With the first signs of an approaching hurricane or winter storm, there are a few things you can do to prepare.
- Stock up on non-perishables, such as canned goods, and make sure you have adequate medical supplies and prescriptions.
- Keep areas surrounding electrical service equipment clear.
- Turn the temperature controls on your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting to keep food cold in the event of a power outage. Don't forget to reset controls to the normal setting after the storm.
- Fill several large containers and the bath tub with water.
- Keep flashlights, batteries, candles and matches on hand.
- Fill your car with gasoline.
- Stay tuned to local weather forecasts for storm updates and have a battery-powered radio available.
- If you have special needs, such as life support equipment, be prepared in advance in the event you lose power.
If a severe weather or hurricane warning is put into place, and the storm becomes imminent, take the following precautions.
- Tape, board or shutter windows and glass doors.
- Secure all outdoor objects that could become airborne by high winds.
- Tie down mobile homes or moored boats, or move them to a safe location.
- Wedge sliding glass doors to prevent them from lifting from their tracks.
- Load up a cooler with ice and food you can use during the first hours of an outage.
- In the winter, close off unused rooms to conserve heat. Open curtains and shades to let sunlight in; close them at night. Stock up on firewood.
- Leave your home if authorities order an evacuation, especially if your home is in an area that floods easily.
