Page 14 The Shoreline July 2006
How to on How To Get Ready For Hurricanes
It is time for hurricane season again and
none of us should forget what Mother Nature
might bring to us every year at this time. As
director of emergency services, I have been
accused of being over protective of the town
and wanting too much in protection measures.
But my philosophy is that I am here to serve
and protect our beautiful town and would be
neglectful if I didn’t ask for what was needed.
I have compiled a list of things to consider and
prepare for in the event of a hurricane.
1. Identify your evacuation route, means
of transportation, and know where you
will be staying.
2. Call the PKS Emergency Management
Office to sign up for special assistance
needs.
3. Identify out-of-area emergency contact
numbers.
4. Identify friends and family who can
check on you during an emergency.
5. Pre-plan your home. Know the location
of all your utility shut offs.v^
6. Review your homeowners insurance with
I The safest way to protect yourself is to
immediately evacuate the area.
But if you’ve decided to ride the storm out at home,
take note of these survival tips.
> Monitor water levels in your neighborhood. This is your quickest
signal to move to high points in your house or to evacuate to
higher ground.
• Listen for tornadoes. Tornadoes often lead the way in a tropical
storm.
• Get some rest. If at all possible, sleep in shifts so everyone is rested
if the time comes to evacuate.
• If you arc in the middle of a hurricane, STAY PUT until the storm
passes. If you must leave your house for an emergency, use a large,
heavy vehicle, drive slowly, be alert and don t go very far.
By Bill Matthias Director
your insurance agent and make sure you have
the proper coverage. Flood insurance can be
obtained by contacting your insurance agent or
through the National Flood Insurance Program
at 800-638-6620.
7. Residents living in rental property should
consider purchasing renter’s insurance to
cover losses of personal property within the
rental unit.
8. Make a list of your belongings and take
pictures or videotape them. Include a close-up
shot of the day ’ s newspaper to provide the date.
Keep your inventory list along with purchase
receipts, pictures and your insurance policy in
a safe place away from your home.
9. Install a generator that connects directly
to your home.
10. Identify places to secure your outside
belongings. Anything left outside
becomes a missile during a storm.
11. Come to the PKS Public Safety
Building to get your resident pass.
12. Keep abreast of weather conditions. Here
is a guide to preparing a disaster supply kit
which should contain enough
essential items for seven
days.
1. Drinking water - one
gallon per person per day.
Do not reuse milk or juice
jugs to store water. Even if
rinsed out, the jugs will retain
residue that will develop into
bacteria. Change out water
every six months.
2. First aid kit and book.
Hurricane
Safety Tips
Hurricane Season
is June i-Nov. 30.
of Emergency Services
3. Current medication
4. Extra glasses, hearing aids, and
wheelchair batteries.
5. Plenty of oxygen supply.
6. Store enough high energy,
non-perishable food and water to last
a week.
7. Manual can opener
8. Portable radio/TV and flashlights with
plenty of extra batteries.
9. Extra clothing
10. Rain coat and walking shoes.
11. Sanitation kit containing toilet paper,
alcohol wipes, anti-bacterial hand cleanser,
bleach, bar soap, shampoo, toothbrush and
toothpaste, rubber gloves, trash bags and
feminine hygiene supplies.
12. Blankets or sleeping bag.
13. Cell phone.
If you have pets prepare a Pet
Disaster Kit:
1. Proper identification to include
immunization and rabies records.
2. Ample supply of food and water
3. A carrier cage, collar w/identification,
and leash for each animal.
4. Medications
5. Food and water dishes.
6. Old newspapers and trash bags for
clean-up
Most of these items are required at pet
shelters. Pets are not allowed in public shelters
and many hotels and motels will not accept
pets.
“Should I stay or should I go?” This is often
the hardest decision to make and I recommend
that if you are in doubt, head on out. If the
town’s emergency services announce that they
are leaving the island then it is a pretty good
indication that things are going to get very bad.
Some of the things to consider are;
1. Do I use medical equipment that
requires power?
2. Will I be OK if I am cut off from the
mainland?
3. Is my home in a storm surge zone or a
flood zone?
4. Is the place where I am staying
structurally sound?
5. Do I have hurricane shutters to keep out
driving rain and wind?
6. How strong is the storm?
OK, you decided to stay, now what?
Remember in the event of a strong storm,
PKS emergency services personnel will
evacuate the island with all their equipment.
All residents will be strongly encouraged to
evacuate also.
1. Have an emergency contact list posted
on your refrigerator.
a. Add PKS Emergency Services
247-2268, 247-2694
b. Add Carteret County Emergency
Services 728-8470
c. Of course, add 911
2. Insure that family, friends and neighbors
know where you are staying and provide them
with emergency contact numbers.
3. Gas up your vehicle.
4. Remember the bridges never closes to
traffic heading off the island.
5. Heed the curfew warnings; no one is
(How to ...) Continued on Page 15
“CAU ME. YOU AM Y BE SURPRISED AT HOW
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Edward Mullis
5370 F Hwy 70 Brandywine Crossing
Morehead City
(252) 726 1727
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