 | | | Be Prepared Hurricane
Hurricanes pose their greatest threat in the southern region of Alabama, where its effects are the strongest. While the possibility of hurricanes are greatest in Spring and Fall, it is not out of the ordinary for hurricanes to strike at any time of the year. It is very important that you plan ahead and have a shelter and evacuation plan in place at all times. Planning
A HURRICANE WATCH is when hurricane conditions are possible within a 36-hour period in the specified area. A HURRICANE WARNING is when hurricane conditions are expected within 24 hours in the specified area. Prepare a Disaster Supplies Kit: - Prescription medications and medical supplies
- Bedding and clothing, including sleeping bags and pillows
- Bottled water, battery-operated radio and extra batteries, first aid kit, flashlight
- Car keys and maps
- Documents, including driver's license, Social Security card, proof of residence, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates, tax records, etc.
Preparedness Personal Evacuation Plan: - Identify ahead of time where you could go if you are told to evacuate. Choose several places - a friend's home in another town, a motel, or a shelter.
- Keep the telephone numbers of these places handy as well as a road map of your locality (alternative routes are often required)
- Stay tuned to local radio or TV stations for evacuation instructions. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
Prepare for High Winds: - Install hurricane shutters or purchase precut 1/2" outdoor plywood boards for each window of your home. Install anchors for the plywood and pre-drill holes in the plywood so that you can put them up quickly.
- Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased and damaged limbs, then strategically removing branches so that wind can blow through.
When a Hurricane WATCH Is Issued: - Stay tuned to local radio or TV stations for current storm information.
- Prepare to bring inside any lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants, and anything else that can be picked up by the wind
- Prepare to cover all windows of your home. If shutters have not been installed, use precut plywood as described above.
- Fill your car's gas tank.
- Recheck manufactured home tie-downs.
- Check batteries and stock up on canned food, first aid supplies, drinking water, and medications.
When a Hurricane WARNING Is Issued: - Stay tuned to local radio or TV stations for evacuation instructions. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
- Complete preparation activities.
- If you are not advised to evacuate, stay indoors, away from windows.
- Be aware that the calm "eye" is deceptive; the storm is not over. The worst part of the storm will happen once the eye passes over and the winds blow from the opposite direction. Objects damaged by the first winds can be broken or destroyed by the second winds.
- Be alert for tornadoes. Tornadoes can happen during a hurricane and after it passes over. Remain indoors, in the center of your home, in a closet or bathroom without windows.
- Stay away from floodwaters. If you come upon a flooded road, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car and climb to higher ground.
Response After a Hurricane: - Stay tuned local radio or TV stations for updates and instructions.
- If you evacuated, return home when local officials tell you it is safe to do so.
- Inspect your home for damage.
- Use flashlights in the dark; do not use candles (gas leaks are often undetectable and can cause explosions)
Saferoom Information National Weather Service | | | |
