HURRICANE SEASON

May 26th, 2010 4:52 PM

What You Should Take.

If you must evacuate, take these items with you:

• bottled water (2 - 3 gallons per person if possible)
• prescription medications & necessary medical supplies
• first aid kit
• documents (driver's license, passport, social security cards, insurance information, tax records, birth and marriage certificates)
• flashlight
• battery-powered radio
• cell phone
• extra batteries
• road maps and phone numbers
• cash (especially small bills and change for vending machines)
• bedrolls or sleeping bags

• Disaster Evacuation Supplies

During the Hurricane

If you get caught in a hurricane, follow these FEMA guidelines:

• Stay away from windows and glass doors.
• Close all interior doors - secure and brace external doors.
• Keep curtains and blinds closed. Don't be fooled by the eye of the storm.
• Stay in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level.
• Lie under a table or other sturdy object.

A word of caution: if you are in an area that is in danger of flooding, do not seek refuge below ground level (such as a basement or storm celler).

• Flood Survival

After the Hurricane: Your Home

Once the storm has passed, services may be disrupted due to damage. Each situation will be different. Here are some ways to settle in after the storm:

• Listen to radio or TV for vital information.
• If your home is safe to occupy, make sure the address is clearly marked.
• Only use 911 in a true emergency. Roads may be blocked with debris and roadsigns may have blown away.
• Use generators correctly to avoid carbon monoxide gas. Learn how to recognize carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Surviving a Power Failure
• Emergency Radios
• FEMA: After the Hurricane

After the Hurricane:

Water systems are often contaminated after a hurricane. Follow these tips to avoid infection:

• Do not drink tap water or brush your teeth with it until told to do so by authorities - use bottled water only.
• Try not to have skin contact with floodwater or mud.
• Authorities may suggest vaccinations for hepatitis and tetanus, take them if they are offered.
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may lead to dehydration. Seek medical help if any of those persist for more than 24 hours