WHEN A HURRICANE WATCH IS ISSUED:

• Check often for official bulletins on radio and television.

• When hurricane watch is issued, it means there is danger of the hurricane hitting within 36 hours.

• Gas up your vehicle.

• Check Mobile Home tie downs.

• Moor craft or move them to shelter.

• Stock up on can provisions.

• Check supplies of needed medicines and drugs.

• Check radios and flashlight for batteries.

• Secure lawn furniture and other outdoor material.

• Board or shutter windows to prevent shattering.

• Make plans early for special needs or handicap family members.

• Plan for your pets as they are not permitted in public shelters.

• Store clean water in tubs, jugs, and cooking utensils.

• Get enough cash to last a few days, banks may be closed a few days.

• Keep adequate cleaning supplies on hand for clean up and emergency repairs.

• Plan the route you will take if you must leave.  Have an alternate route set, too.

• Find out where the nearest shelter will be, and make sure it is open before you leave.  

• If you haven't already, inventory your property.  List and photograph, also video will help if you receive damage.

• keep important papers in a safety deposit box, waterproof container, or trunk of you car.

• Plan ahead to stay with relatives who live inland, or make other arrangements.

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WHEN A WARNING IS ISSUED:

• Stay tuned to radio and television.
• When hurricane warning is issued, it means there is a danger of the hurricane hitting within 24 hrs.
• If an order to evacuate is issued for your area, secure your property and evacuate using your family plan or go to the nearest public shelter.

STAY OR LEAVE:

This should be in your family plan

• If you live in a mobile home or in a low lying area, near a river that could flood, you should leave.
• If you live on high ground and in a sturdy home, you might consider staying.
• Remember, if you stay, there are other elements to consider: there are plenty of tornadoes in a hurricane, lightning that could set your house on fire.

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IF YOU STAY HOME:

• BOARD UP WINDOWS AND DOORS ( ALLOWING FOR EMERGENCY EXITS).
• Turn up refrigerator to maximum cold.
• Use phone only for emergencies.
• Stay indoors, away from windows.
• Open the door to your attic will help equalize pressure on the roof.

BEFORE YOU LEAVE

• Leave early-in daylight, if possible.
• Take special need items: medical,etc.
• Take small valuables and papers, but travel light.
• Use local shelters only as a last resort.
• - before you leave home:
• Shutoff water, gas, electricity an main stations.
• If you evacuate, do not leave your pets unattended. (pets are not allowed in shelters.) have in mind preplan arrangements for your animals prior to the hurricane. for complete information on pet disaster preparedness tips, contact your local chapter of the humane society.
• Lock up your house.
• Drive carefully.

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IF YOU USE A PUBLIC SHELTER

• Arrive early.
• Drive up to shelter entrance, unload and park car as police instruct.
• Expect limited space at the shelter.
• Provide for you own needs.
• Clothes, food, baby formula, diapers, medicines, blankets, pillows and toys to occupy children.
• Be prepared to cope. the shelter will be crowded and noisy.
• Be aware that some folks, by virtue of physical or mental condition, can become disoriented in a shelter environment.
• Volunteer to help.
• Obey the directions of the shelter management.
• DO NOT BRING PETS.
• DO NOT BRING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES.
• DO NOT BRING FIRE ARMS.
• Stay put until told that you may leave. people will not be allowed back into evacuated areas until advised by official public announcement.

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WEATHER TERMS YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• Tropical Depression- Tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind in 38 mph (33 knots) or less.

• Tropical Storm- Tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind is 39- 73 mph (34-63 knots.

• Hurricane Watch- An announcement for an area that a hurricane or hurricane conditions may pose a threat to coastal areas within 36 hrs.

• Hurricane Warning- A warning that sustained winds of 74 mph (64 knots) or higher associated with a hurricane is expected within 24 hrs or less.

HURRICANE CATEGORIES:

• Category 1:  Wind speed 74-95 mph.

• Category 2:  Wind speed 96-110 mph.

• Category 3:  Wind speed of 111-130 mph.

• Category 4:  Wind speed of 131-155 mph.

• Category 5:  Wind speed greater than 155 mph.

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STORM SURGE:

     An abnormal rise in sea level produced by a Hurricane.  Storm surges can be form four feet above normal to as high as 20 feet or more.  Waves still continue above the storm surge.  This combination of high water and strong seas can be deadly.  The storm surge accounts for the most deaths during the Hurricane.  

HELPFUL HINTS TO SURVIVE A HURRICANE:

• Being prepared is the key.

• Stay calm heed all warnings.

• Underestimate, and you loose.

• Evacuation, do it early-- know how and when.

• Stock pile non-perishable food (for two weeks).

• Set up and keep a first-aid kit.  First-aid knowledge is important.

• Fire danger is high in a storm.

• Disease is a threat in the aftermath.

• Have a battery operated radio; keep fresh batteries handy.

• Prior personal planning is essential.

• Obtain enough cash to last several days (as banks may be closed).

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HAVE A FAMILY DISASTER PLAN:

     Where will your family be when disaster strikes?  They could be anywhere-- at work, at school, or in the car.  How will you find each other?  Will you know if your children are safe?  Disaster may force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home.  What would you do if basic services--water, gas, electricity or telephones were cut off.

FOLLOW THESE BASIC STEPS TO DEVELOP A FAMILY DISASTER PLAN...

• Gather information about all hazards in your area.

• Meet with your family to create a plan.

• Implement your plan when a Hurricane Watch is declared for your area.  Complete implementation when a Hurricane Warning is declared for your area.  Plan a route you will take if you must leave.  Have an alternative route.  Tune into your local radio stations for available shelters.

• Practice and maintain your plan.  Test smoke detectors monthly and change batteries every six months.

• Arrange for one family member not in your area to notify friends and family of your whereabouts and status.

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