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Hurricane Preparation Tips
Know
the definition of a Hurricane WATCH and WARNING
- WATCH:
Hurricane conditions are possible in the specified area of the
WATCH, usually within 36 hours.
- WARNING:
Hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area of the
WARNING, usually within 24 hours
Know
What to Do When a Hurricane WATCH Is Issued
- Listen
to NOAA
Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for up-to-date storm
information.
- Prepare
to bring inside any lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments,
trash cans, hanging plants, and anything else that can be picked up by
the wind.
- Prepare
to cover all windows of your home. If shutters have not been
installed, use precut plywood as described above. Note: Tape
does not prevent windows from breaking, so taping windows is not
recommended.
- Fill
your car's gas tank.
- Recheck
manufactured home tie-downs.
- Check
batteries and stock up on canned food, first aid supplies, drinking
water, and medications.
Know
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.
- Be
aware that 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. Trees, shrubs,
buildings, and other objects damaged by the first winds can be broken
or destroyed by the second winds.
- Be
alert for tornadoes. Tornadoes can happen during a hurricane and after
it passes over. Remain indoors, in the center of your home, in a
closet or bathroom without windows.
- Stay
away from flood waters. If you come upon a flooded road, turn around
and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are
rising rapidly around you, get out of the car and climb to higher
ground.
Prepare
a Personal Evacuation Plan
- Identify
ahead of time where you could go if you are told to evacuate. 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 evacuation
instructions. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
- Take
these items with you when evacuating:
- Prescription
medications and medical supplies;
- Bedding
and clothing, including sleeping bags and pillows
- Bottled
water, battery-operated radio and extra batteries, first aid kit,
flashlight
- Car
keys and maps
- Documents,
including driver’s license, Social Security card, proof of
residence, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage
certificates, tax records, etc.
Before
the storm strikes --
- Stock
up on non-perishable food, medicine, baby supplies and pet food.
- Purchase
bottled water; 1 gallon of water per person per day.
- Check
emergency equipment (flashlights, battery-operated radios, extension
cords, emergency generators, etc.) and purchase extra batteries.
- Consider
the installation of shutters over windows and doors. Depending on the
design of your home, plywood works well, but stock up early.
- Monitor
official weather bulletins.
- Keep
extra cash on hand, as automatic teller machines or banks don't
operate without power.
- Review
evacuation routes.
- Arrange
for safe sheltering for your pet if you must evacuate. Public shelters
don't accept pets.
- Keep
your vehicle's fuel tank full.
- Move
yard items inside, such as patio furniture.
- Read
more
tips on hurricanes, and learn
about flash floods.
Electric
Tips During Storms
- If
a family member uses life-sustaining medical equipment, develop an
emergency plan for generating power or plan to relocate.
- Turn
off and unplug the electrical appliances and equipment such as TVs and
computers.
- Turn
refrigerators and freezers to their coldest settings to keep food
fresh as long as possible. (Learn
more about perishable foods.)
- Watch
for downed power lines. Stay back and consider all lines energized. If
possible, call Dominion at 1-888-667-3000. (Read more tips about downed
wires and post-storm safety.)
- If
you must reset circuit breakers, wear dry, rubber soled shoes and
stand on something dry such as wood or furniture.
- Reset
the breaker switches with one hand using a dry wooden tool. Don't
touch the metal breaker box or other grounded objects.
- If
the breakers cannot be reset, call a licensed electrician, as there
may be a short-circuit in the electrical system.
Portable
Generator Safety Tips
- Use
only in a well-ventilated area. Don't run it in your garage.
- Use
a heavy duty, grounded extension cord when plugging appliances into
the generator.
- Do
not connect your power generator to your home's main fuse box or
circuit panel.
- Don't
exceed the generator's recommended wattage.
- Turn
the generator off at night while you sleep and when you are away from
Know
What to Do After a Hurricane Is Over
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