When to Do What

When a Watch is Posted

When the National Hurricane Center posts a WATCH it means that within 36 hours there will be a possible threat of tropical storm or hurricane conditions.

• Review all your hurricane plans now. Check your supplies. Watch the news.

• If you are using shutters or plywood, gather everything you need together now. Check those screws and tools!

• Start installing shutters on the second floor and in difficult to reach places.

• Make sure your cars’ gas tanks are filled up.

• If you have propane gas service, turn off the valve at the tank. If you have natural gas, most experts recommend keeping it on, but ask your provider.

When a Warning is Posted

When the National Hurricane Center issues a HURRICANE WARNING this means that tropical storm or hurricane conditions are expected within 24 hours.

• Recheck your lists. Make sure you have all your bases covered.

• Check the outside of your house. Make sure your windows, door openings and garage doors are covered or braced.

• Reduce the water in your in-ground pools by 6-12 inches. Super chlorinate your pool.
Disconnect and protect your pool pump.

• Make sure ALL unsecured items around your home — tables, chairs, bikes, hoses, mailboxes — are put away. They can become flying missiles. Check your neighbors areas too.

• Check your storm drains and swale areas. Make sure there is no debris there.

• Disconnect your propane gas at the tank.

• Get your Safe Room ready.

• Bring your refrigerator and freezer down to the coldest levels.

• Clean your tub thoroughly with bleach and then rinse well. Fill with water to be used for toilet flushing and washing.

• Fill plastic bottles with water and freeze them. It will keep things colder for a while.

• Charge up your cell phone batteries.

• Locate water valves, gas valves, and main electric breaker. Have instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. It is often suggested to leave on a circuit breaker leading to a lamp, so you will know when power is restored.

During a Storm

Your main concern is staying safe. Yes, it can be a terrifying experience, but in a matter of hours the storm will pass. While the winds and rain rage outside, make sure you stay inside. DO NOT VENTURE OUTSIDE even if it gets calmer out. When the “eye” of the storm passes things will get quiet for a while, only to get dramatically worse very quickly; being out during this time can be a life threatening mistake. Don’t make it.

• When inside, stay away from all windows and doors.

• If your pet seems agitated place them in their carrier.

• If the news reports tell you to go to your safe room do it, or if you see that your home is suffering damage, head there immediately and place a mattress over you.

• Only use phones for emergencies.

• Practice the stress reducing techniques in STOP STORM STRESS.

After the Storm

• Only go outside when the news reports tell you that it is safe. But remember the storm has probably done damage that can harm you. Proceed with caution.

• Keep children and pets inside a safe secure location until you have had time to examine the damage to your home.

• If damage is severe, find a safe way to get the rest of the family members out and to a better location. Call your insurance company. Take pictures of the damage. Talk to FEMA.

• Try to keep your emotions in check. Seeing things you’ve worked so long and hard for destroyed is overwhelming, but if you and your family survived that is the only important thing. Read information in Stop Storm Stress and consider family counseling to deal with your loss.

• If your home appears to be okay, and you want to turn your lights back on, have a fire extinguisher handy.

• When you venture outside be mindful of the danger of downed power lines. Proceed with caution.

• See if the news says it is okay to drink the tap water, if not, continue with bottled water.

• If your power is still out, watch the news to see if they are reporting major outages. Call the power agency to get updates as to when your service will be turned on.

• Realize from what we learned last time, it may take days to restore power. Be patient.
Use battery operated fans to keep cool, get outside if it is safe (have bug spray handy).

• If you are short of supplies like ice and water, listen to the news, they will report areas that will be offering these items.

• If you are using a generator, be careful. Follow all safety precautions.

• Never use outdoor grills inside.

• Should you be without power or A/C for a long time, know that it is stressful. Use the coping techniques in Stop Storm Stress. Keep things in perspective.

• Realize that finding a contractor to fix your home is going to be difficult. Be careful of scams. Always check records with the Better Business Bureau. Review our guildelines.

• Be cautious when working around your home, putting up tarp, and taking down shutters. Follow every precaution.

• Treat your neighbors and strangers, alike, with respect. Everyone is tired and worn out.