Before a hurricane, here's what you should do
- Stock non-perishable food supplies, a first-aid kit, a battery-powered radio, flashlights, and extra batteries in air-tight containers. You can print out a handy supply list to make it easy.
- Adjust refrigerator temperatures to the coldest settings to reduce the potential for food spoiling if the power is temporarily lost.
- Have a non-electric analog telephone or a fully-charged cell phone available in case you need to make an emergency call during a power outage.
- Heed the advice of local authorities. Evacuate if ordered.
- If an evacuation is necessary, unplug all appliances, TV's and computers before leaving your home.
- Remove fuses from the air conditioning system to prevent damage.
- Turn off water to prevent flooding from broken pipes.
- Turn off gas to prevent leaks from occuring.
- Discuss the type of hazards that could affect your family. Know your home's vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind.
- Locate a safe room or the safest areas of your home for each hurricane hazard. In certain circumstances, the safest areas may not be your home but within your community.
- Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet. These should be measured in tens of miles rather than hundreds of miles.
- Have an out-of-state friend as a family contract, so all your family members have a single contact point.
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