What to do if hurricane strikes
All major disaster relief agencies stress that the best weapon against the storm is being prepared, following instructions as they are issued and remaining calm.
BEFORE HURRICANE SEASON BEGINS
• Know the elevation of your area and learn the storm surge history if you are on the shore; the flooding history if you are near rivers, bayous or in a flood plain. If you live in a mobile home, always plan to relocate during a hurricane.
• Learn safe routes inland.
• Learn location of official emergency shelters.
• Determine where to move your boat in an emergency.
• Trim back dead wood from trees.
• Compile a complete inventory of personal property which will help in obtaining insurance settlements and/or tax deductions for losses. Don’t count on memory. List descriptions and take pictures. Store these and other important papers in waterproof containers or in your safe deposit box.
• Review your insurance policies to avoid misunderstandings later. Separate policies are needed for protection against wind and water damage, which people often do not realize until damage is done.
PREPARE FOR TORNADOES AND FLOODS
Tornadoes and flash floods are the worst killers associated with a hurricane. In a tornado warning, seek shelter below ground if possible, in an underground shelter or basement. If your home has no basement (and few in the county do) take cover under heavy furniture on the ground floor in the center of the house or in a small room on the ground floor that is away from outside walls and windows. Doors and windows on the sides of your house away from the tornado may be left open to help reduce damage to the building, but stay away from them to avoid flying
debris. If outside, move away at right angles from the tornado; if escape is impossible, lie flat in a ditch, culvert or low spot.
A black-bordered box on one of the hurricane survival checklists issued through the civil defense office warns that “depending on local conditions. In many areas, unusually heavy rains may cause sudden flooding. In a period of heavy rains, be aware of this hazard and be prepared to protect yourself against it. Travel with extreme care.
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