Right before the storm – Be Prepared:
1. Know the difference between a Hurricane Watch and a Hurricane Warning
-A Watch is when hurricane conditions are threat within 48 hours;
-A Warning is when conditions are expected with 36 hours.
2. Listen to local area radio, NOAA radio or TV stations for the latest information and updates
-NOAA Weather Radio is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information directly from the nearest National Weather Service office on the VHF public services band, requiring a compatible receiver or scanner, as they cannot be heard on a simple AM/FM radio receiver.
3. Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
-Review your family’s plan with all household members, which should include your evacuation route and destination.
4. Check emergency kit and replenish any items missing or in short supply. Keep it nearby.
-Fill your car’s gas tank
-Turn off propane tanks and unplug small appliances
-Bring inside anything that can be picked up by the the wind (bicycles, lawn, furniture)
-Close windows, doors, and hurricane shutters
-If you don’t have hurricane shutters, board up all windows and doors with plywood.
(Do not tape glass. Taping does not prevent glass from breakjing and takes critical time from more effective preparedness measures.
-Turn refrigerators and freezers to the coldest setting, and keep them closed as much as possible.
(This will help perishable food keep longer should the power go out)
-Clean and sanitize water-storage containers.
(Clean surfaces thoroughly with soap and water, then rinse)
(For containers, add approximately 1 tablespoon of unscented liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water to make a bleach solution)
(Close the container and shake the bleach solution thoroughly, allowing it to contact all inside surfaces)
(Keeping the container closed, let the bleach solution stand for 30 minutes, and then rinse with clean drinking water.)
(Allow the container to air dry)
