Key Facts About Hurricane Readiness
Protect Your Health and Safety After a Hurricane or Flood
Returning Home After a Hurricane

Preparing for a Hurricane
Emergency Supplies You Will Need
Preparing to Evacuate
If You are Ordered to Evacuate
If You Are Ordered NOT to Evacuate

If you are under a hurricane watch or warning, here are some basic steps to take to prepare for the storm:

- Learn about your community's emergency plans, warning signals, evacuation routes, and locations of emergency shelters.

- Identify potential home hazards and know how to secure or protect them before the hurricane strikes. Be prepared to turn off electrical power when there is standing water, fallen power lines, or before you evacuate. Turn off gas and water supplies before you evacuate. Secure structurally unstable building materials.

- Buy a fire extinguisher and make sure your family knows where to find it and how to use it.

- Locate and secure your important papers, such as insurance policies, wills, licenses, stocks, etc.

- Post emergency phone numbers at every phone.

- Inform local authorities about any special needs, i.e., elderly or bedridden people, or anyone with a disability.

- Make plans to ensure your pets' safety.

You should stock your home with supplies that may be needed during the emergency period. At a minimum, these supplies should include:

- Several clean containers for water, large enough for a 3-5 day supply of water (about five gallons for each person).

- A 3-5 day supply of non-perishable food.

- A first aid kit and manual.

- A battery-powered radio, flashlights, and extra batteries.

- Sleeping bags or extra blankets.

- Water-purifying supplies, such as chlorine or iodine tablets or unscented, ordinary household chlorine bleach.

- Prescription medicines and special medical needs.

- Baby food and/or prepared formula, diapers, and other baby supplies.

- Disposable cleaning cloths, such as "baby wipes" for the whole family to use in case bathing facilities are not available.

- Personal hygiene supplies, such as soap, toothpaste, sanitary napkins, etc.

- An emergency kit for your car with food, flares, booster cables, maps, tools, a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, sleeping bags, etc.

Expect the need to evacuate and prepare for it. The National Weather Service will issue a hurricane watch when there is a threat to coastal areas of hurricane conditions within 24-36 hours.

When a hurricane watch is issued, you should:

- Fill your automobile's gas tank.

- If no vehicle is available, make arrangements with friends or family for transportation.

- Fill your clean water containers.

- Review your emergency plans and supplies, checking to see if any items are missing.

- Tune in the radio or television for weather updates.

- Listen for disaster sirens and warning signals.

- Prepare an emergency kit for your car with food, flares, booster cables, maps, tools, a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, sleeping bags, etc.

- Secure any items outside which may damage property in a storm, such as bicycles, grills, propane tanks, etc.

- Cover windows and doors with plywood or boards or place large strips of masking tape or adhesive tape on the windows to reduce the risk of breakage and flying glass.

- Put livestock and family pets in a safe area. Due to food and sanitation requirements, emergency shelters cannot accept animals.

- Place vehicles under cover, if at all possible.

- Fill sinks and bathtubs with water as an extra supply for washing.

- Adjust the thermostat on refrigerators and freezers to the coolest possible temperature.

Because of the destructive power of a hurricane, you should never ignore an evacuation order. Authorities will be most likely to direct you to leave if you are in a low-lying area, or within the greatest potential path of the storm. Be aware that most shelters and some hotels do not accept pets. If a hurricane warning is issued for your area or you are directed by authorities to evacuate the area:

- Take only essential items with you.

- If you have time, turn off the gas, electricity, and water.

- Disconnect appliances to reduce the likelihood of electrical shock when power is restored.

- Make sure your automobile's emergency kit is ready.

- Follow the designated evacuation routes—others may be blocked—and expect heavy traffic.

The great majority of injuries during a hurricane are cuts caused by flying glass or other debris. Other injuries include puncture wounds resulting from exposed nails, metal, or glass, and bone fractures.

To get through the storm in the safest possible manner:

- Monitor the radio or television for weather conditions, if possible.

- Stay indoors until the authorities declare the storm is over.

- Do not go outside, even if the weather appears to have calmed—the calm "eye" of the storm can pass quickly, leaving you outside when strong winds resume.

- Stay away from all windows and exterior doors, seeking shelter in a bathroom or basement. Bathtubs can provide some shelter if you cover yourself with plywood or other materials.

- Prepare to evacuate to a shelter or to a neighbor's home if your home is damaged, or if you are instructed to do so by emergency personnel.

Prevent illness from FOOD
Prevent illness from WATER
Prevent and treat OTHER ILLNESS and INJURIES

Identify and throw away food that may not be safe to eat. Throw away food that may have come in contact with flood or storm water. Throw away canned foods that are bulging, opened, or damaged. Throw away food that has an unusual odor, color, or texture. Throw away perishable foods (including meat, poultry, fish, eggs and leftovers) that have been above 40°F for 2 hours or more. Thawed food that contains ice crystals or is 40°F or below can be refrozen or cooked. If cans have come in contact with floodwater or storm water, remove the labels, wash the cans, and dip them in a solution of 1 cup of bleach in 5 gallons of water. Relabel the cans with a marker.

Store food safely. While the power is out, keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. Add block ice or dry ice to your refrigerator if the electricity is expected to be off longer than 4 hours. Wear heavy gloves when handling ice.

Listen to and follow public announcements. Local authorities will tell you if tap water is safe to drink or to use for cooking or bathing. If the water is not safe to use, follow local instructions to use bottled water or to boil or disinfect water for cooking, cleaning, or bathing.

Correctly boil or disinfect water. Hold water at a rolling boil for 1 minute to kill bacteria. If you can't boil water, add 1/8 teaspoon (approximately 0.75 mL) of newly purchased, unscented liquid household bleach per gallon of water. Stir the water well, and let it stand for 30 minutes before you use it. You can use water-purifying tablets instead of boiling water or using bleach. For infants, use only pre-prepared canned baby formula. Do not use powdered formulas prepared with treated water. Clean children's toys that have come in contact with water. Use a solution of 1 cup of bleach in 5 gallons of water to clean the toys. Let toys air dry after cleaning.

Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that is produced by many types of equipment and is poisonous to breathe. Don't use a generator, pressure washer, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline- or charcoal-burning device inside your home, basement, or garage or near a window, door, or vent. Don't run a car or truck inside a garage attached to your house, even if you leave the door open. Don't heat your house with a gas oven. If your carbon monoxide detector sounds, leave your home immediately and call 911. Seek prompt medical attention if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed, or nauseated.

Avoid floodwater and mosquitoes. Follow all warnings about water on roadways. Do not drive vehicles or heavy equipment through water. If you have to work in or near floodwater, wear a life jacket. If you are caught in an area where floodwater is rising, wear a life jacket, or use some other type of flotation device. Prevent mosquito bites by wearing long pants, socks, and long-sleeved shirts and by using insect repellents that contain DEET or Picaridin.

Avoid unstable buildings and structures. Stay away from damaged buildings or structures until they have been examined and certified as safe by a building inspector or other government authority. Leave immediately if you hear shifting or unusual noises that signal that the structure is about to fall.

Beware of wild or stray animals. Avoid wild or stray animals. Call local authorities to handle animals. Get rid of dead animals according to local guidelines.

Beware of electrical and fire hazards. NEVER touch a fallen power line. Call the power company to report fallen power lines. Avoid contact with overhead power lines during cleanup and other activities. If electrical circuits and equipment have gotten wet or are in or near water, turn off the power at the main breaker or fuse on the service panel. Do not turn the power back on until electrical equipment has been inspected by a qualified electrician. Do not burn candles near flammable items or leave the candle unattended. If possible, use flashlights or other battery-operated lights instead of candles.

Beware of hazardous materials. Wear protective clothing and gear (for example, a respirator if needed) when handling hazardous materials. Wash skin that may have come in contact with hazardous chemicals. Contact local authorities if you are not sure about how to handle or get rid of hazardous materials.

Clean up and prevent mold growth. Clean up and dry out the building quickly (within 24 to 48 hours). Open doors and windows. Use fans to dry out the building. To prevent mold growth, clean wet items and surfaces with detergent and water. To remove mold growth, wear rubber gloves, open windows and doors, and clean with a bleach solution of 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water. Throw away porous items (for example, carpet and upholstered furniture) that cannot be dried quickly. Fix any leaks in roofs, walls, or plumbing.

Pace yourself and get support. Be alert to physical and emotional exhaustion or strain. Set priorities for cleanup tasks, and pace the work. Try not to work alone. Don't get exhausted. Ask your family members, friends, or professionals for support. If needed, seek professional help.

Prevent musculoskeletal injuries. Use teams of two or more people to move bulky objects. Avoid lifting any material that weighs more than 50 pounds (per person).

Stay cool. When it's hot, stay in air-conditioned buildings; take breaks in shaded areas or in cool rooms; drink water and nonalcoholic fluids often; wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing; and do outdoor activities during cooler hours.

Treat wounds. Clean out all open wounds and cuts with soap and clean water. Apply an antibiotic ointment. Contact a doctor to find out whether more treatment is needed (such as a tetanus shot). If a wound gets red, swells, or drains, seek immediate medical attention.

Wash your hands. Use soap and water to wash your hands. If water isn't available, you can use alcohol-based products made for washing hands.

Wear protective gear for cleanup work. Wear hard hats, goggles, heavy work gloves, and watertight boots with steel toes and insoles (not just steel shank). Wear earplugs or protective headphones to reduce risk from equipment noise.

Be Healthy and Safe

Serious disease outbreaks have not occurred in hurricane-affected areas, but you should still be careful of getting sick or hurt.

- Do not enter a building if you smell gas. Call 911. Do not light a match or turn on lights.

- Wear waterproof boots and gloves to avoid floodwater touching your skin.

- Wash your hands often with soap and clean water, or use a hand-cleaning gel with alcohol in it.

- Avoid tetanus and other infections by getting medical attention for a dirty cut or deep puncture wound.



Clean Your Home and Stop Mold

- Take out items that have soaked up water and that cannot be cleaned and dried.

- Fix water leaks. Use fans and dehumidifiers and open doors and windows to remove moisture.

- To remove mold, mix 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water, wash the item with the bleach mixture, scrub rough surfaces with a stiff brush, rinse the item with clean water, then dry it or leave it to dry.

- Check and clean heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems before use.

- To clean hard surfaces that do not soak up water and that may have been in contact with floodwater, first wash with soap and clean water. Next disinfect with a mixture of 1 cup of bleach in 5 gallons of water. Then allow to air dry.

- Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles when cleaning with bleach. Open windows and doors to get fresh air. Never mix bleach and ammonia. The fumes from the mixture could kill you.



Protect Yourself from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Do not use generators, pressure washers, charcoal grills, camp stoves, or other fuel-burning devices indoors or in enclosed or partially enclosed areas such as garages, even with doors or windows open. Do not put these devices outside near an open door, window, or air vent. You could be poisoned or killed by carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless gas from burning fuel such as gasoline, charcoal, or propane.

Keep Drinking Water and Food Safe

- Listen to public announcements to find out if local tap water is safe for drinking, cooking, cleaning, or bathing. Until the water is safe, use bottled water or boil or disinfect water.

- If a "boil water" advisory is in effect, do not drink tap water or use it to brush your teeth unless water has come to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute or is treated with unscented household chlorine bleach (add 1/4 teaspoon bleach to 1 gallon of cloudy water, 1/8 teaspoon bleach to 1 gallon of clear water).

- Do not eat food that smells bad, looks bad, or has touched floodwater. When in doubt, throw food out.



Prevent Electrical Injuries

- Do not touch fallen electrical wires. They may be live and could hurt or kill you.

- Turn off the electrical power at the main source if there is standing water. Do not turn on power or use an electric tool or appliance while standing in water.



Avoid Contact with Animals and Insects

- Reduce mosquito bites. Consider avoiding outdoor activities during the evening and early morning, which are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Use an insect repellent with DEET or Picaridin.

- Stay away from wild or stray animals. Stray dogs may be hurt or afraid and may bite. Call local authorities to handle animals.

- Get rid of dead animals according to local guidelines.



Drive Safely

- Stop and look both ways at all intersections. Drive slowly and keep space between you and other vehicles. Watch out for trash on the road.

- Wear your seatbelt.

- Do not drive if you have been drinking.

Source:
CDC, WHO