Special Sections 2012 Storm Guide 2012 : Page 4
4 | SUNDAY , MAY 27 , 2012 STORM GUIDE THE GAINESVILLE SUN | www.gainesville.com BE PREPARED What you need to know before, during and aft er a storm Staff report This is an NOAA satellite image of Hurricane Jeanne in 2004. H urricane season begins Friday , so it’s time to update emergency plans and phone lists and re-stock supply kits. WHAT TO DO NOW ■ Discuss the type of hazards that could affect your family. Know your home’s vulnerability to storm surge, fl ooding and wind. ■ Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home for each hurricane hazard. In certain circumstances the safest areas may not be your home but within the community. ■ Determine escape routes and places to meet. These should be measured in tens of miles, not hundreds of miles. ■ Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact. ■ Have a plan for pets in case an evacua-tion is ordered. ■ Keep emergency telephone numbers by the phone; make sure children know how and when to call 911. (See list of key phone numbers below.) ■ Check insurance coverage — fl ood damage is not usually covered by STAFF FILE PHOTO AP FILE PHOTO homeowners insurance. ■ Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and a Disaster Supply Kit. (See checklist below.) ■ Make sure you have an NOAA weather radio and remember to replace its battery every six months. ■ Take First Aid, CPR and disaster preparedness classes. ■ Trim trees and shrubs. Make sure debris is cleared prior to a hurricane warning announcement when trash pickup is suspended. Note: Do not attempt to trim any vegetation growing on or near any overhead power lines. Only specially trained line-clearing professionals should do so. ■ Make plans to secure property. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. Another option: board up windows with plywood that is cut to fi t and ready to install. Do not tape windows. ■ Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten the roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage. ■ Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts. ■ Determine how and where to secure your boat. Here’s a list compiled from several sources: ■ Most important: Listen to the radio or TV for information. ■ If someone in your home depends on electric-powered, life-sustaining equipment, review your family emergen-cy plan for back-up power or make arrangements to evacuate. ■ Before lowering a TV antenna or satellite dish, make sure to turn off and unplug the TV and avoid power lines. ■ Turn off all swimming pool pumps and fi lters and wrap them in waterproof materials. ■ Turn off and unplug any unnecessary electrical equipment. ■ Secure your home, close storm shutters, secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors. ■ Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermo-stat to its coldest setting and keep the WHAT TO DO WHEN THE STORM IS COMING door closed. Turn off propane tanks. Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies. ■ Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes, such as cleaning and fl ushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water. ■ Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings ahead of time to keep food fresh longer in the event of a power outage. ■ ■ Go to your safe room — a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level. ■ Stay indoors and away from windows and glass doors. ■ Close all interior doors. Secure and brace all external doors. ■ Keep curtains and blinds closed. Remember that a “lull” might be the eye of the storm; winds could pick up again. ■ If the roof begins to leak or rain blows in around doors and windows, do not go outside to repair damage during the storm. ■ WHAT TO DO DURING THE STORM Water — At least a three-day supply; one gallon per person per day. ■ Food — At least a three-day supply of nonp erishable, easy-to-prepare food. Don’t forget a non-electric can opener. ■ Flashlight. ■ Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible.) ■ Extra batteries. ■ First-aid kit. ■ STAFF FILE PHOTO DISASTER SUPPLY KIT PREPARE on Page 6
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