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Hurricane Safety Tips
Learn what steps you should take during a hurricane.
- Plan Ahead:
- Gather your emergency supplies before the hurricane season begins.
- If you are in an evacuation zone plan your trip to safety if you are told to leave; locate shelters or make plans with family.
- If you plan to stay in your home, make sure you designate a "safe room". A preferable area is an interior closet on the first floor, away from windows and doors.
- Gather all your insurance information and important papers; make sure they're high above ground level in case of flooding.
- When a Hurricane Watch is issued: Meaning a hurricane can pose a threat to your area within 36 hours.
- Bring lose items in from outside your home (garbage cans, secure boats, put up shutters).
- Fill your car up with gasoline and move it to higher ground away from flood waters.
- Fill all medical prescriptions; make sure you have enough for up to a 2-week supply.
- Stock up on food, cash, flashlights, batteries, and a battery-powered radio.
- When a Hurricane Warning is issued: Meaning a hurricane is expected to strike your area within 24 hours.
- Evacuate mobile homes immediately.
- Evacuate if you're in a flood zone.
- Make sure all shutters and/or plywood are put up.
- Let friends and relatives know of your evacuation plans.
- If you're staying home during a hurricane:
- Make sure to keep all windows closed.
- Stay away from windows.
- Turn off propane tanks and other utilities.
- Keep a batter-powered radio with you to be informed of hurricane updates.
- Turn your refrigerator to the coldest setting and don't open unnecessarily.
- Fill your bathtub with water for use after the storm.
- During the Storm: Stay indoors! Do not let your curiosity get the best of you.
- If your electricity goes off, use flashlights instead of candles.
- Monitor radio stations for hurricane status.
- If the calm of the storm passes through, don't be tempted to go outside. The winds will soon pick up again in the other direction and may be stronger than they were before.
- Use the telephone and refrigerator only if necessary.
- Remain indoors until clearance is given.
- After the Storm: Stay put until you hear that it is safe to go outside.
- Do not drink tap water until you are sure it isn't contaminated.
- Use dry or canned food to guard against spoiled food.
- Make a list of any property damage.
- Avoid using candles or open flames indoors.
- Do not touch any fallen or hanging wires, for fear of electrical shock.
- Don't touch any tree with fallen wires; don't step in puddles with fallen wires.
- Beware of weakened roads that may collapse.
- If your electricity is still off, continue to conserve refrigeration.
- Do not walk or drive around your neighborhood to survey the damage. Rescue workers and firemen will need streets to be cleared.
Here are some informative Internet sites that will provide you with further helpful information on hurricanes:
1. Hurricane City: Here you will find information for cities that are threatened by Atlantic hurricanes.
2. Atlantic Hurricane Information Network: Keep up to date on hurricane information.
3. Federal Emergency Management Agency: FEMA for Kids: Hurricane information and fun hurricane learning games for kids!
4. FEMA: Federal Emergency Management Agency: Find out a lot of information on hurricanes, from protecting your home to hurricane tracking charts.
Here are some informative books to read that deal with hurricane safety. Use Amazon.com's secure server to order:
 Eye of the Storm: Inside the World's Deadliest Hurricanes, Tornadoes, and Blizzards: - Jeffrey P. Rosenfeld Gain more knowledge about the strong forces behind mother nature, and the scientific studies that are being done. Buy it NOW through Amazon.com's secure server!
Click HERE or on the image of the books to give this gift to yourself or someone else!
Hurricane Survival Made Easy: A Guide for Hurricane Preparedness: - Morris I. Taite, Joe Masia (Editor). This book explains how to prepare for and survive a hurricane. Buy it now through Amazon.com's secure server!
Click HERE or on the image of the books to give this gift to yourself or someone else!
The safety information contained on these pages is provided as a courtesy to My ParenTime's visitors. My ParenTime makes no representations or guarantees concerning the effectiveness of such information. In no event shall My ParenTime be held liable for any failure of such safety information.
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