Note: If you are stranded, signal for help by waving a
flashlight at night or a white cloth during the day.
AFTER THE STORM
Listen to local news media for up-to-the-minute information
regarding medical help, food programs and general assistance. Stay
where you are if it is safe until authorities give the "all-clear."
Keep away from fallen wires. Report location of such wires to the
utility company
Inspect your utility systems and report any potentially dangerous
hazards. If you detect gas:
- Get outside.
- Do not light matches or electrical equipment.
- Extinguish all flames.
- Shut off gas supply to meter if you can (gas service should be
turned back on only by a gas serviceman or licensed plumber).
- Report the hazard to Entergy (636-2020) or the fire department
(911). Call from a neighbor's house or from somewhere away from
danger.
Water not stored before flooding should be boiled for 3 to 5 minutes
or treated with purification tablets. An official public
announcement will proclaim tap water "safe."
Check refrigerated foods for spoilage before consuming.
Open windows and doors to ventilate and dry your home. Dispose of
all carpeting, mattresses, pillows and cushions that have been in
floodwaters.
Take pictures of the damage, both to the house and its contents,
to file with your insurance company. Secure all belongings against
further damage or theft.
Contact relatives as soon as possible.
If returning from evacuation or shelter, enter your home with
caution.
Beware of snakes, insects and animals driven to higher ground by
floodwater.
|
