 PLAZA
EXTRA will always re-open following a severe Storm. We ask only for your patience while the necessary safety precautions are established. |
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H
U R R I C A N E S It's suggested you read this & perhaps print these 3 pages for Reference |
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| As Hurricane Season Begins ... | ||
| Organize and evaluate your emergency supplies.
Make sure you have enough for at least two weeks. You'll also want to make certain your emergency equipment is in good working order. Store materials such as plywood and duct tape necessary to properly secure your home. Tree trimming Cut weak branches and trees that could fall and bump against the house. Once the hurricane watch or warning has been issued, do not attempt to trim trees and shrubs. Trash pickup will be suspended, and your trash can become a dangerous missile in the storm's high winds. Review Insurance policy and keep a copy handy (in a watertight container) to take along should you have to evacuate. Decide where you will go if you must evacuate. Prepare in advance to evacuate inland to a low-rise hotel, motel or a friend or relative's home outside the storm area. Plan your route, but have an alternate. Notify family and friends of your plans. Review your evacuation plan at the beginning of every hurricane season. Re-fill all Prescriptions. Elderly friends or relatives if you wish to help them evacuate. Plan when you will secure their property and pick them up when the evacuation order is issued. Keep a checklist of their prescription medications in your emergency plans so you will know what they need to bring when you evacuate them. If you need special consideration to evacuate (because of age, physical disability, medical needs, etc.) register with your County's Civil Defense and Office of Emergency Management in advance. Discuss emergency plans with your agency representative and your physician if you receive home health care or depend on electrical life-support equipment. Make arrangements with a hospital if necessary. |
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| As the Storm Approaches... | ||
| Listen for weather updates on local radio/television
stations. Do not pay attention to rumors. Organize your emergency supplies. Prepare emergency water storage by sterilizing the bathtub, jugs, bottles, cooking utensils and containers. Scrub them thoroughly, sponge with bleach, rinse and let dry; fill with water. Prepare emergency water supplies... Figure one gallon of drinking water per person per day. Clear yards and patios of loose objects such as bicycles, lawn furniture and trash cans. Anchor objects (no matter how heavy or large) that cannot be moved inside. Secure your boat. Lash it to your trailer securely, let the air out of the trailer tires and secure the trailer to something sturdy in the ground. If you keep your boat in a marina, check your contract; some require that you move it when a hurricane watch is issued. You are responsible for your boat. Board windows and doors.... Taping windows will not prevent them from breaking, but may reduce the risk of flying glass. Close all windows. Swimming Pools...Do not drain your pool completely; lower water level 6" to 12" to accommodate heavy rains. Add extra chlorine to prevent contamination. Turn off electricity to your pool equipment and cover pool pump if exposed. Store documents and valuables in waterproof containers and secure in the highest possible spot. Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting, opening only when absolutely necessary. Freeze water in plastic jugs and containers and use them to fill empty spaces between refrigerator contents to keep food cool. |
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| Emergency Supplies ... | ||
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2-week supply of medicines, prescriptions • First aid supplies • Portable radio, flashlights & clock • Extra Batteries • Infant needs (formula, disposable diapers) • Extra clothing, eyeglasses, etc. • Toiletries • Manual can opener • Ice chest and ice • Pillows, blankets, sleeping bags • Tools, nails, duct tape |
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Important papers (valid ID) • Plenty of cash (ATMs may not work) • Fire extinguisher • Mosquito repellent • Disposable plates, glasses & utensils • Disposable washcloths/paper towels • Plain Bleach (without any additives) • Trash bags • Water storage containers • Fuel can and fuel, sterno • Portable, battery-powered lanterns |
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| Stock up with non-perishable Foods and Pet needs....(plan for a 14-day period) | ||
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Special dietary foods • Peanut butter and jelly • Powdered
or shelf pack milk • Bottled water • Canned meats, fruits, vegetables, soups, puddings, milk • Dried fruit • Instant coffee/tea • Powdered or individually packed-drinks • Crackers/cereals/cookies/snacks • Individually packed Condiments such as mayonnaise • Pet Food .....REGARDING Pet Safety: Plan ahead where you will take your pets, as Red Cross shelters do not admit them. Boarding kennels, friends, relatives are possibilities. Call Humane Society for information about pet care in an emergency. |
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| During the Storm | ||
| Remain indoors and
make yourself comfortable for many hours • An evacuation order may
come from local officials and/or the governor and will be broadcast by
zone number. Leave early to avoid traffic or early flooding. • Mobile
homes and factory-built or pre-fabricated homes are unsafe in hurricane
conditions, no matter how firmly they may be attached to the ground. Do
not attempt to remain in them during the storm. • Hurricane
winds are stronger at higher elevations. • Red Cross shelters
are available for people who have nowhere else to go. Do not go to a shelter
until you hear an announcement that it is open. Have a shelter
kit packed: first aid kit, medicine, baby food and diapers,
cards and books, toiletries, battery-operated radio, flashlight, extra
batteries, blankets or sleeping bag, identification, valuable papers (insurance)
and cash. • Turn off electricity, water and gas. • Unplug
major appliances. • If you need to evacuate, pack emergency supplies
in your vehicle and leave immediately on your preplanned route.
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| After the Storm | ||
| • You may not return to
your home immediately as access to damaged areas will be controlled due
to rescue and repair operations. • Avoid driving
in order to leave the roads clear for emergency vehicles. • Report dangers: dangling electrical wires and any broken water, gas or sewer lines to your local utility department. Do not report individual interruptions in power, water or phone service. • Beware of snakes, insects or other animals driven to high ground by floodwater. • Enter your home with caution after surveying external damage. • Be careful with fire... Do not strike a match until you are certain there are no severed gas lines. • Operate a portable generator outside the house only. • Water supplies may be contaminated during the hurricane and the Public Health Department may issue a boil water order for the first 72 hours immediately following the hurricane. Use pre-stored water for drinking or cooking until further notice. • Listen to your local radio stations for instructions about emergency medical, food and housing assistance. • Do not call 911 except for emergencies or life-threatening situations. |
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| Keeping Food Safe during a Power-outage ........ When in doubt, throw it out! | ||
| • Items in a full freezer
will stay frozen for about two days with the door kept closed; in a half-full
freezer, for about one day. • Refrigerated foods can keep
for up to four hours. • Discard any perishable
foods in your refrigerator that have been above 40°F for more than
two hours. • Discard any food with unusual odor,
color or texture. Remember: "When in doubt, throw it out."
• For additional information about food safety during power outages,
call toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline: 1-800-535-4555. |
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http://www.fema.gov/ |
http://www.redcross.org/ |
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ |
St.Thomas 775-5646 PLAZA
EXTRA St.Croix 778-6240 |
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