Preparing For and Surviving a Hurricane

1
Preparing For and Surviving a Hurricane

• Before, During, and After the Hurricane

• Information gathered from the CDCs Hurricane
  Preparedness website. (http//www.bt.cdc.gov/disas
  ters/hurricanes/index.asp)

2
Preparing for a Hurricane

• Know your communitys emergency plans
• Be aware of warning signals, evacuation routes,
  and locations of emergency shelters
• Identify potential home hazards and know how to
  protect them before a hurricane strikes
• Locate and secure important documents
• Inform local authorities about any special needs
• Elderly people, bedridden individuals, and anyone
  with a disability

3
Stock up on Emergency Supplies

• Have ample supplies before the storm hits
• During an emergency period, a fully stocked home
  will have the following supplies
• 3-5 day supply of water (5 gallons per person)
• 3-5 day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery powered radio, flashlight, and extra
  batteries
• First aid kit and personal hygiene supplies
• Water purification supplies (chlorine/iodine
  tablets)
• Prescription medications
• Sleeping bags and extra blankets

4
Preparing to Evacuate

• Expect the need to evacuate
• Prepare your property for the storm
• Fill your automobiles gas tank
• Secure outdoor items such as bikes, grills,
  propane tanks, etc.
• Board up windows and doors with plywood
• Put pets in a safe place
• Fill sinks and bathtubs with water as an extra
  supply
• Adjust thermostat on refrigerators and freezers
  to coolest possible temperatures
• Listen to radio or television for weather updates
• Listen for disaster sirens and warning signals

5
If You are Ordered to Evacuate

• Bring only essential items
• Leave pets indoors in a safe area with plenty of
  food and water
• Turn off gas, electricity, and water
• Disconnect appliances to prevent surge damage
• Follow designated evacuation routes and be
  prepared for heavy traffic

6
If You Are Ordered NOT to Evacuate

• Monitor the radio or television for weather
  conditions
• Stay indoors until authorities declare the storm
  is over, even if the weather appears to have
  calmed
• Stay away from all windows and exterior doors
• Prepare to evacuate to a shelter if your home is
  damaged

7
Returning Home After the Hurricane

• Return only if the authorities have deemed your
  area safe
• Pay extra attention to road conditions
• Make sure the main electrical switch to your home
  is off before entering
• Be careful when entering a structure that has
  been damaged
• Be aware of possible gas, water, or sewage leaks
• Continue to monitor the radio for up-to-date
  emergency information

8
Protect Yourself From Carbon Monoxide

• Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas
  that can cause death if you breathe it
• If using an alternative source of fuel be sure to
  use it outside and away from open windows

9
Water and Food Safety

• Safe water for drinking, cooking, and personal
  hygiene includes bottled, boiled, or treated
  water.
• Disinfect all wells with bleach
• Food will stay cold in a refrigerator for four
  hours
• Use dry ice if available, but always use the
  proper precautions
• Remember When in doubt, throw it out

10
Sanitation and Hygiene

• It is critical to practice basic hygiene during
  the emergency period
• Always wash your hands with soap and water that
  has been boiled or disinfected
• Do not allow children to play in floodwater
  areas.
• Use DEET based insect repellents to protect
  yourself from mosquitoes

11
If you have any questions

• Please contact your local disaster relief
  organization or the American Red Cross
• Additional information can be obtained by
  visiting the following sites
• http//www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/
• http//www.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0
  _587_,00.html/