► How To Survive a Hurricane

● Hurricane simulated animation what happens with a house at the different wind speeds. Quite interesting indeed: Click HERE to view.

Before the Storm

Printable Version

Listen to a local radio or television station for official announcements issued from your local Emergency Management Office.

Know your risk
    How high is your home above sea level?

• Consult the community Reference Pages of your telephone book or contact your local emergency management office.

• Consult your home's building plans for your first floor elevation. Special Circumstances: (Requires additional preparation and/or evacuation time.)

• Mobil Home/ Recreational Vehicle

• People with special needs (i.e. medical or physical condition)

• Pets

• Boats

Know the strength of the hurricane

	Category	Winds	Storm Surge
	1	74-95 mph sustained	4 -5 feet
	2	96-110 mph sustained	6 -8 feet
	3	111-130 mph sustained	9 -12 feet
	4	131-155 mph sustained	13 -18 feet
	5	above 155 mph sustained	18+ feet

Determine where you will seek shelter and select an alternate.

• Friends house if located away from the risk area

• Hotel or motel located inland

• Emergency Public Shelter operated by the American Red Cross or other public agency.

Contact family members, neighbors and your place of employment to let them know where you will be taking shelter.

Take a practice drive to your shelter choice, or evacuation destination.

Time the trip and multiply by three (3) to account for pre-storm road and traffic conditions.

Make the commitment now to evacuate when told to do so by your local or state officials.

If you do not have flood insurance, consult your insurance agent concerning purchase details. There is a five day waiting period before coverage begins.

Prepare a hurricane evacuation kit. (see below)

During the Storm

Remain indoors during a hurricane...
Blowing debris can injure or kill. Travel is extremely dangerous.
Stay inside until local authorities have announced your area is safe.

Stay away from windows. Avoid using electrical appliances.
If you do not evacuate, seek refuge in an interior, windowless area.

After the Storm

Expect the worst

Be extra careful of:

• downed electrical lines

• weakened structures

• dangerous animals

• poisonous snakes

Don't drink the water. Eat only foods you are absolutely sure are safe.

Be extra careful in handling:

• power tools

• gas lanterns

• generators

• matches

Don't use candles for lighting.

Call your insurance company to file a claim if your home is damaged.

Listen to local radio stations for official disaster relief information and instructions.

The Hurricane Supply List

Communication and Mapping Devices

1. Hand held two way radios. These can be very helpful during evacuation when using mutable vehicles. Also can be used during and after the storm to communicate with neighbors and family members. Click HERE to see what Wal*Mart has to offer or click HERE to see what we recommend.

2. GPS Navigation Device. Landmarks, streets and street signs may no longer exist after a storm.

3. Seattleite Telephone, normal telephone and cellular service may not be available after a storm.

Canned goods and nonperishable foods that do not need cooking, such as:

1. canned meats and fish

2. canned fruits and vegetables

3. canned soups and puddings

4. canned fruit juices

5. dried fruit

6. baby formula and food

7. bread, cookies and crackers

8. peanut butter and jelly

9. coffee and tea

10. bottled water

Manual can opener

Prescription medication (2 weeks supply)

Pet food

Water purification tablets (halazone)

Disposable plates, cups and utensils

Infant care items such as disposable diapers

First aid supplies

Masking or duct tape

Flashlight or lantern and extra batteries

Battery operated radio and extra batteries

Non-electric clock

Ice chest

Extra flashlight or lantern bulbs

Canned heat (sterno)

Lamp or lantern with fuel supply

Portable outdoor camping stove or grill with fuel supply

Plastic trash bags

Plastic sheeting for drop cloth

Chlorinated bleach

Fire extinguisher (ABC type)

Other items that may be useful, include:

• hammer

• screwdriver

• pliers and wrenches

• handsaw

• razor knife

• ax or chain saw

• rope caulking

• nails and screws

• rope and wire

• bucket, mop, broom, scrub brush & rags

• all-purpose cleaner

• ladder

• sandbags

• portable generator

• sheets of plywood

• shovel, rake, wheelbarrow

• tree pruner