Before the Storm

BEFORE THE STORM

Listen to weather updates on local stations
Check your Disaster Supply Kit. Obtain any needed or out-dated items.
Refill prescriptions. Maintain a supply during the storm season.
Get cash. With no power, banks may be closed, checks and credit cards may not be accepted and ATMs will not be operational.
Fill you cars/trucks gas tank and check oil, water and tires.
Fill additional gas cans for your generators
Protect your windows and glass doors. Brace double entry and gages doors at the top and bottom.
Clear yard of potential flying debris (lawn furniture, potted plants, bicycles, trash cans, etc)
Have charcoal and wooden matches for charcoal grills, propane for gas grills
Leave as soon as you can. Do not get on congested evacuation routes and try to outrun the storm.

If you evacuate:

Listen to your local radio and television stations for emergency broadcasts. If ordered to evacuate, you must do so immediately.
Take your Disaster Supply Kit
Take important papers with you, including your driver’s license, special medical information, insurance policies and property inventories
Let relatives, friends and/or neighbors know where you are going.
Turn off electricity, water and gas
Lock all windows and doors

If you can safely stay home:

Make sure your windows are protected and home is secured.
Offer your home as shelter to relatives or friends who live in vulnerable areas or mobile homes
Clean containers for drinking water and you bathtub for storing clean water. Remember: 3 gallons per persons per day for all uses.
- Line the tub with plastic sheeting or clean shower curtains
- Caulk the drain with silicone caulking (it will hold water for weeks and cleans up easily when dry)
Check your Disaster Supply Kit. Obtain any needed or out-dated items.
Don’t forget to have a non-electric can opener.
During the storm, stay inside and away from windows, skylights and glass doors. Find a safe area of your home (interior reinforced room, closet or bathroom on the lower floor)
Wait for the official word that the danger is over. Don’t be fooled by the storm’s calm “eye”.
If you lose power, turn off major appliances (air conditioner, water heater, computers, all TV, etc) to reduce damage
If flooding threatens you home, turn off electricity at the main breakers.