Before a Hurricane
To
prepare for a hurricane, you should take the following measures:
Make
plans to secure your property. Permanent storm shutters offer the best
protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” marine
plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from
breaking.
Install
straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure.
This will reduce roof damage.
Be
sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed.
Clear
loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
Determine
how and where to secure your boat.
Consider
building a safe room.
Evacuation Plans
When
community evacuations become necessary, local officials provide information to
the public through the media. In some circumstances, other warning methods,
such as sirens or telephone calls, also are used. Additionally, there may be
circumstances under which you and your family feel threatened or endangered and
you need to leave your home, school, or workplace to avoid these situations.
The
amount of time you have to leave will depend on the hazard. If the event is a
weather condition, such as a hurricane that can be monitored, you might have a
day or two to get ready. However, many disasters allow no time for people to
gather even the most basic necessities, which is why planning ahead is essential.
Evacuation:
More Common than You Realize
Evacuations
are more common than many people realize. Hundreds of times each year,
transportation and industrial accidents release harmful substances, forcing
thousands of people to leave their homes. Fires and floods cause evacuations
even more frequently. Almost every year, people along the Gulf and
Ask
local authorities about emergency evacuation routes and see if maps may are
available with evacuation routes marked.
Evacuation
Guidelines
Always:
If time permits:
Keep
a full tank of gas in your car if an evacuation seems likely. Gas stations may
be closed during emergencies and unable to pump gas during power outages. Plan
to take one car per family to reduce congestion and delay. Gather your disaster
supplies kit.
Make
transportation arrangements with friends or your local government if you do
not own a car. Wear sturdy shoes and clothing
that provides some protection,
such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and a cap.
Listen
to a battery-powered radio and follow local evacuation instructions. Secure
your home:
Close
and lock doors and windows.
Unplug
electrical equipment, such as radios and televisions, and small appliances,
such as toasters and microwaves. Leave freezers and refrigerators plugged in
unless there is a risk of flooding.
Gather
your family and go if you are in- structed to
evacuate immediately. Let others know where you are going.
Leave
early enough to avoid being trapped by severe weather.
Follow
recommended evacuation routes. Do not take shortcuts; they may be
blocked.
Be
alert for washed-out roads and bridges. Do not drive into flooded
areas.
Stay
away from downed power lines.
During a Hurricane
If
a hurricane is likely in your area, you should:
Listen
to the radio or TV for information.
Secure
your home, close storm shutters, and secure outdoor objects or bring them
indoors.
Turn
off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator
thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
Turn
off propane tanks.· Avoid using the phone, except for
serious emergencies.
Moor
your boat if time permits.
Ensure
a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets.
Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.
You
should evacuate under the following conditions:
If you are directed by local authorities to do so. Be sure to follow their
instructions.
If
you live in a mobile home or temporary structure—such shelters are particularly
hazardous during hurricanes no matter how well fastened to the ground.
If
you live in a high-rise building—hurricane winds are stronger at higher
elevations.
If you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river, or
on an inland waterway.
If
you feel you are in danger.
If
you are unable to evacuate, go to your safe room. If you do not have one,
follow these guidelines:
Stay
indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.
Close
all interior doors—secure and brace external doors.
Keep
curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be
the eye of the storm - winds will pick up again.
Take
refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level.
Lie
on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.
Suggested
Hurricane Supply List and Family Communication Plan
HURRICANE
DISASTER SUPPLY
Canned
goods and nonperishable foods that do not need cooking:
Canned
meats and fish
Canned
fruits and vegetables
Canned
soups and puddings
Canned
fruit juices
Dried
fruit and nuts
Bread,
cookies and crackers
Peanut
butter and jelly
Coffee
and tea
Bottled
water
Manual
can opener
Bottled
water (1 gallon per person/per day)
Prescription
medication (2 week supply)
Pet
food/supplies
Water
purification tablets (halazone)
Disposable
plates, cups, and utensils
Infant
care items:
Disposable
diapers
Baby
wipes
Baby
food
Formula
First
aid supplies
Masking
and duct tape
Flashlight
or lantern, with extra batteries
Watch
or battery operated clock
Ice
chest
Matches
Canned
heat (sterno)
Portable
outdoor camping stove or grill with fuel supply
Plastic
trash bags
Plastic
sheeting or drop cloth
Chlorinated
bleach
Personal
hygiene items
Other
useful items:
Work
gloves
Sun
lotion
Insect
repellent
Hammer
Screwdriver
Pliers
Wrenches
Handsaw
Razor
knife
Ax
or chainsaw
Rope
caulking
Nails
and screws
Rope
and wire
Broom,
mop and bucket
All-purpose
cleaner
Ladder
Sandbags
Portable
generator
Tree
pruner
Shovel,
rake and wheelbarrow
Sheets
of plywood
FAMILY
COMMUNICATION
Develop
a ‘Family Emergency Communication Plan’ in case family members are separated
from one another during an emergency (a real possibility during the day when
adults are at work or traveling and children are at school, camp or a friend’s
home). You can then develop a have a plan for safely getting back
together. This will help assure everyone that all family members are safe.
Ask
an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the ‘family
contact’. After a disaster, it is often easier to call long
distance than locally.
Make
sure everyone knows the name, address and telephone number of the contact
person.
Brian
Carlson, M.S.
Health
Inspector
Conservation
Agent
Deputy
Emergency Manager
_______________________________
Town
Of
Phone:
508-487-7000 ext. 537
Fax:
508-487-0032
healthinspector@provincetown-ma.gov