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Hurricane
Awareness & Safety
GASTONIA,
September 1, 2004 -- Here's what you can do to prepare for such an emergency.
Know
What Hurricane WATCH and WARNING Mean WATCH:
Hurricane conditions
are possible in the specified area of the WATCH, usually within 36 hours.
WARNING: Hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area of the
WARNING, usually within 24 hours.
Prepare
a Personal Evacuation Plan:
Identify ahead of time where you could go if you are told to evacuate.
Choose several places--a friend's home in another town, a motel, or a
shelter.
Keep handy the telephone numbers of these places as well as a road map
of your locality. You may need to take alternative or unfamiliar routes
if major roads are closed or clogged.
Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for evacuation
instructions. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
Take these items with you when evacuating:
-Prescription medications and medical supplies
-Bedding and clothing, including sleeping bags and pillows
-Bottled water, battery-operated radio and extra batteries, first aid
kit, flashlight
-Car keys and maps
-Documents', including driver's license, Social Security card, proof of
residence, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates,
tax records, etc.
Assemble
a Disaster Supplies Kit Including the Following Items:
First aid kit and essential medications.
Canned food and can opener.
At least three gallons of water per person.
Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.
Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas and water if
authorities advise you to do so (remember, you'll need a professional
to turn them back on).
Prepare
for High Winds:
Install hurricane shutters or purchase precut
1/2" outdoor plywood boards for each window of your home. Install anchors
for the plywood and predrill holes in the plywood so that you can put
it up quickly.
Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased and damaged limbs,
then strategically removing branches so that wind can blow through.
Know
What to Do When a Hurricane WATCH Is Issued:
Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for up-to-date
storm information.
Prepare to bring inside any lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments,
trash cans, hanging plants, and anything else that can be picked up by
the wind.
Know
What to Do After a Hurricane Is Over:
Keep listening to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for
instructions.
If you evacuated, return home when local officials tell you it is safe
to do so.
Inspect your home for damage.
Use flashlights in the dark; do not use candles.
Call
the Gaston County Chapter at (704) 864-2623 for additional information
or questions regarding Hurricane Safety.
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