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The Shoreline
August, 2000
In Case of a
Hurricane Watch
A hurricane watch is issued when
a hurricane may threaten an area but
is not imminent. At this point, you
should immediately begin to gather
the survival supplies and materials that
you will need in the event that a
hurricane reaches your area.
Some examples:
Materials to protect glass
windows and doors (shutters,
plywood, masking tape) and the tools
to install and apply them.
Several days' supply of canned
food and beverages and non-
perishable foods that don't need
refrigeration or cooking. Buy
food and beverages in containers and
packages that will allow for immediate
consumption with no leftovers.
An adequate supply of needed
prescription drugs, other medications
and basic first aid supplies.
Filled fuel tanks and safe battery
water levels on your vehicles.
A good supply of clean clothing
and linens.
A transistor radio and flashlights
that work, along with fresh batteries to
last several days.
In addition, you should:
Be sure all doors are watertight.
Use bleach to clean the bathtub,
washing machine and containers with
covers to store water for drinking,
cooking and washing for several days.
For drinking, you will need containers
with covers to hold two quarts of
water per person per day. (if you rely
on commercially bottled water for
drinking, be sure to have several days'
supply on hand.)
Know how to use any fuel-
operated lanterns you have safely, and
have several days' supply of fuel.
Be sure your fire extinguishers
are fully charged.
Know where your main turn -off
switches are for electricity, water and
gas.
If there are ill or disabled
persons in your home, ask a doctor
where they should stay in the event a
hurricane approaches your area. If
relocation will be necessary, have
plans in place.
Make arrangements ahead of
time if you want to board pets at a
veterinary facility.
During the Hurricane
Remain indoors. Wind, downed
live power lines and failing or flying
trees and debris all pose serious
danger.
Stay on the side of the house
opposite the direction the wind is
coming from. As the wind shifts, move
to a room on the opposite side. If you
have a room within a room, such as a
bathroom, stay there during the height
of the hurricane. Keep away from
windows and glass doors.
Don't go out during the calm as
the eye of the hurricane passes
overhead. The wind may cease for
several minutes or for an hour or
more, and the sky may clear, but this
is only the mid-point of the hurricane.
The lull will end suddenly as the wind
strikes from the opposite direction,
rising rapidly to hurricane force, often
stronger than before.
If the roof blows off or the house
shows signs of collapsing, take cover
in a room within a room such as a
bathroom or under a stairway, strong
table or doorframe.
Make the effort to remain calm
and encourage your family members,
especially children, to stay calm. Stay
inside until you are absolutely sure it's
safe to go out again.
Hurricane
Preparedness Tips
When a hurricane threatens your
area, you must decide whether to
evacuate or ride out the storm at
home. Listen to the radio for weather
advisories, and if authorities
recommend evacuation for your area,
leave promptly.
In general, plan to leave if you
live on the coast or in a low-lying area
not far inland, in a mobile home, or
aboard a boat. You also should leave
if you know your home is not
structurally sound or if it is in an area
that continually floods or is near a
stream or gut likely to overflow in
heavy rainfall.
If you need to seek emergency
shelter, wait for notification from the
American Red Cross officials of shelter
locations.
Public shelters are set up as a
temporary, emergency means of
caring for people. A shelter's primary
function is to provide a roof over your
head. Food, blankets and amenities
may not be available. Pets, weapons,
alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs
are not allowed in shelters. Smoking
may be banned.
If you go to a shelter^ travel
light. Put everything into a
portable disaster kit,
including:
Non-perishable food
Drinking water (two to four
quarts per person per day)
Valuable papers such as your
driver's license or other
identification, bankbooks,
insurance policies, property
inventory and photographs
Eating and cooking utensils,
can and bottle openers
Toiletries and sanitary supplies
Medications, prescriptions,
important nnedical information,
eyeglasses, cleaning solution
for contact lenses, hearing
aid, and walking aids
Rope
Portable radio with extra
batteries
Flashlight with extra batteries
Blanket or sleeping bag for
each person
Small valuables such as
photographs
Before you leave your home:
• Unplug all electrical appliances
and machines and store them
as high as possible.
• Turn off electricity at all
breakers plus the main switch.
Label breakers to identify
what the lines carry.
• Store toxic materials as high
as possible in the most
protected area available.
. Agree with family members on
a location to meet or a means
of reaching one another with
messages in the event you
become separated.