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Hurricane Tips.... |
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Hurricanes can be dangerous
killers. Learning the hurricane warning messages and planning ahead can reduce
the chances of injury or major property damage. |
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| 2009 Hurricane Season
Prediction -
http://hurricane.atmos.colostate.edu/Forecasts/
"We estimate that 2009 will have about 5 hurricanes
(average is 5.9), 11 named storms (average is 9.6), 50 named storm days
(average is 49.1), 20 hurricane days (average is 24.5), 2 major
(Category 3-4-5) hurricanes (average is 2.3) and 4 major hurricane days
(average is 5.0). The probability of U.S. major hurricane landfall and
Caribbean major hurricane activity is estimated to be slightly below the
long-period average."
HurricanePredictionJun2009.pdf
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BEFORE THE STORM
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Plan an evacuation route. |
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Contact Okeechobee Emergency
Management or Okeechobee Red Cross and ask for hurricane preparedness information,
including planning, shelters, and evacuation. |
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Prepare a disaster supply
list and have disaster supplies on hand. |
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Make arrangements for pets. They may not be
allowed into emergency shelters for health and space reasons. Contact Okeechobee
Emergency Management or the animal shelter for housing information. |
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Have a plan and make sure
all family members know how and when to turn off the gas, electricity and
water. Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, fire and which radio
station to tune to for emergency information. In Okeechobee WOKC will provide
that information. |
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Protect your windows,
permanent shutters are the best protection. Trim back dead or weak branches
from trees. Pick up debris from your yard. |
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Develop an emergency communication
plan, have a plan for getting back together if separated, such as being at
work or in school. Ask an out of state relative to serve as the "family contact".
After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. |
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Be familiar with weather
terminology such as watches and warnings. |
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DURING A HURRICANE WATCH |
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Listen to WOKC for local information and watch
the weather information on local channels or the weather channel on you TV. |
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Fuel your vehicle and
check your emergency supplies.
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Bring in outdoor objects
such as lawn furniture, toys, and garden tools and anchor objects that cannot
be brought inside.
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Secure buildings by closing
and boarding up windows. Remove outside antennas.
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Turn refrigerator and
freezer to coldest settings. Open only when absolutely necessary and close
quickly.
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Store drinking water in
clean bathtubs, jugs, bottles, and cooking utensils.
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DURING A HURRICANE WARNING |
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Listen constantly to your
radio and/or television for official instructions.
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If in a mobile home, check
tie downs and evacuate immediately.
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Store valuables and personal
papers in a waterproof container.
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Stay inside, away from
windows, skylights, and glass doors.
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Keep a supply of flashlights
and extra batteries handy. Avoid open flames, such as candles and kerosene
lamps, as a source of light.
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If power is lost, turn
off major appliances to reduce power surge when electricity is restored.
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If evacuation is ordered,
leave as soon as possible. Avoid flooded roads and watch for washed out bridges.
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AFTER THE STORM IS OVER |
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Stay tuned to local radio
for information.
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Help injured or trapped
persons. Give first aid where appropriate. Do not move seriously injured persons
unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Call for help.
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If you evacuated, return
home ONLY
after authorities advise that it is safe to do so.
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Avoid loose or dangling
power lines and report them.
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Beware of snakes, insects,
and animals driven to higher ground by flood water.
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Open windows and doors
to ventilate and dry your home.
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Take pictures of the damage,
both to the house and its contents for insurance claims.
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Check for gas leaks, look
for electrical system damage, and check for sewage and water lines damage,
prior to turning them back on and using them.
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