DURING A HURRICANE THREAT
- Stay tuned to radio or TV for updates
- Shutter or board the windows in your home
- Secure outdoor objects or bring them inside
- Stock up on food and water in case you must take shelter in your home
- Fuel up your car in case an evacuation is ordered
- Turn off utilities at the main valves or switches if instructed by authorities
Terms to Know
- Hurricane Watch- Hurricane conditions are possible within 36 hours
- Hurricane Warning- A hurricane is expected within 24 hours
- Storm Surge- A dome of water pushed ashore by hurricane-forced winds
- Storm Tide- A storm surge combined with a normal tide
DURING A HURRICANE
- Take refuge on the ground floor or in a small central room or hallway
- Get under a small table or similar strong object
- Keep away from windows or glass doors
- Close all inside doors
- Brace all outside doors
AFTER A HURRICANE
- Remain in a secure location until you are notified it is safe to leave
- Do not drive unless necessary
- Do not drink tap water until authorities say it’s safe
- Stay away from waterways until potential flooding has passed
- Report downed power lines and broken gas and sewer mains to authorities
- Inspect your home for damage
- Report damage to your insurance agent
DURING A HEAT WAVE
- Stay indoors in air conditioning as much as possible and in the shade if you go outside
- If your home is not air conditioned, spend at least two hours daily at an air-conditioned mall, library or other public place
- Wear sunscreen outside, along with light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible
- Never leave children or pets alone in a car
- Avoid exertion during the hottest part of the day
- Take a cool shower or bath
Terms to Know
- Heat Wave- Period of extreme heat, usually accompanied by high humidity
- Heat Index- The relative humidity add to the air temperature (how hot if feels)
- Heat Cramps- Muscle pains due to exertion –the first sign of heat related problems
- Heat Exhaustion- A mild form of shock brought on by strenuous activity in the heat
- Heat Stroke- A life threatening condition occurring when the body’s temperature control system shuts down. Brain damage or death can result if the body is not cooled at once