Fact Sheet - Hurricane

At a glance..

Hurricanes can be dangerous killers. Learning the hurricane warning messages and planning ahead can reduce the chances of injury of major property damage.

The details..

"Hurricane Preparedness" is an informative guide that teaches readers how to protect themselves from the dangers of hurricanes. Written by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), this book offers practical advice on what steps individuals can take before and during a hurricane to reduce their risk of injury or property damage.

The first section of the book covers important topics such as planning an evacuation route, learning safe routes inland, having disaster supplies on hand (including flashlights with extra batteries; portable radios with extra batteries; first aid kits; emergency food and water; nonelectric can openers; essential medicines; cash and credit cards; sturdy shoes), making arrangements for pets if necessary, teaching family members how to respond after a hurricane hits (such as turning off gas/electricity/water or calling 9-1-1/police/fire department), protecting windows with permanent shutters or plywood panels pre-drilled every 18 inches for screws long before the storm occurs, trimming back dead/weak branches from trees near your house etc., checking into flood insurance coverage through National Flood Insurance Program via local insurance agents/emergency management offices since homeowners' policies do not cover flooding damages caused by hurricanes.

The second section explains what actions should be taken when there is either a Hurricane Watch issued within 24-36 hours indicating potential threat of hurricane conditions OR Hurricane Warning issued within 24 hours warning about imminent danger due to winds over 74 miles per hour/high water levels/rough seas. The instructions include listening constantly to battery-operated radio/television for official updates/instructions regarding evacuation orders/safe places/shelters available nearby/mobile homes check/tie-downs secure/personal papers valuables waterproof container/highest level inside home/stay away from windows/glass doors/supply flashlights/batteries/open flames avoid/major appliances turn off/flooded roads watch out washed-out bridges/store drinking water clean containers/review evacuation plan/moor boat securely/designated safe place/use rope chain tie-downs anchor trailer ground/house etc.

In addition,the third section advises people who have returned home only after authorities advise it's safe enough post-hurricane,to stay tuned locally & report any loose/dangling power lines immediately while entering cautiously,beware snakes,insects & animals driven higher up by flood waters.Open all doors/windows ventilate/dry your home.Check refrigerated foods spoilage.Take pictures damage both house contents-insurance claims.Drive only absolutely necessary avoiding flooded roads/washed-out bridges.Use telephone only emergency calls.Inspect Utilities-damaged Home:Check Gas leaks-smell/hear blowing hissing noise-open window quickly leave building-turn off gas outside main valve-call gas company neighbor's phone-tum back professional.Look Electrical system damage-sparks/broken/frayed wires/smell hot insulation-turn electricity-main fuse box/circuit breaker.