Weathering the Storm at Home

If you do not live within the "evacuation area" or cannot feasibly leave your home safely, DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES leave your home during the storm. Use this checklist as you prepare to stay home during the storm:

• Secure all windows and doors with plywood

• Keep updated on the storm's status by listening to advisory reports on a radio or TV

• Open your home as a refuge to friends or family members whose homes may not provide adequate protection

• Remove all loose items from your yard

• Keep flashlights handy

• Have your Emergency Supply Kits near at hand

• Stay away from windows or any glass covered openings during the storm. Go to the lowest floor of your home. Find a room that is structurally reinforced - a bathroom or closet - and wait there until the storm passes

• If the power goes out, turn off your water heater, air conditioner and heater to reduce the chance of damage

• If flooding occurs, turn off all electricity at the main breaker box

• Do not use your computer or any electrical device during the storm

• Do not leave your house until it has been confirmed that it is safe to do so. It may seem as if the storm has passed, et you could be in the calm eye of the hurricane

• Make sure your car has a full tank of gas

• Withdraw money beforehand - the storm may knock out power to ATMs

• Have your address clearly marked in the front of your home

STORING FOOD

Ideally, you should have enough non-perishable food items on hand to sustain your family for two weeks. High energy, high-nutrition foods are best. If the power goes out, eat the foods in the refrigerator first, before eating food in the freezer. Only open the refrigerator and freezer doors when needed - the longer the doors stay closed the longer the food lasts. Non-perishable foods are to be used primarily after the perishable food items from your refrigerator and freezer are consumed.

Some non-perishable food sources are:

• Canned or bottled items: meats vegetables, fruits, soups, juices, canned or evaporated milk, cooking oil, drinks

• Bagged or boxed items: soup mixes, sugar, flour, salt, pepper, cereals, crackers

• Energy boosters: Granola bars, peanut butter, cookies, nuts, dried fruits, trail mix, potato chips, snacks

These items are easily stored and most keep without refrigeration. Make sure you have eating utensils (plastic and paper ware).

STORING WATER

When a hurricane threatens, it is important to have enough drinking water available to sustain each family member for two weeks - 14 gallons per person. A hurricane often causes severe flooding which enables bacteria such as Salmonella and Shigella to contaminate the local water supply. These and other bacteria can be life threatening for people and pets. Here are some ways to ensure a safe supply of water:

Before the Storm:

• Fill your bathtub(s) and sinks with water. To keep water from leaking, cover the drain with a clean sheet of plastic before filling

• Fill clean plastic or glass containers with water. Store the bottled water in a cool, dark area

• Any water you have stored in a clean containers before the storm will be sage to drink for at least two weeks

• If you have a swimming pool, fill it and shock the water with chlorine. Cover the pool tightly with a pool cover

After the Storm

• Vigorous boiling for one minute will kill any disease causing microorganisms present in water. The flat taste of boiled water can be improved by pouring it back and forth from one container to another, by allowing it to stand for a few hours, or by adding a small pinch of salt for each quart of water boiled

• Common household bleach contains chlorine compound that will disinfect water. The procedure to be followed is usually written on the label. When the necessary procedure is not given, add ten drops per gallon of water. The treated water should be mixed thoroughly and allowed to stand for 30 minutes