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There
are a number of things that you should do before a hurricane threatens. Some are
outlined below...
- Determine now whether your residence will be safe from flooding
and wind damage. If you decide that your family should relocate, make arrangements now
with friends or relatives in a safer area.
- Plan the route you will use to evacuate. Roads will be heavily
congested with people fleeing the lowlands. Waiting too long may leave you stranded on the
highways for the duration of the storm.
- Train your family now in these hurricane plans, so that they will
be safe in the event that you are a member of a disaster team , or in the event that road
conditions preclude your leaving the island.
- Now is the time to make sure that you have hurricane supplies,
like water, non-perishable food, flashlights, candles, material for covering windows,
and—perhaps of greatest importance—a good battery-powered radio.
- When a hurricane warning is issued, anchor objects outside to
protect windows, store small objects in your garage or other shelter, lower antennas and
make sure that your cars have adequate gasoline.
- If you are in a relatively
safe area and are not asked to evacuate, stay inside the house, away from windows.
Remember that a storm may spawn tornadoes. If you are asked to evacuate, leave.
- After the storm, beware of conditions outside. Listen to the radio
for reports by your city officials on drinking-water quality, roads and electrical
hazards. When you do venture outside, you should be careful of physical hazards from
glass, nails, fallen electrical wires, fallen trees and snakes.
Remember: The threat of
tropical weather along the Gulf Coast always exists each year from June to November. It is
important for each of us to be prepared. |
