Hurricane Tips


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

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


BEFORE THE STORM
	Plan an evacuation route.
	Contact Okeechobee Emergency Management or Okeechobee Red Cross and ask for hurricane preparedness information, including planning, shelters, and evacuation.
	Prepare a disaster supply list and have disaster supplies on hand.
	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.
	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.
	Protect your windows, permanent shutters are the best protection. Trim back dead or weak branches from trees. Pick up debris from your yard.
	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.
	Be familiar with weather terminology such as watches and warnings.
DURING A HURRICANE WATCH
	Listen to WOKC for local information and watch the weather information on local channels or the weather channel on you TV.
	Fuel your vehicle and check your emergency supplies.
	Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys, and garden tools and anchor objects that cannot be brought inside.
	Secure buildings by closing and boarding up windows. Remove outside antennas.
	Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings. Open only when absolutely necessary and close quickly.
	Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs, bottles, and cooking utensils.
DURING A HURRICANE WARNING
	Listen constantly to your radio and/or television for official instructions.
	If in a mobile home, check tie downs and evacuate immediately.
	Store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container.
	Stay inside, away from windows, skylights, and glass doors.
	Keep a supply of flashlights and extra batteries handy. Avoid open flames, such as candles and kerosene lamps, as a source of light.
	If power is lost, turn off major appliances to reduce power surge when electricity is restored.
	If evacuation is ordered, leave as soon as possible. Avoid flooded roads and watch for washed out bridges.
AFTER THE STORM IS OVER
	Stay tuned to local radio for information.
	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.
	If you evacuated, return home ONLY after authorities advise that it is safe to do so.
	Avoid loose or dangling power lines and report them.
	Beware of snakes, insects, and animals driven to higher ground by flood water.
	Open windows and doors to ventilate and dry your home.
	Take pictures of the damage, both to the house and its contents for insurance claims.
	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.