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Here
is a list of the many things to consider before, during
and after a hurricane. Some of the safety rules will make
things easier for you during a hurricane. All are important
and could help save your life and the lives of others. Stay
or Leave?
When a hurricane threatens your area, you will have to make the decision whether you should evacuate or whether you can ride out the storm in safety at home.
If local authorities recommend evacuation, you should leave! Their advice is based on knowledge of the strength of the storm and its potential for death and destruction.
In general:
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If you live on the coastline or offshore islands, plan to leave.
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If you live near a river or in a flood plain, plan to leave.
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If you live on high ground, away from coastal beaches, consider staying. In any case, the ultimate decision to stay or leave will be yours.
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Study the following list and carefully consider the factors involved especially the items pertaining to storm surge.
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At Beginning of Hurricane
Season (June) Make Plans for Action. Learn the storm surge
history and elevation of your area.
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Learn safe routes inland.
Learn location of official shelters.
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Determine where to move
your boat in an emergency.
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Trim back dead wood from
trees.
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Check for loose rain gutters
and down spouts.
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If shutters do not protect windows stock boards to cover glass.
When a Hurricane Watch is Issued for Your Area
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Check often for official
bulletins on radio, TV, or NOAA Weather Radio.
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Fuel car. Check mobile
home tie-downs.
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Moor small craft or move
to safe shelter.
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Stock up on canned provisions.
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Check supplies of special
medicines and drugs.
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Check batteries for radio
and flashlights.
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Secure lawn furniture and
other loose material outdoors.
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Tape, board, or shutter
windows to prevent shattering.
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Wedge sliding glass doors
to prevent their lifting from their tracks.
When a Hurricane Warning is Issued for Your Area
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Stayed turned to radio,
TV, or NOAA Weather Radio for official bulletins.
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Stay home, if sturdy
and on high ground.
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Board up garage and porch
doors.
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Move valuables to upper
floors.
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Bring in pets.
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Fill containers (bathtub)
with several days supply of drinking water.
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Turn up refrigerator to
maximum cold and don't open unless necessary.
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Use phone only for emergencies.
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Stay indoors on the downwind
side of house away from windows.
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Beware of the eye of the
hurricane.
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Leave mobile homes.
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Leave areas which might
be affected by storm tide or stream flooding.
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Leave early in daylight
if possible.
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Shut off water and electricity
at main stations.
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Take small valuables and
papers but travel light.
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Leave food and water for
pets (shelters will not take them).
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Lock up house.
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Drive carefully to nearest designated shelter using recommended evacuation routes.
After the All-Clear is Given
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Drive carefully; watch for
dangling electrical wires, undermined roads, flooded low
spots.
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Don't sight-see.
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Report broken or damaged
water, sewer, and electrical lines Use caution re-entering
home.
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Check for gas leaks.
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Check food and water for
spoilage.
Community Actions
Beyond individual and family actions during a hurricane emergency there is much to be done at the community level. Many communities on the Gulf coast have made plans for action in the event a hurricane threatens, such as delination of areas to be evacuated, shelter-designations, evacuation routes, and emergency operations of fire, police, and other public service units. But many exposed coastal communities are not prepared for a hurricane, and others have waited for disaster's expensive lesson before taking corrective steps.
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